You probably already know that balanced nutrition is a key factor in overall health. But are you aware of the fact that optimal nutrition can also play a critical role for patients recovering from surgery?
If you’re facing surgery in the upcoming year, it’s important to start making good choices now, allowing your body to build up strength, maximize a healthy blood supply, and prepare for the big job of post-surgery recovery. Making healthy diet choices and taking nutritional supplements is a great way for a patient to prepare before surgery even happens.
A nourishing diet combined with targeted nutritional supplements will build up your immune system and provide the building blocks for your body to be prepared to repair skin, nerves, blood vessels, muscle and bone. All of these things take time, though, which is why it’s so important to think about your diet and supportive supplements ahead of time – weeks or even months, if you have enough advance notice.
Addressing these issues early on means that post-surgery, your body will be better prepared for optimal healing. It’s not uncommon for patients to have complications, so maximizing the odds of an uneventful, smooth recovery is a smart bet. Here are a few things to consider:
Some vitamins are water-soluble, meaning they are quickly and easily absorbed in the body. Other vitamins are fat-soluble, meaning they are absorbed by fat cells. Although they are absorbed over a longer period of time, and last longer in the body, they can be used up quickly when you are under high stress – such as when you’re in pain, fighting infection, feeling anxious, or healing from an injury or surgery. There are many vitamins and minerals to consider, and what you’ll need (and how much you’ll need) depends entirely on your diet, overall health and other factors that need to be evaluated by a professional.
A balanced, healthy diet and the right balance of vitamin and mineral supplements can be an effective tool in tolerating and recovering successfully from surgery. It’s worth your time and effort to include them in your plan to get back on your feet!
The Miller PT Team
We offer complimentary consultations at our Delray offices. Call us to schedule yours! 561-278-6055.
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