Surgery can become more common as we age. Whether due to disease, a fall or a chronic condition, we may find ourselves in the hospital more often. Stay times in hospitals after surgery are very brief now, so you may find yourself recovering from surgery at home on your own or looking after a loved one who is recovering from surgery. Surgery causes trauma to your body and the after effects could include infections, pneumonia, extreme tiredness and loss of energy. Eating well will help you bounce back more quickly and also help to prevent relapses.
Some foods help more than others when recovering from surgery
Vegetables
Vegetables contain important nutrients, vitamins and minerals that can aid with fatigue. The fiber will also help you to keep from becoming constipated, a common after effect of any hospital stay. Try any or all of the following:
- Broccoli and brussel sprouts
- Potatoes and sweet potatoes
- Cabbage and cauliflower
- Carrots and sweet bell peppers
Vegetables can be eaten as a snack or added to a meal as a side dish, soup or stew. Dark leafy greens are among the most important of vegetables. They contain extra Vitamins A, C, E and K, essential for the clotting of your blood. Good examples would be spinach, romaine lettuce, swiss chard and kale.
Eggs
Eggs are one of the first foods offered after surgery and it’s no surprise that they are. One egg contains 6 grams of protein, Vitamins A, E and K as well as the B complex vitamins. They are easy to prepare and provide almost instant energy.
Fruits
Go for the brightly colored fruits after surgery. Tomatoes, oranges, berries of all kinds, melons and apples are good choices. They are filled with the necessary nutrition that your body needs at this time and can be eaten in small amounts.
It may be especially difficult to recover from surgery on your own at home. If homecare is not an option, prepare ahead of time with various small meals frozen and waiting. Stock up on fruit and cut up vegetable portions. Don’t forget your water! To read more on healing foods to eat after surgery, click here.
This article is intended for informational purposes only. Please follow the advice of your doctor or health practitioner.
