Best Foods For After Surgery

Delicious and Simple Foods to Help You Recover Quicker

Surgery can be very hard on your body. You or your loved one could be at a greater risk for infection, falls or pneumonia after surgery.

The purpose of surgery is to improve the quality of your life.

After surgery, the 10 best foods to eat to promote healing

These foods provide your body the nutrition and energy it needs to fight infections, heal faster, gain strength, and maintain your nutritional stores. They’re also delicious.

Berries

Antioxidants help repair the damage in your body.

Fruits rich in antioxidants include:

• Grapes
• Pomegranates
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Goji berries
• Blackberries

Vitamin C in berries is also very beneficial for healing incisions.

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals.

Enjoy these vegetables for a snack or as part of your meal:

• Carrots
• Sweet bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Brussels sprouts
• Sweet potatoes
• Potatoes

These vegetables will provide you with a good source of carbohydrates to help combat fatigue after surgery. Carbohydrates give your brain energy and prevent muscle breakdown. You will also receive a boost in vitamin A and C. Fiber in a high-vegetable diet can reduce constipation.

Fatty foods (nuts, oils and fish)

Healthy fat is your best friend. Healthy fat, especially after surgery, helps your body absorb the vitamins from fruits and vegetables. Fat is important for strengthening your immunity and reducing your risk of infection.

Healthy Fats to Include:

• Olive oil
• Avocados
• Coconut oil
• Nuts
• Seeds

Fats are a good source of long-lasting energy. Almonds, in particular, are rich in vitamin E. Vitamin E helps to heal wounds faster and reduces the appearance of scars.

Dark Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are not as popular as berries or yummy fats but they’re still vitally important. Greens are a great source of vitamins A, C and E. They also contain vitamin K which is important for blood clotting.

Include these dark, leafy greens rich in vitamin-rich foods:

• Kale
• Spinach
• Swiss Chard
• Bok choy
• Mustard greens
• Romaine lettuce

The B-complex vitamins will also help you to feel more energetic. Fiber, iron, magnesium and potassium are also important. Greens are a great multivitamin.

Meat Alternatives

It is important that we consume adequate protein as we age. After surgery, the body needs a lot more protein and iron in order to repair any muscles that may have been damaged. The amino acids found in protein can help to repair muscle damage, by regenerating tissues and speeding wound healing. Iron helps you recover your energy more quickly, as it creates new red blood cells.

Eat foods rich in iron and protein, such as:

• Poultry
• Seafood
• Beans and lentils
• Nuts
• Eggs
• Tofu

You may have trouble chewing or digesting meats after surgery. Try slow-cooked meats in sauces, or meats ground. Next up is another excellent source of protein.

Eggs

Nature has given us the perfect healing food, neatly packaged in a shell. The traditional first meal for invalids or recovering individuals is eggs.

A single egg gives you:

• 6 grams of protein
• Vitamins E, A and K
• B Complex vitamins (including B12).
• Riboflavin
• Folic acid
• Calcium
• Zinc
• Iron

All the nutrients that we’ve already mentioned are vital to a rapid recovery. It is easy to prepare and serve eggs.

Probiotics

Probiotics is the healthy, happy bacteria your body requires to digest food. They also provide mental balance, and help fight all the germs, infections and other illnesses you may be susceptible to following a hospitalization or surgical procedure. Probiotics are found in many foods.

• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi

Surgery can be hard on your body. Anesthesia, antibiotics and painkillers can upset your delicate gut balance, causing digestive upsets, nausea and constipation. Probiotics are a great way to help regulate your system.

Brightly colored fruits

Who said that healing foods were boring? It is important to eat the entire rainbow after surgery. Fill a bowl with the most vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables to get your daily dose of vitamins A and C, antioxidants, fiber and carbohydrates.

After surgery, fiber is important to prevent constipation. Fruits are a great source of fiber, vitamins and carbs that boost energy.

Invite your friends to come by and bring:

• Oranges
• Apples
• Berries
• Melon
• Apricots
• Peaches
• Grapefruit
• Mango
• Papaya
• Tomatoes

Fruits are not only a great source of nutrition, but are also easy on the stomach. They are ideal for regular small portions.

Whole grains

Consuming whole grains will give your body the energy your brain requires and stop your muscles from breaking down. Whole grains are a great source of fiber. After surgery, you will feel exhausted and worn-out. The right carbs can help to boost your energy.

Add a little something extra to your meal with:

• Whole wheat or Rye Sourdough Bread
• Steel-cut oats
• Quinoa
• Wild rice

Your healthy fats will provide the bulk of your vitamin and mineral intake. This includes fruits, vegetables, and protein. Carbohydrates are a vital part of healing.

Water

Water is the easiest and most important thing to have after surgery. Remember that your body is composed of between 55 and 65 percent water. Maintaining adequate levels of water will help you recover faster. Fluid requirements may be higher due to the type of surgery and medications that you are taking.

If plain water doesn’t appeal to you, try these:

• Add lime or lemon to your water for a refreshing taste
• Coconut water is a great way to drink.
• Soups and other foods with high water content are good for you
• Preparing smoothies with extra liquid
• Drinking herbal teas, either hot or cold

Avoiding Foods After Surgery

You should also consider which foods slow down your body’s ability to heal. Your body can be poisoned or treated with medicine by food. You might want to indulge in a sweet treat but remember that this can delay your healing and increase the risk of infection.

1. Sugars added. While sugar-added food and drinks may satisfy your taste buds, they are high in calories. They also have no nutritional value. It may give you a brief burst in energy, but it will leave you feeling tired and drained. Sugar is a food that bacteria and viruses love, so it’s important to avoid sugary foods following surgery.
2. Highly-processed foods. You may feel a little hungry after surgery and want to eat whatever you like. Highly processed foods tend to be white, sweet, and packaged. Or, they may be artificially colored. These foods are mainly carbohydrates. This leads to high levels of insulin and blood sugar. Both deplete your body’s energy and ability to heal. The fiber in processed foods is often removed, and this helps keep your bowels active. Constipation after surgery can be an uncomfortable and serious condition. Add more vegetables to your diet and limit processed foods.
3. Alcohol. After surgery, you might be looking forward to a drink as a way to relax or unwind. Alcohol slows the rate at which blood clots and thins your blood. Alcohol can make your incision heal slower and increase the risk of bleeding. Alcohol can also affect your immune system and increase the risk of infection. You will heal quicker after surgery if there is less swelling. Alcohol makes blood vessels swell. Alcohol can increase your pain. This is one of the main reasons why you should avoid it. Alcohol does not mix with the pain medication prescribed by your physician. Alcohol and pain pills can be fatal.

Tips to a Quick Recovery After Surgery

Here are some tips to help you recover faster after surgery.

1. You can manage your pain. After your surgery, you will feel pain. However, following the doctor’s pain medication plan can help. You should be able to move around comfortably. Ask your doctor for a sleep aid.
2. Rest enough. When you sleep, your body is able to repair itself and heal. Set aside some time every day to rest. Make your bedroom a comfortable, calming environment and schedule regular periods of rest throughout the day.
3. Move! Rest is as important as physical activity. Don’t push yourself too hard. Speak to your doctor about the activities that you should do. You can increase your chances of getting an infection, pneumonia or blood clots by lying in bed. The right amount of movement can help your blood flow, and improve healing.

Stock up on the natural medicine that can help you recover quickly and without complications after surgery. Talk to your doctor for advice on what you should eat after surgery.

This list will help you regardless of your restrictions. These foods will reduce infections, accelerate the healing process, and boost your strength.