Boost Recovery Time After Surgery With These 5 Superfoods

Posted May 21, 2014 in Plastic Surgery Advice, Recovery

Did you know that having a strong immune system and eating healthy can greatly improve your recovery after getting cosmetic surgery? Just as it can help to ward off sickness, colds and infections, having a nutritional support system can mean the difference between feeling good or bad.

Before we get into that, there are some foods you should definitely avoid on your way to a speedy recovery. Processed foods should be largely avoided, so even if you don’t feel like cooking, stay away from fast food joints and over-the-counter boxed or frozen entrees. These have chemicals in them that can hinder your progress for recovering from surgery. The higher fat, salt, sugar or additives found in processed foods have little nutritional value and can result in vitamin or immune deficiencies.

As a rule of thumb, keep to the outer shelves and aisles of your local grocery store. Here you will find the fruits and veggies, fresh meats and fishes, bakery items, and certain dairy products. Be aware that some dairy products may cause constipation, such as milk and processed cheese products. You probably already know the difference between a baked potato vs. a French fry; or an orange instead of orange juice. The latter of both examples fall into the category of “processed” foods that you should stay away from.

5 Superfoods to Maximize Healing from Surgery

Stick to a fiber-rich diet, including whole grains, veggies, fruits, oatmeal.

1. Nuts and Seeds: Certain nuts have amino acids that help cuts and wounds heal faster, so choose walnuts, sunflower seeds or almonds when you get an urge to snack.
2. Oatmeal or whole-grain cereal: Eating healthy and sugar-free cereals can improve bowel function while decreasing chances of blood clots or heart problems, especially after surgery. Brown rice makes a great side dish.
3. Lean Protein: Fish is an excellent source of lean protein, as well as turkey, chicken or pork. Go for organic options or buy from local fish markets and vendors, rather than large market chains. Avoid red meat. Nuts, beans and tofu are also good choices.
4. Citrus fruits: You need to power up on the Vitamin C and Vitamin E, which help to heal collagen (soft tissue) repair and give you strong antioxidant supports. Kiwi, strawberries, brussel sprouts, pineapple and papaya are top choices.
5. Protein-Packed Smoothies: You may not have a big appetite after surgery, but your body needs nutrition to heal. Make smoothies to keep the liquids in your body while maintaining a healthy diet of five or six smaller meals every day.

The doctor also recommends taking B12 and iron supplements to assist with the formation of new blood cells, which can improve healing. Of course, it goes without saying that the better you eat on a day to day basis, the healthier you will be no matter if you have gone through surgery or not. You may find that even after you have healed, the healthy eating pattern you have developed will bring a renewed sense of self in conjunction with your renewed body after cosmetic surgery!