Surgery is something that we’re all bound to experience at some point or other in our lives, whether it happens to us personally or a loved one. The reasons for this can vary – from sports injuries to car accidents or even falls and health conditions. Whatever the reason for the surgery, it requires a lot of dedication and effort to get the healing process going and to properly rehabilitate the injury.
Every surgery is a source of trauma, and if that wasn’t stressful enough, there’s also a risk of developing an infection, pneumonia, falling or further injuring oneself, weight loss or weight gain, a loss of motivation and, in extreme cases, even death.
The point isn’t to scare you or force you to worry. It’s part of the fine print that comes with any surgery and with proper aftercare management, shouldn’t even feature on your radar. For now, we will be focusing on what can be done to promote healing.
8 Foods To Assist With Post-Operative Recovery
When it comes to healing, you need the right nutrients to fuel your recovery and help your body repair itself. Plus, there’s no denying the power of a good meal on your mood.
- Berries: They’re rich in antioxidants which facilitate the repair of bodily damage. They’re also full of vitamin C, which can promote the rebuilding of collagen and soft tissue – to help your wound heal.
- Vegetables: Eating vegetables will help to give your body the nutrients needed to heal. They’re a great source of carbohydrates, fibre, vitamin A and vitamin C. Veggies to add to your diet include potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and sweet bell pepper.
- Fats: Healthy fats are your friend, as they can help your body absorb vitamins and minerals. It can also improve your immune system, up your energy levels, and reduce the chance of infection. Foods to include are olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, seeds, and nuts.
- Leafy greens: A healthy serving of leafy greens can give you a dose of Vitamins A, C, E and K. Vitamin K can assist in blood clotting, which will be beneficial after surgery. Foods to include are bok choy, kale, swiss chard, mustard greens, spinach, and romaine lettuce.
- Meat: Protein and iron are essential for the healing process. It can help to heal damaged muscles and tissues while speeding up wound healing. Foods to include are tofu, poultry, eggs, seafood, nuts, beans, and lentils.
- Probiotics: These healthy bacteria can assist the body in digesting food, fighting off infections and germs and assist in promoting mental balance. Foods to include are yoghurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and kimchi.
- Colourful fruits: Fruits are rich in fibre, carbohydrates, antioxidants, vitamins A and C as well as the calories you need to heal.
- Whole grains: These provide energy and carbohydrates to help keep you energised and prevent muscle degeneration. Foods to include are wild rice, steel-cut oats, bread, and quinoa.
The key takeaway is simple, you need to give your body the tools it needs to heal and one of the simplest, easiest ways to do it is through your diet.
Contact Trifocus Fitness Academy
Are you keen on becoming a guru on nutrition? If you are, then you should do our Specialised Nutrition Course. For more information as well as to register, please follow this link.
