Nutrition
This page is dedicated to helping you choose the best foods to aid recovery. There will also be supplements listed to aid in recovery
Disclaimer: Always check with your doctor before using anything listed.
Best Foods for Recovery
Protein-rich foods:
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Protein is crucial for tissue repair and muscle recovery. Include sources like lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish), eggs, dairy products (Greek yogurt, cottage cheese), legumes (beans, lentils), and tofu in your diet.
Fruits and vegetables:
- These are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Aim for a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to get a broad range of nutrients.
Healthy fats:
- Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and olive oil have anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in the healing process.
Whole grains:
- Opt for whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, barley, and whole wheat bread and pasta. These provide energy and essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Collagen-rich foods:
- Collagen is a protein that helps in wound healing and tissue repair. Include collagen-rich foods like bone broth, chicken skin, fish skin, and gelatin in your diet.
Vitamin rich food
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Calcium and vitamin D: Essential for bone health and healing. Include dairy products, leafy greens, fortified plant-based milk alternatives, and sunlight exposure.
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Iron: Essential for oxygen transport to tissues. Include iron-rich foods like lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, fortified cereals, spinach, and dried fruits.
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Vitamin C: Vitamin C is necessary for collagen synthesis and immune function. Examples would be citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, and broccoli.
Foods to Avoid
High-sodium foods:
- Excessive salt intake can lead to water retention and swelling, which may worsen post-surgery inflammation. Limit processed foods, canned soups, fast food, and salty snacks.
Sugary foods and beverages:
- Foods high in added sugars can contribute to inflammation and may negatively impact immune function. Limit consumption of sugary snacks, desserts, sodas, and sweetened beverages.
Alcohol:
- Alcohol can interfere with wound healing, impair immune function, and increase the risk of complications. It's best to avoid or limit alcohol consumption before and after surgery.
Excessive caffeine:
- While moderate caffeine intake is generally fine, excessive caffeine consumption can interfere with sleep quality, which is essential for healing. Limit caffeinated beverages, especially later in the day.
Highly processed foods:
- Processed foods often contain additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats that can hinder healing and overall health. Opt for whole, minimally processed foods whenever possible.
Trans fats and saturated fats:
- These fats can promote inflammation in the body. Limit fried foods, processed snacks, fatty cuts of meat, and high-fat dairy products.
ENSURE Shake Program
Step 1: Healthy diet
Eat a high-protein, high-carbohydrate diet
Starting 2 to 4 weeks before surgery
Good high-protein foods include:
■ Nuts ■ Almond butter and apple slices
■ Trail mix ■ Hummus with fresh vegetables
■ Greek yogurt ■ Cottage cheese and fresh fruit
■ Hard-boiled egg ■ Turkey and cheese tortilla roll-up
■ Cheese and crackers ■ Peanut butter sandwich
■ Edamame (soybeans) ■ Nut butter and sliced banana on a rice cake
Step 2: Immunonutrition drinks before surgery
(Ensure® Surgery Immunonutrition Shake)
Drink 1 bottle 2 times a day Starting 7 days before surgery
- 18 grams high-quality protein
- 4.2 grams arginine
- 1.1 grams EPA & DHA (omega-3 fatty acids)
- 330 calories
- Gluten-free
- Suitable for lactose intolerance†
- Halal
Step 3: Carbohydrate drinks before surgery
(Ensure Pre-Surgery Clear Carbohydrate Drink)
Drink 2 bottles the night before surgery
Drink 1 bottle 2 to 3 hours before surgery
It is important that you do not eat any food leading up to your surgery as per requested by your doctor. However, these pre-op carbohydrate drinks are approved and okay to drink 3 hours before your surgery. Again, always confirm with your doctor.
Step 4: Immunonutrition drinks after surgery
(Ensure Surgery Immunonutrition Shake)
Drink 1 bottle 2 times a day After surgery for 1 week
Start these shakes in the hospital right after surgery, then continue for a week.
Information summarized from Northwestern Medicine file:///C:/Users/nadia/Downloads/northwestern-medicine-nutrition-plan-to-prepare-your-body-for-surgery.pdf
- Ensure Surgery Immunonutrition Shake: ensure.com/nutrition-products/ensuresurgery
- Ensure Pre-Surgery Clear Carbohydrate Drink: ensure.com/nutrition-products/ensure-pre-surgery
Extra informational links from the Virginia University School of Medicine: https://med.virginia.edu/ginutrition/wp-content/uploads/sites/199/2020/12/ERAS-and-Immunonutrition-2-Dec-2020.pdf
Timeline
One Month Out: Eat A healthy diet
High-Proteins, High-Carbohydrates
One Week Out: : Immunonutrition drinks before surgery
Drink 1 bottle twice a day
Day out: Carbohydrate drinks before surgery
Drink 1 bottle 2-3 hours before procedure
First week of recovery: Immunonutrition drinks
Drink 1 bottle twice a day
Ensure Pre-Operative carbohydrate drink
IMPORTANT: Confirm with your doctor when to stop eating and drinking before surgery
Finish bottle 1 hour before you are supposed to arrive to the hospital
- Aids in
- Reducing nausea and vomiting after surgery
- Reducing insulin resistance
- Reducing your time in the hospital
Additional links to websites that discuss Pre- Surgery Ensure:
https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/pre-surgery-ensure.46263/
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