Healing faster: Preparing for Surgery

– nutrition
– what to consume
– what to avoid
– vitamin K, to consume or to avoid?
– blood clot related

Top 10 Foods to Eat After Surgery to Promote Healing

https://thekey.com/learning-center/top-10-foods-to-eat-after-surgery-to-promote-healing

1. Berries
Antioxidants: help the body repair damage.

Grapes
Pomegranates
Blueberries
Raspberries
Strawberries
Goji berries
Blackberries
Berries are also an excellent source of vitamin C. Research shows that vitamin C is helpful in rebuilding collagen and soft tissue, meaning your incision site will heal quicker.

2. Vegetables
The vitamins and minerals.

Carrots
Sweet bell peppers
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Brussel sprouts
Sweet potatoes
Potatoes

Healthy source of carbohydrates
– help you battle post-surgery fatigue
– provide your brain with energy and stop muscle from breaking down. Your body will also get a boost of vitamin A and C. Another great benefit is that the fiber in a diet high in vegetables reduces constipation, which is a common side effect of pain medication and decreased mobility.

3. Fats (nuts, oils, fish)
Healthy fat:
– helps your body absorb all those yummy vitamins you are getting from your fruits and veggies
– essential for strengthening your immune system and decreasing your chance of infection
– long-lasting source of energy

Olive oil
Avocados
Coconut oil
Nuts
Seeds

Many types of fats and nuts are high in vitamin E, particularly almonds.
Vitamin E: helps wounds heal faster and reduce the appearance of scars.

4. Dark Leafy Greens
Leafy greens: a dose of vitamin A, C, and E, as well as vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting.

Kale
Spinach
Swiss chard
Bok choy
Mustard greens
Romaine lettuce

B-complex vitamins: help with energy levels.
Greens: fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium

5. Meat or Other Alternatives
– Protein and iron:
help repair muscles that might have been injured
– Amino acids in the protein:
help repair muscle damage by regenerating tissue and speeding up wound healing.
– Iron:
help you regain your energy levels more quickly as iron creates new blood cells.

Poultry
Seafood
Beans and lentils
Nuts
Eggs
Tofu

Try slow-cooked in sauces or ground meats.

6. Eggs
One egg provides you with:

6 Grams of protein
Vitamins A, E and K
B complex vitamins (including B12)
Riboflavin
Folic acid
Calcium
Zinc
Iron

All those nutrients we have already discussed as being vital for a quick recovery.
The best part is that eggs are easy to serve and prepare.

7. Probiotics
Probiotics:
– to digest food,
– to provide mental balance and
– to fight off all the germs and infections

Yogurt
Kefir
Sauerkraut
Kimchi

Anesthetics, antibiotics and painkillers upset the delicate balance in your gut leaving you with digestive upsets, constipation and nausea. A healthy dose of probiotics can help to regulate your system.

8. Brightly colored fruits
Good dose of vitamin A, C, energy-boosting carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidants, and the nutritious calories your body needs to bounce back.

Oranges
Apples
Berries
Melon
Apricots
Peaches
Grapefruit
Mango
Papaya
Tomatoes

Light on the stomach and ideal for small, regular portions.

9. Whole grains
Carbohydrates:
– your brain needs for energy
– stops your muscles from breaking down
– Whole grains: another dose of fiber

Whole wheat or rye sourdough bread
Steel-cut oats
Quinoa
Wild rice

10. Water
Don’t forget your body is made up of 55-65 percent water. Dehydration is common and maintaining adequate levels of hydration will help you recover quicker.

If drinking plain water is unappealing you can try:
Flavoring your water with lime or lemon
Drinking coconut water
Eating high water content foods like soup
Preparing a smoothie with extra fluid
Drinking herbal teas (either hot or cold)

13 Remarkable Nutrients for Recovery After Surgery
1. Antioxidants
Antioxidants: help the body to protect and repair itself.
Top 3 foods: berries, grapes and spinach.

