When you’re undergoing surgery, there are any number of ways that things can go wrong. From you not being prepared for the procedure to your surgeon making a mistake to you developing an infection post-op, so many variables play into coming through your surgery safely.
One of these variables is how well you take care of your body and give it the fuel it needs to heal and recover. So to help you in making smart choices with your food and drink, here are three foods to eat that may help you recover from surgery faster.
Coffee
You’ll be happy to know that many studies have shown that drinking coffee following a surgical procedure could have some positive health benefits for you. According to Dr. Kirtly Jones, a contributor to the University of Utah, shares that especially if you’re already used to drinking coffee on a regular basis, having a cup following your surgery could help to relieve post-op headaches and constipation.
Additionally, if you were under general anesthesia, the American Physiological Association reports on ScienceDaily.com that drinking coffee once you come off of the anesthesia could help you become more awake and alert at a faster rate, which could speed your recovery and get you home sooner.
Keep in mind, however, that if you have physical issues with your heart or have had negative experiences with caffeine in the past, drinking coffee after surgery might be a bad idea for you. Before you try this, make sure you speak with your doctor first.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
As was mentioned above, many patients who are recovering from surgery have issues with constipation as they try to heal. Because of this, Jennifer Whitlock, a contributor to Very Well Health, recommends that you eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables while you’re recovering from surgery.
Not only will the fiber content is these foods be helpful, but the amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients found in fresh produce will also help your body get the nutrition it needs to do the essential healing required during recovery.
Balanced Carbs and Proteins
Some other types of foods that are very important to eat while recovering from surgery are a balance between carbohydrates and proteins.
According to Bethany Fong, a contributor to LiveStrong.com, protein is very beneficial for healing wounds and promoting new tissue growth. And when you eat carbs with your protein, you’re giving your body the quick energy it needs to speed healing and prevent your muscles from breaking down while you’re recovering.
If you’ll be having surgery soon, consider using the tips mentioned above to learn how things like coffee, fruits and vegetables, and carbs and protein can have a positive impact on your overall recovery.
Originally posted on June 26, 2019 @ 1:26 pm