What to Eat Before and After Surgery
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
Q. I am having surgery in a couple of weeks. Do you have any tips for what to eat before and after surgery to help recovery?
Answer. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to stop taking fish oil and vitamin E supplements a few days ahead of surgery, as both of these can increase bleeding times. For major surgeries that require general anesthesia, you may also want to start tapering your caffeine intake a week or two before your surgery. (Caffeine withdrawal is a major cause of post-surgical headaches!)
After your surgery, be sure to get enough protein—tissue healing and repair can temporarily increase your protein needs by about 50%. Limiting your intake of sugar and loading up on colorful fruits and vegetables can help keep inflammation in check.
See also: Foods that Fight Inflammation
How Much Protein Do You Need?
How to Reduce your Added Sugar Intake
Certain surgeries require specific dietary restrictions, so be sure to ask your surgeon if he has any other instructions about foods, medications, or dietary supplements before and after your procedure. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.