Diet for Healing After Surgery

Diet for Healing After Surgery

Overview

Surgery is taxing on the body to heal and restore your body needs good nutrition. You can not hungry after surgery, or perhaps difficult to eat, but food plays an important role in giving your body what it needs to repair itself. Talk to your surgeon about your recovery and what nutrients may be particularly important for your recovery, or if there is something you should avoid.

Protein

Protein is important for healing the body after surgery. According to the Hospital for Special Surgery, proteins help repair damaged tissues and body tissue regrowth, and helps the healing process of the body. Good food sources of protein include meat, chicken and fish. If you are vegetarian, good non-animal protein sources include beans, legumes, soy products, nuts and cheese. Ask your surgeon how much protein you should eat for optimal healing and nutrition.

Enough calories

After any surgery, your body needs calories to heal; calories of fuel for the body. You may want to reduce calories to prevent weight gain, and will not be as active during your recovery period, but when the body needs more calories. The American Cancer Society says that calories are necessary for healing and recovery in general. If you have trouble getting enough calories, try adding things like cheese or nuts to eat, use whole milk instead of skim milk or a meal supplement drinks between meals for extra nutrition shakes. Your doctor can help you develop a plan to increase your calorie intake to manage.

Carbohydrates and fats

Carbohydrates provide the body with energy for healing and help prevent muscle breakdown, said the Hospital for Special Surgery. Carbohydrates also contain vitamins, minerals and fiber. Harvard School of Public Health, for the best types of carbohydrates to consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, refined carbohydrates as white bread, cakes and sugary drinks contribute to weight gain and lack of nutrition. Fat is important to eat after surgery because they help your body better absorb vitamins, provides energy and support your immune system, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery. The good fats to eat include olive oil or sunflower oil, nuts and seeds and avocado.

Vitamins and Minerals

Your body needs vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, and after the surgery, which is particularly important. Calcium helps build and maintain strong bones and plays a role in muscle contraction, zinc help in healing wounds and iron helps form hemoglobin and carries oxygen to tissues. Food sources that provide these foods include milk, eggs, soy products, lean red meat, chicken and broccoli. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system and aids in healing through the construction of connective tissue, eating citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries and tomatoes can provide this vitamin. Ask your doctor if you take a multivitamin is safe for you during your recovery.