2. Calcium
Calcium helps to build strong bones, as well as regulate nerve impulses, blood clotting, and muscle strength.
Top 3 foods: kale, yogurt and almonds.

3. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide energy for your muscles, brain and nerves. You’ll need this energy for healing.
Top 3 foods: whole grains, carrots and sweet potatoes.

4. Fiber
Constipation is a common risk after surgery. This can be caused by a lack of activity and pain medication. Fiber is a necessary bulking agent that keeps your system moving.
Top 3 foods: raspberries, nuts, and beans.

5. Iron
Most surgeries will involve an expected loss of blood. Iron is vital for the creation of new red blood cells.
Top 3 foods: garbanzo beans, spinach and cashews.

6. Magnesium
Magnesium provides a soothing, relaxing effect. Adequate amounts of magnesium can relieve sore muscles and promote better sleep quality.
Top 3 foods: nuts, seeds, and avocado.

7. Potassium
Potassium keeps your heart healthy, grows new cells, and helps your muscles with their work.
Top 3 foods: squash, sweet potato and white beans.

8. Protein (Amino Acids)
The amino acids in protein help to rebuild the damaged tissue. Protein also speeds up how fast your incision will heal.
Top 3 foods: eggs, poultry and beans.

9. Vitamin A
Vitamin A will help your body to build up new bone, tissue, mucus membrane, or skin. This is especially important if you have had surgery on your bones.
Top 3 foods: carrots, sweet potatoes and apricots.

10. Vitamin B
Vitamin B is needed to create red blood cells and keep your brain functioning.
Top 3 foods: meat, seafood and eggs.

11. Vitamin C
Vitamin C provides the collagen protein that is responsible for repairing tendons, ligaments and healing both your incision and the repairs inside your body.
Top 3 foods: oranges, strawberries and bell peppers.

12. Vitamin E
Vitamin E belongs to the antioxidant group. These help your body to make healthy red blood cells and use vitamin K.
Top 3 foods: sunflower seeds, swiss chard and asparagus.

13. Vitamin K
Without vitamin K, your blood is not able to clot. Clotting is vital for wound healing after surgery.
Top 3 foods: brussels sprouts, broccoli and romaine lettuce.

Foods to Avoid After Surgery
– slowing your body’s healing

– Added sugars.
Food and drink with added sugar offer your taste buds a quick reward, but the added sugar is high in calories and gives your body no nutritional value. You may feel a short burst of energy and alertness but will quickly feel more drained and tired. Bacteria and viruses thrive on sugar, which is one more reason to avoid sugary foods after surgery.

– Highly processed foods.
After surgery, you may have a small appetite and be tempted to indulge in whatever sounds good. Highly processed foods are usually white, sweet and come in a package. Or they are artificially colored. These foods primarily provide your body with carbohydrates. This causes blood sugar spikes and high insulin levels. Both drain your body of energy and the ability to heal. Processed foods are also often stripped of fiber, which helps to keep your bowels moving. After surgery constipation can be a serious and uncomfortable condition. Counter this problem by adding extra vegetables and limiting processed foods in your diet.

– Alcohol.
You might look forward to having a drink to unwind or relax post-surgery. But alcohol slows down the rate of blood clotting and makes your blood thinner. This can cause your incision to take longer to heal and you will also have an increased risk of bleeding. Alcohol also impairs your immune system, putting you at a higher risk for infection. Following surgery, you will heal faster when there is less swelling. Alcohol causes blood vessels to swell. One of the biggest reasons to avoid alcohol is how it affects your pain levels. You may think that a drink will help you feel better, but alcohol does not mix well with pain medication prescribed by your doctor. It can even be deadly to mix alcohol and pain pills.

Tips for a Fast Recovery after Surgery
– Manage your pain
pain medication plan
Make sure you are able to move comfortably. To help you sleep, you may want to ask your doctor if they recommend you take something before heading to bed.

– Get adequate rest.
Sleep is when your body can repair and heal. Make sure that you set aside time each day for rest. Set up your night environment to be comfortable and calming and allow yourself regular rest periods throughout the day.

