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.
One surprising healing aid that doctors often recommend is the consumption of pineapple in the days leading up to and following surgery.
Promotes tissue healing
“Pineapple is the only food known to contain bromelain, an enzyme that helps your skin and tissues heal,” Zumpano shares. “Bromelain appears to produce substances that combat in pain and swelling.” Consuming bromelain from pineapple might also help your skin heal after surgery or injury.
Pineapple and Papaya for Swelling
The enzyme bromelain, found in the stem and juice of these fruits, helps to reduce swelling and inflammation post-operatively. We recommend eating a medley of fresh pineapple and papaya, or throwing them in an all-natural smoothie to help provide a healing boost.
Essentially, pineapple juice can help reduce swelling and address pain thanks to a natural enzyme called bromelain. The enzyme can trigger the body's ability to fight pain and reduce swelling.
From strawberries and blackberries to cranberries and blueberries, these gemlike fruits are particularly potent in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Along with fiber and vitamin C, berries possess plant pigment phytochemicals, such as anthocyanins and ellagic acid, which may be behind their health benefits.
Ice therapy—applying ice and some pressure to your skin immediately after a surgery or injury is a tried and true method for reducing bruising and swelling. The cold from the ice restricts the blood vessels in the area and reduces the amount of blood the swells to the surface of the skin.
Give your body proper healing energy
Protein is very important to the healing process, so choose chicken, eggs and other proteins. Vitamin C found in fruits has also been shown to boost the healing process. Foods like fish and eggs, which contain iron and B12 help the body form needed new blood cells.
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.
From Piña colada to the delectable yoghurts and fruit punches, pineapple adds a zest of flavour to food. While it is among one of the most famous tropical fruits, recent research has shown that this juicy delight is extremely useful to accelarate wound healing process.
Pineapple also helps relieve joint pain because it has a compound called bromelain. Bromelain is an effective pain reliever for people who have osteoarthritis. It can also reduce the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Fades Scars & Acne Marks
Buh-bye, sun damage and scars! When paired with super-enzyme bromelain, the ascorbic acid in pineapple helps to reduce the look of dark marks and even out skin tone.
Bromelain present in pineapple influences blood coagulation. It reduces the formation of blood clots, dissolves existing blood clots and helps prevent serious diseases relating to sudden seizures or strokes.
The best meals before surgery will include a balance of lean protein, unprocessed carbohydrates, vegetables, and healthy (mainly plant-based) fats. Lean protein sources could include eggs, chicken, and fish. You can add a range of healthy carbohydrates like bananas, buckwheat, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and more.
Berries. Berries are brimming with nutrients and plant compounds that can help support your body's recovery. For instance, berries provide ample vitamin C, which promotes wound healing by stimulating the production of collagen — the most abundant protein in your body ( 13 ).
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.
Vegetables and fruits. As with any diet, fruits and vegetables are recommended, especially dark leafy greens. Other good foods include red onions, broccoli, pineapples and apples, and capers to decrease swelling faster. These provide your body with essential vitamins to help you heal and fight infection.
What can you eat if you're feeling nauseous after surgery? To keep up your strength, try eating small amounts of bland foods throughout the day. For example, flat ginger ale, chicken broth, crackers, plain toast, and bananas are easy to digest.
Believe it or not, pineapple can help reduce the duration and severity of bruising. It contains an enzyme called Bromelain, which is found in the juice and stem of the fruit. The anti-inflammatory properties of Bromelain help reduce bruising and swelling.
Apply ice immediately after the injury. Apply heat to bruises that have already formed to clear up the trapped blood. Compression, elevation, and a bruise-healing diet can also help speed up the healing process.
Bromelain Supplement (pineapple extract) is available at drug and health food stores and greatly reduces bruising and swelling. Take 500 mg twice daily for one week prior to surgery and for two weeks after surgery.