A surgical procedure is an invasive procedure and most people wonder what to eat after surgery. That’s a good question for seniors that are facing surgery to ask because good nutrition will help them heal more quickly. The doctor will advise when a senior can begin eating again after surgery. A healthy diet will reinvigorate the body’s systems and stimulate the body’s natural healing.
Planning for a diet that includes a good selection of foods that are packed with vitamins and minerals will help to repair damaged tissue and stimulate cell growth. Healthy food for seniors after surgery
includes a nutrient-rich diet, along with 6-8 glasses of water. These choices help to prevent some of the common post-surgery problems such as dehydration and constipation. Healthy food for seniors after surgery includes lean protein and foods with lots of fiber.
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Healthy Food for Seniors After Surgery
Doctors prescribe a healthy diet for seniors after they’ve had surgery. When they get home, they need to prepare meals for themselves or have someone else prepare meals. It’s important to know what to eat after surgery to decrease inflammation.
If you’re wondering what to eat after surgery with anesthesia, the following foods are healthy choices:
- Milk kefir-after surgery, physicians usually give seniors antibiotics to help prevent infections. Antibiotics also help to destroy harmful bacteria in the digestive system. Seniors may avoid problems like constipation and diarrhea.
- Citrus fruit-a senior’s supply of collagen drops severely when they re injured or under stress. Vitamin C is helpful for restoring collagen in an aging body. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits contain vitamin C. Add citrus fruits to meals to aid the healing process.
- Fatty fish-fish contains healthy fats and they help to break down vitamins in the body so they can be used more efficiently. Seniors that eat cod and Alaskan salmon will have an easier time with digestion. Fatty fish products contain omega-e fatty acids which also help reduce inflammation.
- Berries-after surgery, molecules called free radicals grow and may attack damaged tissue in the days after the procedure. Antioxidants are complex substances that protect against free radicals. Raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are good sources of antioxidants.
- Whole grains-whole grains are a good source of carbohydrates which provide a good source of energy and build muscle tissue. Quina, whole wheat products, and oats are good whole grain choices.
- Red meat-amino acids help to create new cells after surgery. Red meats, especially meat from grass-fed cows that haven’t been injected with hormones are a good source of nutrient-dense meat.
What to Eat After Surgery to Avoid Constipation
Fiber is an important ingredient in everyone’s diet because it’s instrumental in preventing constipation which is a common problem after surgery. Constipation can be painful and it can increase the potential for medical attention during recovery.
If you’re wondering what to eat after surgery to avoid constipation, here are some good high-fiber food choices:
- Whole grain bread
- Corn
- Oatmeal
- Fruits
- Vegatables
- Cereal such as oatmeal or cream of wheat
Drink Water to Keep the Senior Hydrated
Replacing lost fluids also helps a senior’s body to heal itself after surgery. Small amounts of water isn’t sufficient. Try adding herbs or a little lemon to take the boredom out of plain drinking water.
Foods to Avoid After Surgery
It’s just as important to know what not to eat after surgery as it is to plan a healthy post-surgical diet. Certain foods will increase the potential for constipation. Constipation can be painful and put pressure on a senior’s incision.
Here’s a list of foods to avoid:
- Dried and dehydrated foods
- Milk and dairy products
- Cheese
- Milk and dairy products
- Sweets and sugary foods
Losing Appetite After Surgery
Constipation or nausea sometimes causes a loss of appetite after surgery. It’s for seniors to eat even if they don’t feel like it. Calorie-dense foods such as smoothies made with yogurt and fruit will help to provide energy and boost calories. Protein shakes are a good choice when you are looking for what to eat to decrease nausea.
Recovering from surgery is challenging at any age, but it’s especially difficult for senior adults. Seniors need to take special care with their diets to aid in the healing process and regain their strength.
At-Home Care Services provides in-home caregivers to ensure that seniors are getting the proper nutrition after surgery. We provide professionally trained and certified caregivers to care for seniors after surgery and longer if they need it. Hire a caregiver today for in-home care needs for seniors after surgery.