– Get moving.
Physical activity is just as important as rest. Do not push yourself to the point of injury. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about what activities you should be doing. Lying in bed all day can increase your risk of infection, pneumonia, and blood clots. Appropriate amounts of movement will help the flow of your blood, which can improve the healing process.

Proper nutrition and exercise can be difficult to maintain when you are on your own.
Give yourself (or your loved one) the best possible chance for a speedy and uneventful recovery from surgery by stocking up on nature’s best medications: food. The types of food you eat will vary depending on your surgery and the medications you are on so talk to your doctor about your post-surgery diet.

But no matter your restrictions, this list of foods will benefit you in the following ways: these foods will decrease infections, speed up the healing process and increase your strength and energy.

–> for orthopaedics surgery: avoid vit K to avoid blood clot

Foods to avoid around surgery, Nutrition, and Recipes Part 2

FOODS TO AVOID AROUND SURGERY, NUTRITION, AND RECIPES PART 2

Vitamin C:
can decrease the risk of developing nerve related issues after broken wrists

Staying healthy and hydrated leading up to your surgery is important

What to AVOID before surgery

Avoid any supplements containing vitamin C for 24 hours prior to surgery, as it will reduce the effectiveness of the anaesthetic.

It is also important to avoid supplementation that thins the blood for at least 5 days prior which includes: fish oil, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E in doses higher than 400IU per day, turmeric and ginger.

Nutrition and Wound Healing

After surgery, the body begins to heal via coagulation and inflammatory processes. Inadequate nutrition post-surgery can lead to an increased risk of infection and a delay in wound healing via decreased formation of new blood vessels, reduced production of cells that produce structural proteins such as collagen and altered immune function. Optimal recovery involves supporting both process with the necessary nutrients.

Increased intake of the following foods is suggested to facilitate recovery;

Nutrient, Healing action, and Foods
Protein
Facilitates new blood vessel formation, collagen synthesis and provides substrates for the enzymes involved in wound healing.
Inadequate intake delays wound healing, increases risk of infection and decreases the strength of skin and fascia. Increasing intake from lean sources such as chicken, eggs, turkey, nuts and seeds, and practitioner quality protein powder and collagen protein combined is recommended.

Zinc
Key for wound healing and immune function
Eggs, red meat, seafood and nuts

Vitamin C
Key for collagen synthesis, wound integrity and immune function
Citrus fruits, capsicum, berries, tomato and leafy greens

Vitamin A
Reduces risk of infection and encourages wound healing and skin growth, improves skin strength
Eggs, oily fish, orange fruits and vegetables, dark green vegetables

Selenium
Facilitates immune function and is a cofactor for glutathione function
Brazil nuts, eggs, poultry, wholegrains

Arginine
An amino acid which promotes healing and is essential during wound induced stress
Almonds, barley, beans, brazil nuts, cashews and garlic

Vitamin E
Anti-inflammatory, speeds up wound healing, increases skin thickness and can reduce pain
Egg yolk, almonds, apricot oil, wheat germ and sunflower seeds

Iron
Increases the body’s resistance to infection, required for collagen synthesis and prevents anaemia associated with blood loss
Red meats, almonds, apricots, avocado, seeds and parsley

Glutamine
An amino acid which provides energy for immune cells involved in the inflammatory response and aids antioxidant function
Beans, cottage cheese, legumes, protein and oats

Water
Adequate hydration is vital for wound healing and detoxification
Ideally bottled or filtered water

Another way to get maximum nutrition in whilst healing is to incorporate smoothies and eat a varied diet high in anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant rich foods and bone broths.

