Whatever type of surgery it is that you had or will have, it's worth knowing that your post-surgery diet can contribute greatly to a smoother recovery. No one likes to go through surgery. But, if this is something you absolutely have to go through, then it's now on your shoulders to prepare for a good post-surgery care. The recovery isn't always going to be a pleasant experience. But, if you eat well and healthy, you can make the process easier on your body.It's up to you to aid your body in the recovery process by supplying it with the nutrients and minerals it needs. But also taking it easy. Submit yourself to the care of health experts like Promontory Home Health, rest well, and eat well. Many foods are known to help with healing, as it improves immune function, soften hard stools, reduce inflammation, and provide your body with its needed energy. Before your surgery date, it's therefore important to shop for those food which you know can contribute to your healing and recovery process. If your doctor tells you that you'd have a longer recovery period, you might need help in getting fresh ingredients and doing the grocery-shopping for the weeks to come.
7 best foods to prepare for better post-surgery care and recovery:
1 Hearty Soups
If you have the time before your surgery, you may want to take a day off to meal prep. Take the time to peel, chop, and portion ingredients which you can store in the freezer. Doing so will make it easier for you to come up with hearty soups for your post-surgery meals. Hearty soups are great, as it allows you to have a mix of different vegetables and meat on your diet. Because it's in soft form, the meat is also boiled or cooked such that it's soft enough to incorporate in a soft diet. That way, your meals are still delicious, easy to digest, and healthy. Also, preparing soups are easy. When you have the ingredients pre-cut and chopped and then stored, all you have to do is pour them all in one pot and leave it to cook, while you rest.2. Probiotics
One of the top enemies you have to be on the lookout for when recovering from your surgery is bacteria on your open wound. The bigger and deeper your stitches or wound, the higher the likelihood of contracting an infection. Unfortunately, infection caused by a bacteria may complicate your recovery process. So, to fight off bacteria, you need to equip your body with good bacteria.What's the best source of good bacteria? Probiotics. These are living bacteria and yeasts which are beneficial for your body in general-not just for post-surgery care. With a strong coming in of good bacteria, you can enjoy a higher certainty of keeping the bad bacteria in check.The best food sources of probiotics you can have are:- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Miso soup
3 Fresh Cooked Vegetables
Freshly cooked vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables are a no-fail. It's full of nutrients, and it's also fiber-rich. This means a diet composed of vegetables will be easier on your body to digest. You won't have to worry about suffering through bouts of constipation and hard stools, to add to the pain you're already going through.Fresh cooked vegetables are great for surgery recovery for the following reasons:- It may improve wound healing
- It could decrease inflammation
- It may enhance immune function
4 Whole Grains
Whole grains can't be overlooked, given the strong potential benefits it comes with for your post-surgery care. Whole grains are an essential food group packed with an extensive list of nutrients and vitamins which could help in wound healing. For instance:- Magnesium, to improve the body's defense mechanisms
- Protein and zinc, to repair the body's destroyed tissues
- Iron, to deliver oxygen to the wounded area
- Oatmeal
- Wild rice
- Barley
- Sourdough bread
- Quinoa
5 Berries
If you can now tolerate a bit more solid food, be sure to add berries to your diet! You can have berries as a healthy snack on its own, or incorporate it in your oats or yogurt. If you can't have solid food yet and you really want to have berries, you can puree fresh berries into your own cold drinks or healthy popsicles.Berries are rich in Vitamin C, which the body needs to promote better healing. It also boasts of high levels of antioxidants which support a stronger and healthier immune system function. When your immune system is strong during your post-surgery recovery process, you may be able to successfully avoid infection.6. Salmon
Any type of fish is already a good protein source for your post-surgery diet. But, if salmon is available in your local grocery or supermarket, salmon is one of the best. It's packed with protein, Omega-3 fats, and B vitamins, which are needed for your body to be in its tip-top shape after your surgery. Omega-3 fats, in particular, may promote wound healing and reduce inflammation.Also, salmon is very easy to cook. So, you won't have to stress about cooking difficult and fancy meals when all you want to do is relax.7. Eggs
Eggs are one of the top healing foods, packed in a shell. There are many ways you can whip up meals with eggs, so cooking should also be easier on your part. For instance, you can boil eggs to mix with salads and bread. You can also have boiled egg as toppings for your rice porridge. Or, whip up an egg omelet with vegetables, cheese, or milk. Do you want a quick and easy no-fail? Fried sunny side up eggs on top of toast or savory oats. With the many ways to cook eggs, your post-surgery diet doesn't have to be bland and boring after all.Apart from ease of preparation, one small egg is packed with nutrients that can help promote better healing. These include:- Protein
- Iron
- Vitamin A
- Zinc
- Vitamin E
Conclusion
Going through a surgery and then navigating through the post-surgery process can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. Granted, the pain will be present during the post-surgery recovery, along with many other discomforts. This is the reason why it's very important to be gentle, and to take it easy on your body. As you prepare for your surgery, be sure to include the food above on your grocery list. That way, all the food you prepare post-surgery can contribute to better and faster healing. Stay clear from junk food for now, and focus instead on a diet composed of healthy foods like those above.
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