Sunday, January 10, 2010
Surgery
recovery and speedy healing has been a topic of recent discussion with
a few friends. Invasive or non-invasive surgery still has similar
impact on the body and puts stress and trauma on the body. Naturally,
it is required for us to help the body heal, post-surgery with a
healthy, nutritional diet and proper supplementation.
Whether
you are recovering from heart surgery, oral surgery or laproscopic
surgery- the right diet plan can have a big impact on the speed of your
recovery and healing. Pain, bleeding and swelling and surgery site
inflammation will naturally occur at and around the surgery site.
Healing foods rich in antioxidants can assist in reducing the severity
of the pain and swelling.
The 5 Ingredients Needed in Every Surgery Recovery Diet:
Antioxidants
Best
consumed in food; studies suggest that supplemented antioxidants don't
work, possibly because they work synergistically with other flavonoids
and chemical compounds present in the native format. Consume lots of
colorful fruit and veggies, especially dark leafy greens, citrus, berries and cherries.
Turmeric
Turmeric
is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic that is
getting a lot of attention lately in research. It can be taken in
capsule form.
Glucosamine sulfate
Glycosamingens
are well established in the literature for the repair of connective
tissue. Aim for approximately 1500 milligrams daily.
Omega-3 fatty acids
The easiest source of omega-3s is
fish oil capsules, which should be taken twice daily. This should wait
till about two to three days after surgery to ensure it does not
interfere with normal blood clotting. (Fish oil has a very slight
anticoagulant effect, which is mostly good—just not in the acute,
post-trauma phase). Patients can also eat walnuts and pumpkin seeds as
they are also sources of omega-3s.
Protein
Other amino acids besides glutamine are involved in wound healing and tissue regeneration, so ensure an adequate intake of lean protein: lean beef, chicken, fish, seafood, eggs, low-fat dairy and soy products.
The Best Surgery Recipe
Healing Organic Chicken Soup with Veggies & Brown Rice:
3 lb chicken, bought at the local farmers market. It comes frozen, with gizzards and all.
1 lb carrots
1 package celery (about 10 stalks, probably a little over a pound)
1/2 lb dry beans or lentils
1 large onion
1 large sweet potato, peeled
bay leaf, clove of garlic, salt, pepper and other spices (turmeric)
10 oz frozen package of peas
1 lb dry, whole grain brown rice
-
Wash the whole chicken and chicken parts. Place in 8 or 13-quart soup
pot, fill three-quarters full with water and bring to a boil. Add
carrots, onion, lentils and sweet potato. Stir in garlic, bay leaf, oregano, and basil.
-
Simmer covered for 1-1/2 hours. Add celery, beans, peas and parsley and
cook for another 45 minutes. Spoon out the chicken bones and skim off
some of the grease and fat from the top.
-
Add Salt and pepper to taste.
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Have a question about your surgery recovery?
Want to recommend a great natural, healing recipe?
For a free health consultation feel free to email melissa@healthybeingllc.com or call
Melissa Gallagher at 727-502-3464