Here are a few suggestions;

Healing Boosting Smoothie
1 serve of protein and collagen powder
2 tbsn of oats
1 cup of leafy green vegetables
1 tbsn pumpkin seeds
5 x almonds
2 x brazil nuts
½ cup berries
½ tsp of turmeric
1 cup of almond milk

Salmon with healing and detoxifying salad
1 x Salmon fillet per person baked in the oven
Ingredients

2 cloves of garlic, chopped and fried
1 medium onion, copped and fried
1 tin of organic lentils
1 large beet, peeled and shredded
1 head green cabbage, finely chopped
1 fennel bulb, chopped
1 bunch of kale, de-stemmed and shredded
1/2 cup fresh coriander, finely chopped
Zest of 1 lemon

Dressing
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup tahini
1 Tbsp. fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp. raw honey or 5 drops for stevia
Instructions

Detox Salad
Combine all the first set of ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Detox Salad Dressing
Combine lemon juice, tahini, ginger, apple cider vinegar and honey in a food processor or blender and blend for 1-2 minutes, or until smooth and creamy.
Toss the salad ingredients with the dressing. Plate and top off with a generous sprinkling of the fresh lemon zest.

Bone Broth
Bones from raw or cooked meat (avoid chicken frames)
2 carrots
2 celery sticks
2 brown onions
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
Water (enough to cover bones and a bit more)

Method
Place all ingredients (veges to be chopped) in a crock pot and simmer for 24 hours on low
Remove bones and strain
Consume half a cup per day

Foods to avoid –> (orthopaedics!)
Immediately after surgery, for a period of 2-3 days, it is recommended to avoid foods high in Vitamin K due to the role it plays in the formation of blood clots. These include:
Cruciferous vegetables – Broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage and kale
Green, garbanzo and soy beans
Lentils
Liver
Nutrition and Blood Loss

During surgery blood loss inevitably occurs, so it is important to provide the body with the necessary nutrients to counteract this.

Foods high in iron, vitamin B6, folate and vitamin B12 aid in replenishing blood stores and include:
Leafy greens – consume with a citrus source for maximum absorption
Meats and liver
Beans and legumes
Nuts and seeds
It may be necessary to supplement with iron if large amounts of blood were lost and this can be determined by testing through your qualified practitioner.

Natural pain relief and anti-inflammatories
The pain experienced during post-surgery is a result of trauma to the bone and surrounding tissues and the inflammatory process as the wound heals. The use of NSAIDs may provide relief, however they act by masking the symptoms and delay the healing process.

Natural alternatives can be used which reduce pain and facilitate the body to heal at the same time.

Nutrient & Actions
Omega 3 fish oil (DHA/EPA)
Reduces inflammation

Phenylalanine
Precursor to neurotransmitter dopamine.
Reduces pain perception

5-HTP
Increases serotonin to reduce pain perception

Curcumin
Reduces inflammation and exerts antioxidant effects

Boswellia
Reduces inflammation

Ginger
Reduces inflammation

Magnesium
Blocks pain receptors in the brain
Optimising your nutritional status well in advance will ensure that you have the greatest chance of a speedy and complication free recovery.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-k

Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a group of vitamins that the body needs for blood clotting, helping wounds to heal.
There’s also some evidence vitamin K may help keep bones healthy.

Good sources of vitamin K
green leafy vegetables – such as broccoli and spinach
vegetable oils
cereal grains
Small amounts can also be found in meat and dairy foods.

Any vitamin K your body does not need immediately is stored in the liver for future use, so you do not need it in your diet every day.

If you take vitamin K supplements, do not take too much as this might be harmful.
Taking 1mg or less of vitamin K supplements a day is unlikely to cause any harm.

https://www.stjohns.health/blog/2022/june/foods-that-speed-up-post-surgery-recovery/

Foods That Speed Up Post-Surgery Recovery

Protein
– for healing and repairing tissues
– helps your body make new blood cells, which are necessary for wound healing.
– Good sources of protein:
lean meats, poultry, fish, tofu, eggs, legumes, and nuts.

