5 Things You Should Be Eating After Plastic Surgery
A balanced diet is important for many reasons — improving immune function, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping our organs and tissues functioning efficiently. Foods have the power to nourish and heal, so it’s especially important to eat the right ones after plastic surgery. Read on to discover the most important nutrients to support a healing body, as well as the foods that supply them. Before trying anything new, check with your doctor to make sure you won’t have any dietary restrictions before or after your procedure.
Fiber
As anyone who’s undergone surgery knows, the combination of anesthesia, pain medication, and bed rest can have an unpleasant side effect: constipation. While it may be embarrassing to talk about, this is a common, temporary symptom for most surgery patients. Surgeons often suggest that patients add a fiber supplement, such as Metamucil®, to their postsurgical diets. But fiber is found in many healthy foods, too. Substitute whole grain bread for white bread and enjoy its increased fiber content and more naturally occurring vitamins and minerals. Legumes, vegetables, and whole fruits (not juice) also contain plenty of fiber. Raspberries, lentils, peas, and artichokes are some of the most fibrous options.
Fluids
Proper hydration is important all the time, but especially beneficial after surgery. According to many physicians, such as Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, a plastic surgery specialist in Albany, New York, when your body is well-hydrated, it operates and heals itself more efficiently, and you feel and look your best. Fluids also help your body metabolize nutrients more effectively for optimal absorption. Finally, being well-hydrated can help alleviate constipation. Stick to beverages that are caffeine-free and don’t contain any added sugars. Water is best, but sports drinks, coconut water, and calorie-free seltzer can add variety. Johns Hopkins experts recommend 8 cups of water a day.
Vitamins C & E
All vitamins serve an important function, but vitamins C and E are especially helpful for healing bodies. Vitamin C has been shown to aid in tissue repair and collagen regrowth, which is important to minimize incision site complications and excessive scarring. Vitamin E, an antioxidant, defends the body against additional damage. Although supplements can be helpful (check with your doctor), food sources are best. The most vitamin C-dense choices include citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli. Vitamin E is found in nuts, seeds, eggs, and some plant-derived oils.
Protein
The amino acids found in protein are extremely important for repairing muscles, skin, and other tissues affected by surgery. Choose lean options including poultry, fish, beans, eggs, tofu, and low-fat yogurt. Higher-fat sources, such as cheese and red meat, may contribute to constipation, so avoid them until you’re feeling more regular. If your medications diminish your appetite, or if your surgery makes it difficult to eat solid foods, consider adding protein powder or a spoonful of peanut butter to the foods you can eat.
Fats
The right fats play important roles in any balanced diet. Healthy fats from plant sources, such as olive oil, coconut oil, canola oil, and more all aid in the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, fats keep the immune system in top working order to stave off infection. They also provide an easy way to increase your caloric intake, which is important if your appetite is reduced.
PS: Notice that all these substances should be taken from normal diet (for example you should receive the necessary proteins from milk or meat)! So don’t misunderstand.. to buy ultimate nutrition products from Supps R Us or something similar is not what we suggest! On the contrary a balanced diet that includes all these substances is ideal for a safe and painless recovery period!