Blood sugar levels may rise after surgery, so it is advisable to avoid foods that are high in refined sugar such as cakes, cookies, chocolate, sweetened drinks and soft drinks.
Foods to Avoid
There are some foods that can slow down your recovery or increase your risk of complications after surgery. These include alcohol, processed foods, caffeine, and foods that are high in sugar.
Generally, avoid high-fat meats, eggs, dairy products, and sugary sweets. According to the National Institute of Aging (NIA), these foods are low in fiber and may lead to constipation.
But many people experience constipation after consuming dairy products after surgery. There are also cases which show dairy product enhances the secretion inside the lungs. This secretion may result in chronic cough. Therefore, it is best to avoid the dairy product.
Upon arriving home, you may resume a diet of soft foods and plenty of fluids. Foods such as Jell-O, soup, mashed potatoes, pudding, ice cream and yogurt are all acceptable to eat. On the day after your surgery, ease into a regular diet. Eat only foods that do not cause you discomfort.
Dairy ProductsAntibiotics are typically prescribed after surgery, as these help to prevent infection. However, they do kill beneficial bacteria in your gut. Eating foods such as yogurt, cheese, and kefir will help restore this bacteria and improve immune function.
Yogurt contains healthy bacteria that can help restore gut health after antibiotics and surgery. Yogurt is also easy to tolerate; it is unlikely to cause nausea or vomiting after surgery. And it contains zinc and protein, two nutrients that promote healing.
Blood sugar levels may rise after surgery, so it is advisable to avoid foods that are high in refined sugar such as cakes, cookies, chocolate, sweetened drinks and soft drinks.
Foods to avoid
Some options increase the chances of constipation, including cheese, red meat, sugary treats, and processed foods. Processed foods also lack the nutrients needed to heal, so are especially detrimental to your health.
Therefore, should you eat chicken and eggs after a surgery? Yes, it is completely safe and even advisable. However, if you are still not convinced and do not feel comfortable eating them, it is also alright to skip the chicken and egg. Nevertheless, remember to get your protein from the other sources as mentioned.
If reduced, it will lead to nutritional deficiencies in the months following surgery. Patients should also avoid consuming carbs from processed foods such as sugar, confectionery. Instead, from about 1 month after surgery, focus should be on high-fiber carb foods.
Soft bread and grains are excellent after surgery, including white bread, wheat bread, flatbread, and flour tortilla. Grains like oatmeal, cream of wheat, rice, pasta noodles, and saltines are also suitable foods.
Eating foods high in potassium will benefit you in many ways. Foods that are high in potassium are: Fruits: Bananas, Cantaloupe, Kiwi, Mango, Honeydew, Peaches, Papaya, and Pomegranate. Vegetables: Artichokes, Avocados, Beets, Mushrooms, Okra, Sweet Potatoes, Squash, and Tomatoes.
Sodium can increase your chances of post-operative swelling, which in turn can increase the recovery time. For two days before surgery and two weeks after, it is recommended to consume no more than 1500mg sodium daily to help maintain a healthy healing process.
Protein – soy, dairy, beans, eggs, cottage cheese, poultry, fish, meat, and nuts are all excellent sources of protein. Make sure you incorporate some into each meal to allow your bones and muscles to rebuild and help your immune system stay strong enough to fight off infection.
Perhaps the most important nutrients in your post-surgery diet are vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A (found in orange and dark green veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, kale and spinach) and vitamin C (found in citrus fruits, berries, potatoes, tomatoes, melons, and sweet bell peppers) help with wound healing.
Promote Wound Healing with Good Nutrition
Choose vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C, such as broccoli or strawberries. For adequate zinc, choose fortified grains and protein foods, such as beef, chicken, seafood or beans. Some wounds may require a higher intake of certain vitamins and minerals to support healing.
Eating chocolate, or drinking it swirled into milk, has a reputation for helping people recover from a tough workout. Cocoa contains antioxidants as well as a nutrient called epicatechin, which is thought to help widen blood vessels and increase blood flow, an important aspect of health and recovery.
Avoid caffeine and chocolate for 30 days, as they constrict blood vessels, and therefore restrict the delivery of blood to the site of the wound.
Ice Cream: After having a minor surgery, it's okay to treat yourself with a little sweet. The coolness will not only feel good, but it will also help sooth inflamed tissue. Try to avoid eating cones and flavors of ice cream with large chunks in them like chocolate chips and nuts.
Mashed potatoes: Not only are mashed potatoes delicious, but they are easy to make and they really are the perfect post-surgery food. You can smother them with gravy, butter or sour cream. Top the meal with whatever sounds good to you, but make sure there aren't large potato chunks you'll have to chew.
It's been documented that coffee—in moderation—can be good for your health, but what about a patient just coming out of surgery? Recent studies show that a cup of coffee right after an operation may lead to faster recovery times and happier patients. Dr.