After and orthopedic injury or surgery people are often very focused on physical therapy as a way to get back on their feet as quickly as possible. While this is an obvious and necessary step, many people forget that what they eat can also help them get back to their normal active lifestyle much faster.
Orthopedic injuries always require lots of down time to allow the injury to heal properly. This limitation on physical activity means that it is absolutely essential that you cut down on portion sizes in order to offset the decreased calorie burning. Along with smaller meals, it is also important to supplement your diet with nutrient-rich foods.
Foods for the First Days
During the first few days after surgery your meals should be simple and light. It is not uncommon after surgery to suffer from dehydration and/or inability to eat solid foods. Thus, may surgeons recommend eating broths and soups right after an orthopedic surgery. These foods are easy to prepare, light on the stomach, and will keep you hydrated.
In the first week or so after surgery many patients often feel constipated. This feeling comes form the anesthetics used during the surgery and often from the pain medicines taken during post-op. Eating foods that are high in fiber like oatmeal and quinoa will help naturally stimulate your digestive system. Drinking prune juice along with plenty of water will also help return your digestive system to normal.
Foods for the Remaining Recovery
The antibiotics that surgeons prescribe to fight post-op infection fight the bad organisms in your body and the good ones. The affect these antibiotics often have on good organisms is minor wear and tear on your intestinal flora. It is easy to combat this affect on your intestines. Simply supplement your diet with probiotic foods like yogurt, pickles, sauerkraut, miso soup, and even dark chocolate!
Proteins are one of the most crucial ingredients in post-operation diets.
So, even though your appetite may be reduced after surgery, it is very important to maintain a healthy diet of high quality protein. The amino acids in proteins heal your immune system, build muscle strength, and add key nutrients for healthy bones. Foods that are high in protein and easy on the stomach are eggs, low-fat cheese, yogurt, chicken, and fish. It is important to try and supplement each snack and meal with at least a little protein.
Nutrients also play a staring role in getting you back on your feet quickly after orthopedic surgery. All nutrients are critical to healing, but vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, and calcium are ones to focus on.
In order to repair tendons, ligaments, and heal surgical wounds, collagen, produced by vitamin C, is needed. To get your daily vitamin C fix, focus on fresh fruits, baked potatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers.
Zinc is another important nutrient that accelerates the healing process exponentially. The mineral is found mostly in animal products like meat, fish, poultry, and dairy. However, you can also get a great source of zinc by eating whole-grain breads, cereals, dried beans and peas, and nuts. Although there are many zinc supplements out there, it is better to get zinc from a food source because the supplements often cause unwanted nausea and vomiting.
Vitamin D and calcium are also crucial nutrients that aid in healthy bone growth and structure. These nutrients are a valuable part of the post-op diet, especially if you have had a fracture. Yogurt and other dairy products are a great way to get a high quality source of vitamin D and calcium.
These foods and nutrients are a great starting place for getting you back to your normal active life after orthopedic surgery. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that activities and diet prescribed by your doctor come first.
Use these tips to stay healthy after your surgery, and above all remember to stay active and positive!
