Surgery is a big freaking deal.

The fact is that even minor surgery will create trauma that your body will need to heal.

You will likely find that you will get tired more easily, and need more rest. You may even feel hungrier than usual, as your body is healing from the inside out.

Depending on the procedure that you had done, it can take a year or more to fully recover as your body will continue to repair itself internally, long after external wounds appear healed.

Our bodies use the foods that we eat to regenerate our cells.

Eating high-quality nutrients can assist us in better healing.

And, of course, check with you doctor before changing your diet. Always follow the advice of your doctor/health care practitioner. This article is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or treat any ailment or disease.

Homemade Broth
Broth is a rich source of minerals. It’s a delicious and very comforting food to sip on right after surgery, when your body may not be ready for solid foods.

Beans and Legumes
Many people complain of constipation following surgery, both due to the trauma of the surgery itself, as well as medications that are used after surgery. Beans and legumes are high in fiber and can assist in getting you back on track.

Leafy Green Vegetables
Green vegetables are full of nutrients to assist your body after surgery, including Vitamin A, K and iron. Vitamin A is essential to wound healing. You can get Vitamin A in kale, broccoli, spinach, as well as carrots and sweet potato. Leafy green vegetables also contain Vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting, and iron. If you don’t have enough iron, your body can’t make enough healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cell. Without healthy red blood cells, your body can’t get enough oxygen.

Citrus Fruits
Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins for healing. Citrus fruits are a great source of Vitamin C. As a bonus, they also contain fiber which helps with constipation. The carbohydrates in fruit will help fuel your body as it heals.

Nuts
Nuts are a great source of fats. Fats are involved in immune response and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin E. Vitamin E protects the body from free radicals.

Poultry and Lean Meats
Amino acids from protein are directly involved with wound healing and tissue regeneration. The best proteins are from lean sources like poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, low fat-dairy products, and lean meats.

Most Importantly: Water
The American Cancer Society recommends eight glasses of water every day after surgery in addition to regular meals and snacks. Proper hydration is essential for repair. Many medications that are used post-surgery can cause dehydration, so adequate water intake is critical to recovery.

Don’t forget to rest. It will likely take you longer to recover than you would like. By allowing your body proper nutrition and rest, you will come back stronger!