Nutrition is a prominent factor in a healthy lifestyle and provides our bodies with nutrients that keep us functioning at an optimal rate. Nutrition is especially important when preparing for surgery and can make an incredible difference in your post operative journey. Certain foods and supplements are beneficial in promoting wound healing, and can help speed up your recovery time. Supplements allow for any gaps to be filled in nutritional intake, preventing deficiencies that can lead to slower post-operative recovery time.
A Few Tips
Anti-inflammatory foods are great to incorporate into your diet while recovering from surgery - choose foods that will help your body recover quicker - instead of hindering the recovery process
Examples include: blueberries, fatty fish filled with omega 3’s I.E. salmon, olive oil and nuts, such as almonds and walnuts
Foods that can lead to excess inflammation include fried foods, refined carbs, processed meats and sugary drinks.
Hydration is an important factor while recovering from surgery. Extra fluids help flush anesthesia out of your system and aid’s your body in reaping the benefits from the medication you are prescribed.
How much water should I be drinking?
Calculate: your weight x 0.5 = Oz. of water per day
i.e. 195lb x 0.5 = 97.5oz of water per day
Liquids to consume post surgery
Water
Pineapple Juice
Ginger Ale & Sprite
Green Tea
Bone Broth
Always make sure to have some form of food and liquid in your system before taking medications. It is common for patients to feel very nauseous after surgery, and taking medication on an empty stomach can worsen this feeling.
Stool softeners, probiotics and a high-fiber diet are beneficial during the postoperative healing journey. Post surgery medication can often cause nausea and constipation, and incorporating both a stool softener and a probiotic early in the healing process will help your body prepare for surgery, aiding in a more comfortable healing journey. High-fiber diets can help combat constipation as well.
High-fiber foods include: whole grains (brown rice, oatmeal, barley, quinoa), lentils, apples. Including the skin on your fruits and vegetables will increase your fiber intake as well.
How much fiber do I need?
Women should aim for 21-25 grams daily, men should aim for 30-38 grams daily.
REMEMBER: Increase water intake as you increase fiber intake, and introduce fiber to your diet gradually to avoid gastro intestinal upset.
Cigarettes and alcohol are extremely detrimental to your health, and have far worse side effects when consumed before and after a surgical procedure. It is critical to abstain from smoking at least two weeks before your surgery, and at least two weeks post operation. Most physicians will advise you of this before your operation. You should refrain from drinking alcohol for at least one week before and after surgery. The longer you refrain from smoking and drinking, the quicker your healing journey will be. Both substances can increase your risk of infection after surgery, as both decrease immune system function.
Supplements
Arnica & Bromelain - aids with bruising, bromelain can be found in pineapple
Stool Softeners - fights against constipation from anesthesia & medication
Probiotics - fights against constipation, accelerates healing time, lowers the risk of infection, fights off antibiotic associated diarrhea, boosts immune system support and the amount of healthy bacteria in your gut, which can be killed off by antibiotics.
Zinc - promotes healing and boosts immune system function
Vitamin B12 - supports overall brain & body health, cell metabolism, increases energy levels
Vitamin C- This vitamin requirement is increased in surgical patients. The potential advantage of supplementation is to increase the plasma and tissue levels of vitamin C and thereby reduce oxidative stress. In uncomplicated or elective surgical patients, vitamin C may be used pre and post-op to aid with healing.
Every person is different, and everyone requires different amounts of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and fats. It is important to consult with a dietitian if your intake of vitamins and minerals, your diet or possible malnutrition is a concern.
Important nutrients to consume pre/post surgery
The outcomes of a surgery is directly associated with your nutritional status and plays a major role in your healing and recovering process. Optimizing your metabolic state prior to surgery leads to improved surgical outcomes, and a speedier recovery. Each surgery is different, and always consult with a doctor about your diet pre/post surgery.
Some of the most important nutrients pre/post surgery are vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin A: Aids in wound healing
Ex: Green leafy vegetables, orange and yellow fruits/vegetables, fortified dairy products and liver
Vitamin C: Aids in wound healing
Ex: Citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, kale,
Vitamin D: Promotes bone health
Ex: Milk, eggs, fish, fortified cereals
Vitamin B12: Strengthens the immune system. It also aids in the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin, which allows the body to easily get oxygen and nutrients to the incision.
Ex: Fish, meat, eggs and dairy
Calcium: Maximize bone and joint health
Ex: Dairy products such as milk, cheese, cottage cheese, chia seeds, spinach and kale
Iron: Assists with wound healing and energy levels
Ex: Green leafy vegetables, red meats and poultry, beans, eggs, whole grains, fortified cereals.
Zinc: Assists with wound healing and energy levels
Ex: Seafood such as fish, red meat, chickpeas, garlic, dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds.
Protein: Our bodies are designed to heal and repair damaged skin and tissue, and protein assists with the rebuilding of that.
Ex: Lean meat, skinless poultry, fish, beans and legumes, soy products such as tofu, and nuts.
Fiber: A common issue after surgery is constipation. Eating high-fiber foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals will help prevent constipation.
Ex: Whole grain foods such as brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables.
To prevent constipation, avoid dehydrated foods, processed red meats, processed cheeses and sweets.
Foods you should and shouldn’t eat all depend on the type of surgery and your dietary restrictions. Always consult with a doctor about your diet pre/post surgery to see if there are any special accommodations and nutritional needs.
Facial Reconstructive Surgery
Nutrition is just as important in a facelift surgery, as it is any other surgery. Eating properly will speed up recovery time, aid in healing and help ensure the best results postoperative surgery. Certain foods and nutrients will help combat healing through reducing swelling and bruising.
Vitamin and nutrient packed fruits and vegetables
Easy fruits and vegetables to consume post surgery include berries, roasted sweet potatoes/mashed sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli. Dark-leafy green vegetables are also beneficial, and can be consumed in a juice or smoothie for easier digestion. These fruits and vegetables will boost energy and help reduce the chance of infection.
Omega-3’s
Salmon, trout and eggs contain omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in reducing swelling and bruising. These foods are easy to eat post surgery and aid the body in reducing inflammation.
High-fiber foods
Foods such as whole grains(brown rice, oatmeal, barley, quinoa), lentils, and apples. These foods help with digestion, and in return, helps the recovery process.
Beta Carotene
Antioxidants, such as beta carotene, help maintain skin health and appearance. Beta carotene is an A carotenoid, meaning the body can convert it into vitamin A, retinol. Retinol helps increase the production of collagen, and helps stimulate new blood vessels in the skin. Foods that include beta carotene include spinach, dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, peas and butternut squash. It is also found in herbs such as cilantro, parsley, paprika and chili powder.
Water
Drinking lots of water will help to flush out anesthetics and medications, as well as keep skin hydrated. Water intake will also help with constipation, which is commonly caused by medications.
