When having surgery, you're in the care of a capable health care team, but you want to do what you can for yourself. Read on to learn some ways you can build a good nutritional base to help pave your road to recovery.
Illness and injury take a nutritional toll on the body. Also, people who have had major surgery need extra protein, calories, and other nutrients for repair and recovery.
People who are well nourished are likely to recover from illness, injury, and surgery better and more quickly than those who are poorly nourished. Medical research has shown time and again: People who are not well nourished take longer to recover, are more likely to have complications, and are more likely to be rehospitalized.
Protein is especially important for healing. The body uses the amino acids in protein to build and repair body cells and tissues. People who aren't well nourished may not have the nutritional resources — especially the protein — they need for the body's "extra" work of healing. People also need adequate calories, vitamins, and minerals to support healing.
PRE/POST SURGERY ARTICLES