Good nutrition can speed your post-surgical healing. Even the most minimally invasive hip or knee surgery is still exactly that – invasive. Any type of surgery is a deliberate, skillful injury to your body. It makes sense, then, to do all you can to speed the healing of your body following surgery.
Your orthopaedic surgeon, the hospital staff, and your post-operative care team, will do everything medically possible to provide a good surgical outcome and recovery. You can help their efforts by boosting your body’s healing power through good nutrition.
A few weeks before surgery, begin increasing your protein intake to both build up your strength and your tissues. Your body needs protein to repair tissue, slow muscle catabolism, and decrease the inflammatory phase. Choose high quality proteins such as fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, and seeds.
Calcium-rich foods such as dark leafy greens, nuts, richly colored red and blue berries, and small amounts of dairy products are helpful, as are foods containing essential fatty acids.
Emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and plenty of liquids will help ease stress on your digestive system. A high-fiber diet that includes whole grains and legumes will promote regularity.
Supplement your diet with 325 mg of iron, taken daily, to build up your blood count. You can obtain iron supplements at your local pharmacy or grocery store.
It is best to avoid sweets, baked goods, fried foods, heavy meats, cured foods, stimulants such as coffee, and sedatives such as alcohol.
For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments, or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of a visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read on this topic.