Preparing Your Diet for the Post-Surgery Recovery Period

There are many factors that go into whether or not you will have a successful recovery from surgery, and your post-op diet actually may be one of the most important lifestyle changes you can make. In the hours directly after surgery, you may not be eating much of anything at all. However, in the days, weeks, and even months of recovery, your diet will not only be providing your body with the necessary nutrient it needs to heal, but will also be controlling your energy levels, which can have an impact on the way you recover. By tailoring your diet and adding a few essential items, you can go a long way towards reducing your recovery time and fully recovering from your surgery.

Take Daily Multi-Vitamins and Supplements

Even if you eat as healthily as possible, you may not be able to ingest the full amount of specific vitamins that you need to increase your chances of a quicker recovery. Once your surgery is over, look for vitamins and supplements that will provide you with full doses of the nutrients you need to aid in the healing process and reduce your chance of infection. Some vitamins to pursue include:

– Vitamin C – Essential for the rebuilding of collage (necessary proteins for the connectivity of tissues and flesh), Vitamin C is also a strong antioxidant that will support your immune system

– Zinc -Important to tissue and wound repair

– Vitamin D & Calcium – Aid in bone growth and development

– B-Vitamins – Aid in tissue repair and immune support

Focus on Lean Meats

Proteins are essential in helping your body rebuild muscles, but if you’re going to be immobilized by your surgery recovery, you’re going to want to avoid meats that are in high in fat, like red meat. Eating lean meats such as chicken, turkey, or salmon will provide your body with bountiful amount of protein, but won’t weigh you down with added fats. Natural lean meats also avoid the high amounts of sugar and dairy that can be found in protein shakes. By adding lean meat to your diet, you’ll be doing yourself a favor not just after your surgery, but for your overall well-being years later.

Load Up On Fiber

Foods that are high in fiber are generally healthier for you no matter what your health situation is. However, after surgery, fiber can end up being an essential part of your diet. Sometimes, the shock that surgery causes to your body and the post-op medications can cause painful constipation. Fiber helps keep your digestive tract normal and prevent you from having gastrointestinal complications after your surgery. Whole grain breads are a great source of fiber, and will usually say so right on their labels. Fruits and vegetables also have high amounts of fiber, and it’s easy to make a big salad that tastes great and provides with the nutrients you need. Also, consider switching out your normal breakfast cereal with oatmeal or cream of wheat. If you don’t like the taste, try tossing in some cinnamon or a spoonful of sugar to sweeten up the taste.

Avoid Processed Foods, Soda, Dairy Products, and Alcohol

Processed foods, like fried food and artificial juices, tend to be extremely high in sugar, fat, and chemical additives that don’t offer your body much in terms of nutrients. Plus, there are usually better alternatives available that will taste just as good and will be more helpful for your recovery. Dairy products can be dangerous too, because they may add to the risk of constipation, which can cause infection and severe pain. Plus, alcohol and other chemicals like nicotine are absolutely awful when it comes to helping your body recover from trauma. Stick to lean, nutritional foods and you’ll increase your chances of a quicker recovery.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to surgery tips.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to surgery tips. http://laserspine.net/

Author Bio: Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to surgery tips.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: surgery tips

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