Food to recover from surgery

You know well that, to be healthy, you have to lead a healthy lifestyle. That means you should stay away from bad habits like smoking or drinking excessively.

You also have to exercise, although you don’t have to go to the gym; It is enough that you do not spend the day sitting and go for a walk, that you go up and down stairs without using the elevator, that you do not take the car for routes that you can do on foot …

But above all, the most important thing is to eat a healthy diet. Have you ever heard that we are what we eat, an idea that is completely true because food is our source of energy and growth. So the healthier and more balanced your diet, the better health you will have, as well as a longer life.

How does diet influence recovery from surgery?

If you are going to undergo surgery or have just had one, it is important that you know the type of diet you should follow so that your recovery is much faster and more satisfactory.

Indeed, it is important that you eat the right way after an operation , especially if it has been invasive. It is not the same to do a facelift that, within the surgical processes, is considered minimally invasive, than a tummy tuck or a breast reconstruction , which infer a greater aggressiveness in the body.

Diet affects your recovery in the following way:

• Speeds up the wound healing process.
• Reduces the chances of postoperative complications.
• It regenerates faster the blood lost during the intervention.
• It provides the necessary defenses for the immune system to be strong.
• Repairs skin, blood vessels and any other tissue more effectively.
• It provides you with energy with which you will feel better physically and psychologically.

So for your convalescence to be shortened as much as possible, we are going to give you some very simple recommendations about the diet that will help you recover more easily.

What kinds of drinks can you have?

Proper hydration is essential for good health but, after a surgical procedure, it is even more important. The recommended amount to drink is about two liters of water a day. The water will help you to easily eliminate , through the kidney and intestines, all the impurities generated during the surgical process (medicines, anesthesia, etc.). It will also help you stabilize your metabolism and avoid fatigue. But the most important thing is that, with proper hydration, the pain in your joints will be reduced and the healing process will be much better.

If you notice a bit of fatigue, you can also drink an isotonic drink that helps you replenish minerals, as long as you do not take them in excess. Natural fruit and vegetable juices are also a fantastic option to recover after surgery because, in addition to hydrating you, they will provide you with extra vitamins and minerals. On the contrary, it is better that you avoid coffee, carbonated, sugary drinks and alcohol.

What fruits and vegetables to consume after surgery?

If in the daily diet it is essential to consume fruits and vegetables, after undergoing surgery, consumption becomes even more relevant. But, in particular, there are certain foods that will help you speed up your recovery process because they will provide you with extra vitamins and minerals that are much needed during convalescence.

• Vitamin A . Foods rich in vitamin A help you heal better, promote epithelial (tissue) formation, and also stimulate your immune system. Green leafy vegetables are very rich in vitamin A, specifically lettuce, kale, and spinach. The color orange is also a symbol of vitamin A: pumpkin, carrot, melon, apricots, papaya or mango contain large amounts of this vitamin.
• Vitamin C . After an operation it is essential to have the body’s defenses in top shape, so we advise you to consume foods rich in vitamin C. But in addition, vitamin C promotes the formation of collagen and is an antioxidant, factors that affect the regeneration and maintenance of the tissues. You can find large amounts of vitamin C in foods such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, berries, or dark green leafy vegetables.
• Iron . The consumption of iron is essential after an operation, since, during the intervention, a lot of blood is lost. Iron is involved in the formation of red blood cells and for this you need to consume mollusks (clams, mussels, etc.), blue fish, liver, beef, eggs, legumes, spinach or nuts.
• Zinc . Zinc is a mineral that helps strengthen the immune system, it also intervenes in the healing process because it synthesizes proteins and contributes to cell growth. That is why it is recommended that you consume foods rich in zinc such as mollusks, pumpkin seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, liver, mushrooms, beef or delicious chocolate (the more percentage of pure cocoa it has, the better).

And what about protein and fiber consumption?

The protein and fiber are essential to recover from surgery. Fiber facilitates digestive processes and prevents constipation, a side effect that is quite common after an intervention. Fruits and vegetables are very rich in fiber, as you already know, but you should also consume whole grains in whatever form you want: whole wheat bread, flakes, bran, seeds, etc. The important thing is that the cereals you eat are always whole and not refined.

Proteins are also essential during convalescence. Surgery damages body tissues and these need to be repaired with the help of the proteins that we consume in our diet. Lean meats (such as pork or chicken), fish, shellfish, nuts, eggs or legumes are the best ones to get the amounts you need.

Avoid fats, especially saturated ones

After surgery, it is not common to have a great appetite . The consumption of fat, in addition to making you gain more weight, can cause your digestion to be heavier. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid processed foods, fried foods, pastries, etc. that contain a high index of saturated fat.

Today we have a great ally that helps to solve those aesthetic problems that can affect our physical and psychological health. With the help of aesthetic medicine you will get that look you want so much. But remember that you must also do your part if you want to preserve for many years that fantastic appearance that the surgery or treatment you undergo achieves. In this sense, eating a healthy diet will help you recover better and faster after an intervention.