Wound healing and post-surgery recovery If you are recovering from a wound or surgery, you might want to add a kiwi to your nutrition plan. Natural compounds in the kiwifruit, like certain enzymes and antibacterial agents, are known to support the wound healing process.
Furthermore, constipation can result in straining – an act that might stress or reopen your incision wounds. 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.
Fresh fruit
Berries–such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries–are all incredible sources of antioxidants. Other forms of fresh fruit, like oranges, peaches, and pears are great to incorporate into your post-surgery diet as well.
Pineapple and Papaya. Swelling and bruising are common after surgery. Pineapple and papaya are known to reduce swelling and inflammation because they contain protease enzymes that the body uses to digest proteins. Consuming pineapple and papaya after surgery will help offset the swelling that may occur after surgery.
Give your body proper healing energy
Foods like fish and eggs, which contain iron and B12 help the body form needed new blood cells. Fiber and probiotics boost the immune system so it can fight off infection. A simple method for getting both fiber and probiotics is eating yogurt and granola.
Reduce and control inflammation by eating foods rich in omega-3 acids such as fatty fish like salmon, halibut or mackerel, as well as fish oil, flax and flaxseed oil, hempseed and hempseed oil, and walnuts and walnut oil. Spinach.
Eating foods that are rich in carbohydrates help your brain, central nervous system, heart muscles, and kidneys. Foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates are: Grains: Brown Rice, Whole Wheat Bread, and Oats. Fruit: Raspberries, Plantains, and Bananas.
Especially after completing surgery, healthy fat can help absorb vitamins and is essential for strengthening your immune system and your chance for an infection. Healthy fats to consider: Avocados.
Greene said both blueberries and raspberries are excellent sources of carbohydrates and sirtuins. "Sirtuins modulate various cellular and organismal functions—like cellular death, inflammatory pathways in the body, metabolism, and longevity—and assist significantly with recovery," added Dr. Greene.
One of the first things you should ingest after surgery is clear liquids. These include water, soup broth, and fresh juice. You can add some full liquids as well, such as yogurt, and creamy cereals or soups. Even coffee and tea are fine in moderation, with or without milk or cream, depending on your dietary needs.
Drink plenty of water: Dehydration can impede healing, so staying well-hydrated is important after surgery. Drink eight glasses of water per day or more if you're thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks like soda, alcohol, coffee, and tea. These can all lead to dehydration.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support healing following surgery.
Pineapple: Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Studies have shown that bromelain causes the human body to produce substances that reduce pain and swelling. This makes pineapple a great addition to your post-surgery diet.
Eating pineapples or drinking a glass or pineapple juice or a pineapple-based smoothie before and after surgery can aid your body in the surgical recovery process.
Anti-inflammatory foods
green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards. nuts like almonds and walnuts. fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.
Applying an ice pack or cold compress to the treatment area. Keeping the area that was operated elevated. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Getting lots of rest and avoiding strenuous exercise during the first two to three weeks after surgery, or as advised specifically by Dr.
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.
Walking also improves blood flow and speeds wound healing. Failure to walk may cause increased constipation and gas pain and weakness, and puts you at a higher risk for infections, blood clots and lung problems such as pneumonia. Prolonged bed rest may also increase the risk for skin breakdown and pressure sores.
Healing Food Containing Amino Acids
Arginine is an amino acid that helps increase blood flow and oxygen to the wound. This results in increased collagen formation and reduced inflammation. Foods high in arginine include pumpkin seeds, milk, yogurt, and cheese.
This is especially important when healing a wound. Water is the best hydration source, but milk, juice, or tea can also help keep skin healthy as long as the drinks are not too sugary. Doctors suggest keeping a glass of water nearby throughout the day to encourage drinking between meals.
The fatty acids in avocado oil can reduce inflammation during the healing process. In addition to vitamin E, avocado oil contains potassium, lecithin, and other nutrients that moisturize and nourish the skin. The epidermis can easily absorb these nutrients and use them to generate new cells.
First and foremost, drink plenty of water! Water serves a lot of functions in the body and will be particularly good to reduce swelling after surgery.