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Surgery is a common process as we age. With the kind of lifestyle we follow, we are inviting a lot of diseases. There are millions of surgeries performed every year and 70% of them are for people above 40 years of age. The surgery may be due to an accident, a fall, a chronic health condition or a new health problem that results in you landing in an operation room.
Depending on the injury or problem, your treatment is decided and the type of treatment decides your recovery time. Recovery may take days, weeks or even months. A healthy diet plays a vital role to promote healing after surgery. A good diet can improve recovery whilst a poor diet can slow down the recovery process. Therefore, strictly adhere to a healthy post-surgery regime for faster recovery.
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What are the needs of the body after surgery to recover?
Surgery is like hampering the body for betterment. Although surgery is sometimes a life-saving procedure, recovery from it can be stressful. There are a lot of changes that take place in the body after surgery. During this phase, your body needs high-quality nutrients to re-energize your body.
Along with physical recovery, your body also needs to fight against the mental stress that increases metabolism further increasing the need for nutrients. If you fail to meet the needs of your body, there may be a delay in recovery making your wounds vulnerable to infection.
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What are the foods that help heal faster?
If we talk about the top 10 food after surgery, here is the list that provides necessary vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fibers, and fats.
- Fresh seasonal vegetables
They provide you both vitamins and minerals. Include carrots, broccoli, Cabbage, cauliflower in your diet. You can make clear soups including these vegetables to your meal. Green leafy vegetables are a good source of vitamin K that prevents blood clotting during recovery. - Fresh seasonal fruits
Avoid processed fruits and go for fresh ones. Include antioxidants such as grapes, pomegranates, berries, oranges that provide Vitamin C which help in rebuilding the tissues. - Egg
This easy to serve and eat food can be an ideal healing food. It is a good source of iron and protein. - Probiotics
These are the good bacteria that your body needs during recovery. It helps in digestion, fight germs, prevents constipation and nausea. Yogurt and milk products make your bones strong which may have weakened during treatment. In other words, a good source of calcium too. - Whole grain
Your body needs carbohydrates for energy and whole-grain prevents muscle breakdown. Whole grains include barley, brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal. They are also rich in fiber.
- Coconut water
Dehydration after surgery is very common. An adequate amount of water helps in boosting the immune system especially coconut water. It improves your metabolism and gives instant energy. - Healthy fats (nuts, avocado, olive oil)
To prevent the body’s absorption of vitamins, healthy fats in the right amount is important. Healthy fat means olive oil, nuts, coconut oil, avocado, and seeds. - Soya
It is a very good source of fiber that makes bowel movement smooth so that you don’t strain. Straining may cause damage to incisions. Soya milk and soya food both are highly rich in iron. - Sweet Potatoes
It is an excellent source of Vitamin A, C, B6, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, folate and calcium. It keeps your heart healthy and helps in the growth of new healthy tissues in the body. - Bell peppers
It is a good source of vitamin A and reproduces lost cells by generating new ones. It is also rich in vitamin C that helps in collagen production.
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Holistic healing approach after surgery
To see effective results of eating healthy food for recovery, you must have a positive mindset. For positivity, there are some lifestyle changes that you can inculcate for even quicker healing.
Drink enough water
Stay hydrated as it helps the body absorb medicines and makes your digestion normal. Ensure you drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day.
Fresh air is equally important
Some of you can walk immediately after the surgery while some need complete bed rest. In both cases, some fresh air is important i.e. oxygen and sunshine. Make sure that during your transition from hospital to home, you are in a properly ventilated room.
Cleanliness and hygiene
Usually, healthcare providers ensure that they give you all the post-surgery instructions related to incision cleaning. Therefore, prevent infection by maintaining proper hygiene and cleanliness. Ask your surgeon if you can take a shower or need to take a sponge bath.
Positivity and motivation
There would be a pool of advice from family and friends. Do not get frustrated, they want you to get well soon too. Stay happy and talk to them. Read good books, listen to good music and meditate; altogether they have a wonderful effect on your healing process.
A word of caution
The human body is god’s most amazing creation and everybody is different. Similarly, the medical needs of each one vary. Therefore, consult your surgeon regarding the best course of action for your healing. Ask them about precautions regarding diet and exercise. Go for regular follow-ups to check your recovery.
Wishing you a healthy and quick recovery!
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