What nutrition should patients eat to recover quickly after surgery

Patients who have undergone surgery can recover quickly by choosing a high-protein, high-vitamin, high-water, and easily digestible diet. They can also supplement minerals and fatty acids in appropriate amounts according to their individual constitutions. These nutrients can help wounds heal, repair tissues, and enhance immune function. The following is an explanation of protein supplementation, vitamin intake, and easy-to-digest diets.

1) High-protein diet

Protein is the basis of tissue repair, especially for patients after surgery, who need to promote cell regeneration and wound repair. Such patients can choose high-quality protein foods, such as lean meat (chicken breast, beef), fish (such as salmon, cod), eggs, and soy products (such as tofu, soy milk). The daily intake can be appropriately increased to about 1.2-1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight, and it should be taken evenly in divided doses for better absorption.

2) Take enough vitamins

The body's metabolism speeds up after surgery. If you want to recover quickly, you can take more vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E. Vitamin C can promote collagen synthesis and accelerate wound healing. It is rich in citrus fruits, kiwis and strawberries. Vitamin A enhances immune function and maintains the integrity of the mucosal system. It can be supplemented through carrots, pumpkins and animal livers. Vitamin E helps to resist oxidation and reduce the body's inflammatory response. It can be taken from nuts and vegetable oils. However, it should be noted that large amounts of raw and cold fruits should be avoided after surgery. They should be eaten at room temperature or slightly heated.

3) More water and dietary fiber

The common use of painkillers and other drugs after surgery can easily lead to the problem of slowing gastrointestinal motility, and patients may experience constipation. Therefore, it is necessary to properly replenish water and dietary fiber to maintain the functioning of the digestive system. Drinking warm water, low-sugar juice or millet soup can not only avoid cold stomach and intestines, but also provide micronutrients. Dietary fiber can come from cooked grains (such as oats), vegetable purees (such as spinach puree) or bananas, etc., to keep food delicate and easy to digest, and avoid the burden of excessive chewing.

4) Supplement necessary minerals and fatty acids

For example, calcium, zinc and high-quality fats help metabolism and enhance immunity. Calcium can be supplemented through dairy products (such as milk and yogurt), and zinc is recommended to be consumed from oysters and walnuts. Fatty acids can be obtained from deep-sea fish oil, flaxseed oil, etc.

After surgery, patients need to develop a diet plan based on the doctor's advice, and pay close attention to their tolerance to certain foods, avoid greasy, spicy, and cold foods, and avoid overeating. Reasonable nutritional matching, combined with warm water and slow eating, can help promote recovery and prevent postoperative complications. Postoperative nutritional conditioning is very important, and any abnormalities should be promptly consulted with a doctor to further adjust the diet plan.