Fiber
– helps improve digestion
– can prevent constipation, which is a common problem after surgery.
– Foods that are high in fiber:
fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

Antioxidants
– help protect your cells from damage
– can reduce inflammation
– Foods that are high in antioxidants
berries, dark leafy greens, nuts, and seeds

Vitamin C
– important for wound healing
– can also help reduce the risk of infection
– Good sources of vitamin C
citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

Iron
– for making new blood cells, which are needed for healing wounds
– Foods that are high in iron
red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, spinach, and iron-fortified foods

Foods to Avoid
– can slow down your recovery
– can increase your risk of complications
– alcohol, processed foods, caffeine, and foods that are high in sugar

https://www.nih.org/nihd-news/2021/march/tips-to-speed-up-your-recovery-after-surgery/

Tips to Speed Up Your Recovery After Surgery
– Get Plenty of Rest
The most important thing you can do following a surgical procedure is to get plenty of rest. Although you may want to get back to your everyday routine as quickly as possible, it is important for you to take some time off from your responsibilities to allow your body to heal.

Your body does most of its healing and repairing while you’re asleep, making it essential for you to try and get more sleep than usual. Try to get the recommended 7-9 hours of rest each night, sprinkling in short naps throughout the day to help support the recovery process.

– Move Around Without Overdoing it
While it is important to take it easy after having a surgical procedure, it’s just as important to move around to support the recovery process. Taking some time to get up and walk around can help to improve your circulation, allowing vital vitamins and nutrients to make their way to your surgical site.

– Eat a Nutrient-Dense Diet
Like most areas of your health, your diet influences your body’s ability to heal. By eating a nutrient-dense and balanced diet, you can help to prevent infection and promote faster healing.

Some healthy foods to eat while in recovery include:
Grapes
Blueberries
Strawberries
Carrots
Bell peppers
Broccoli
Sweet potatoes
Kale
Spinach
Nuts
Seeds
Eggs
Poultry
Lean meats

https://www.healthline.com/health/total-knee-replacement-vitamins-supplements#avoid-vitamin-k

After knee replacement surgery, it’s important to maintain your joint health.

– Avoid vitamin K after surgery
Immediately after surgery and while taking blood thinners, it’s best to be mindful of your intake of foods that are high in vitamin K.

Vitamin K enhances blood clotting.
This can be useful for preventing bleeding, but keeping vitamin K amounts consistent after knee surgery is important. Particularly because there is a higher risk of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. Try not to overdo your intake.

If you use blood thinners, ask your doctor how much of these vegetables you should eat, as it is important for providing the correct dose of your blood thinner.

– Take vitamin C and zinc for the immune system
> maintain your immune system.
> A healthy immune system is crucial while your wound is healing.
vitamin C may help prevent inflammation and damage

– Promote bone health with Vitamin D
> helps increase bone density by promoting the absorption of calcium
> sun exposure during peak daylight hours.

– Take vitamin E for wound healing
may aid wound healing and decrease scar formation
> some doctors recommend applying the oil to your closed wound three times per day after removing your stitches.

Ask your doctor before using vitamin E.
Taking Vitamin E orally should be avoided before surgery as it can increase the chance of bleeding, especially if you’re taking a blood thinner like warfarin (Jantoven).

Take iron to help your blood clot
Iron helps your blood’s clotting mechanism and helps you avoid anemia.
Iron supplements can lead to constipation. Get some tips on managing constipation after surgery.

Ask your doctor
Keep in mind that surgery increases your need for certain vitamins and minerals, and supplementation may be necessary for some people.

Vitamin K deficiency
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vitamin-k-deficiency

Vitamin K is important
– it helps the liver make proteins that allow blood to clot
– It is also important for healthy bones

Vitamin K deficiency is rare
– adults usually have enough vitamin K because normal bacteria in the gut produce it,
– it is also in the fat of many commonly available foods.

Not having enough vitamin K in the body can make you bruise or bleed more easily than usual.
A blood test can confirm vitamin K deficiency.

Vitamin K gets stored in the liver, so you don’t need to eat it every day, unlike some other vitamins.

What are the symptoms of vitamin K deficiency?
Not having enough vitamin K in the body makes you more likely to bleed. You may bruise more easily than usual, or it may be more difficult to stop bleeding after an injury or surgery.
It can also make your periods heavier.

