If you’ve made the decision to have orthopedic surgery to fix your ailing joint pain or injury, it is important to remember that your body needs the right fuel to heal.  Though often overlooked, the fork is an essential tool in your path to full recovery. These basic nutrition steps before and after surgery can help you get back in the game!

Your Guide to Nutrition for Orthopedic Surgery

Before Surgery

What you eat can either help or hinder your body's ability to repair and regenerate. Thus, focusing on getting the right foods before surgery can give your body a better “tool-kit” for post-operative healing.

Fuel comes best from unprocessed foods. The closer we eat to nature, the more available the nutrients are to give our body what it needs to heal.  Try shopping on the outer edges of your grocery store, go for the fresh foods. Consider upping your protein intake one to two weeks beforehand. Aim for between 65 and 100 grams of high quality protein daily. Likewise, include vegetables with every meal. Leafy greens especially help your body with repair.

After Surgery

Just as good nutrition preps your body for orthopedic surgery, it can also help it heal faster afterwards. Protein from pasture raised chicken, turkey, eggs, grass fed beef and plant sources give you the building blocks to rebuild tissue following surgery.  Anti-oxidant rich vegetables and fruits help your immune system to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.  Water is a key nutrient too; hydration is key for optimal healing.  Strive for eight, eight-ounce glasses of water daily.  Try adding some lemon or lime, basil or mint, and berries to your water for an infusion of flavor and nutritional boost.

What to Avoid

The best nutrition comes from plants and organic proteins. Avoid “crinkle foods” such as pre-packaged meals and sugar as much as you can, as both of these increase inflammation in the body. Soda, candy, and fruit juices should be avoided.

If you have questions about how to best optimize your nutrition before or after surgery, call on IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health. Based in Honolulu, HI, they are a top integrated facility for orthopedic and sports medicine, functional and nutritional medicine, and osteopathic manipulation. For more information, visit their website or call (808) 521-8170 today.