When many people are faced with having to get surgery, there are many things that they need to consider. For example, they consider who is going to help them with recovery, how much time to take off work, unexpected costs and much more. They also may need help mentally preparing themselves for surgery. However, one aspect a lot of people overlook is how their diet may affect the outcome of their surgery. By improving your diet, you could drastically improve your recovery time and how the surgery heals. It is arguably one of the most important parts of preparing your body for major surgery.
Increase Your Protein Intake
Protein plays an important role when it comes to preparing your body for a major surgery, as it is one of the best ways to improve and maintain your muscle mass. After your surgery, you will go through a period of reduced physical activity, which could be up to 12 weeks. Your body will also need to heal the incisions and wounds that occur from surgical procedures. Protein intake is very important when it comes to optimising your post-surgery healing period, so you should start to eat foods such as eggs, lean meats, poultry and dairy.
Carbohydrate Loading
Many professional athletes will tell you how important ‘carb-loading’ is before a big event. Carb-loading involves consuming a high amount of carbohydrates in order to increase the body’s natural reserves of energy. Energy (glucose) is stored in your liver and in your muscles. You may need to fast for a significant amount of time before your surgery, so eating a lot of carbohydrates before your surgery will ensure you have enough energy for when you wake up and begin to recover. Many people consume specialist carbohydrate drinks during their recovery period, however, make sure you consult your surgeon to ensure that this is the best choice for you.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the worst things that you can consume when you’re preparing for surgery. Alcoholic drinks reduce your immune system, and can negatively impact your recovery. When you’re immune system is compromised, your body is not able to wound-heal as much as it needs to. It is very important to make sure that your body is in the best shape to recover and heal the wounds you acquire from surgery. Removing alcohol from your diet 4-8 weeks before your procedure can improve your body’s natural ability to heal wounds and can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Don’t Deprive Your Body
One of the major mistakes that people make when it comes to their pre-surgery diet is to reduce their calorie intake by too much. Industry experts on plastic surgery in Manchester have warned about a common problem of patients consuming less food, particularly when it comes to mummy makeover procedures and abdominoplasty. Many patients think that losing significant weight will help cosmetic surgery heal better, but it is more important not to deprive yourself. Their research has shown that well-nourished patients have a much better recovery period than someone who has not been receiving adequate sustenance. As aforementioned, protein and carbohydrate intake is crucial to preparing the body to heal wounds and fight off infection, and bodies that don’t receive enough nutrition cannot do this as well. Instead of dieting, focus on eating healthy, nutritious food such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats and healthy fats.
Preparing your body adequately for surgery is one of the best things you can do in order to ensure you heal well, fight off possible infection, and recover with as few scars as possible. If you’re scheduled for a surgical procedure, start improving your diet today – it could transform your healing process.