What causes vitamin K deficiency?
Vitamin K deficiency in healthy adults is rare.
Most adults with vitamin K deficiency have a serious health problem such as:
cystic fibrosis
digestive disorders that cause fat malabsorption
a blocked bile duct
taking anticoagulants, such as warfarin
People taking antibiotics for long periods of time are also more likely to develop vitamin K deficiency.

How is vitamin K deficiency diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects you have vitamin K deficiency, they will refer you for a blood test to confirm it.

Some pathology services and hospitals measure vitamin K levels directly.
If that is not possible, you can have a blood test to check how well your blood clots. Your clotting can be checked again after an injection of vitamin K. If your clotting improves after the injection, this is evidence that you have vitamin K deficiency.

How is vitamin K deficiency treated?
If you have vitamin K deficiency, your doctor will prescribe vitamin K supplements.
They can help your blood clot normally, and they might help increase bone strength.

Only take vitamin K supplements after talking to your doctor first
– they can interfere with some other medicines
– larger doses might be harmful.

How is vitamin K deficiency prevented?
While bacteria in your gut produce some of the vitamin K your body needs, you also consume vitamin K from commonly available foods. The best dietary sources of vitamin K are dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, parsley, broccoli, kale, cabbage, brussel sprouts and salad greens.

Green beans, avocados, kiwifruit, vegetable oils (especially soybean and canola oils), yoghurt, fermented food and drinks and some cheeses are also good sources. Eating these foods can help you prevent vitamin K deficiency.

When should I see my doctor?
You should see your doctor if you bruise easily or have bleeding sores or scabs that don’t heal. This could be a sign of vitamin K deficiency.

keyword: avoid blood clot after surgery

How to Prevent Blood Clots After Surgery – Healthline
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-prevent-blood-clots-after-surgery
How to help prevent blood clots after surgery
improving your circulation with a compression device.
elevating your arms and legs.
wearing compression stockings.
moving around as much as possible after surgery once a doctor has given permission.
physical therapy after surgery, if needed.
…

Preventing Blood Clots After Orthopedic Surgery
Banner Health https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/better-me/how-to-reduce-your-risk-of-blood-clots-after-orthopedic-surgery
Aug 24, 2022 — Dangerous blood clots sometimes develop after certain orthopedic surgical procedures, but you can take these steps to reduce your risk and …

Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis After Surgery
Saint Luke’s Health System Kansas City
https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/preventing-deep-vein-thrombosis-after-surgery
Exercises. Simple exercises while you are resting in bed or sitting in a chair can help prevent blood clots. Move your feet in a circle or up and down. Do this …

Blood Clots After Surgery
WebMD https://www.webmd.com/dvt/blood-clots-after-surgery
May 23, 2024 — Elastic compression stockings. Your doctor may recommend these to help keep your blood flowing and to stop it from pooling in your veins, which …

What can help prevent blood clots after surgery?
MedicalNewsToday https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/prevent-blood-clots-after-surgery
Aug 14, 2023 — Following surgery, a person’s healthcare team can advise on preventive measures to reduce the risk of blood clots. These typically include light …
‎Preventing blood clots · ‎Why do they occur? · ‎Risk factors

Reducing your risk of developing a blood clot
Healthdirect https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/reducing-your-risk-of-developing-a-blood-clot
The healthcare team may recommend that you wear anti-embolism stockings (also called compression or TED stockings). These are tight stockings that make your …

Preventing Blood Clots
https://roh.nhs.uk/services-information/other-info/after-surgery/preventing-blood-clots
Jul 1, 2024 — Keep moving or walking and get out of bed as soon as you are able after an operation-ask your nurse or physiotherapist for more information.

Blood clots after surgery: What you need to know
Vinmec https://www.vinmec.com/en/news/health-news/blood-clots-after-surgery-what-you-need-to-know/
Getting up and moving while recovering from surgery is one of the best ways to prevent blood clots. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can also reduce …