We talk about getting our bodies “beach ready” and even ready for the party season, but even though millions of people undergo surgery each year, people are getting “surgery ready”. It is rare to hear that
But getting in shape for a planned surgery can make a big difference, and studies show it can help you get out of the hospital sooner and heal faster.
Even simple adjustments to your diet can help. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2017 found that patients who were advised not only to take nutritious protein supplements with their regular meals, but also what to eat had lower infection rates. not only is the . than those who did not.
I have seen this effect myself: I worked in a hospital with patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancer. This is because both put a heavy burden on the body.
We talk about getting our bodies “beach ready” and even ready for the party season, but even though millions of people undergo surgery each year, people are “preparing for surgery.” It is rare to hear that there is.
Surgery often requires enduring several hours of fasting before surgery, the trauma of the surgery itself, and the intense energy required to heal.
The body also needs to repel the inevitable attacks while at the same time nourishing an immune system that is starving more than usual as it creates more tissue as it heals. It means that you really need to eat to keep your body in order.
At this time, it’s more important than ever to give your dog food that helps his gut microbes thrive.
Aim to eat four types of plants each day: whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes (such as chickpeas and lentils), nuts, and seeds. They pay you back by reducing inflammation and helping fight off infections that can interfere with the healing process.It weakens and allows disease-causing nasties to enter your blood. ).
Another reason for growing microbes now is probably being given antibiotics. This can knock out not only harmful bacteria, but also some of the beneficial bacteria in the gut. It can cause chaos and make hospital patients really sick (less beneficial gut bacteria can lead to more harmful bacteria grasping and taking over).
Second, it is worth considering increasing the quantity (and quality) of high-carbohydrate foods in the diet 7-10 days before surgery to improve future energy and micronutrient storage.
Carbohydrates are stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen for immediate energy.
Having the energy supply it needs slows down the rate at which your body breaks down muscle for energy, which helps fight fatigue and weakness.
However, not all carbohydrates are the same. Excess glycogen is stored as fat, so now is not the time to start eating refined carbohydrates such as white bread and biscuits. Instead, look to nutrient-dense, starchy vegetables, grains like quinoa, oats, and barley, legumes like butter beans, and whole fruits. This provides the necessary fuel for wound healing along with key nutrients such as B vitamins, zinc and vitamin C.
As a general guideline, aim to include 1-2 extra servings in your diet at least 3-4 days before surgery.
At the same time, you also need high-quality protein because it provides amino acids, the building blocks needed for new tissues, and keeps your body in good shape.
Protein quality is based on several factors, including the types of amino acids the protein contains and how easily the body absorbs these.
Aim to eat four types of plants each day: whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes (such as chickpeas and lentils), nuts, and seeds. They pay you back by reducing inflammation and helping fight off infections that can interfere with the healing process. increase)
Usually the highest quality protein comes from animal products such as chicken, fish, eggs and dairy. please).
Focus on intake of the amino acids arginine (found in fish, chicken, soybeans, and oats) and glutamine (found in eggs, beef, and tofu). The body can make them, but it depends on the conditions, and the stress of surgery can mean production can’t keep up with needs.
Aim to eat a high-quality protein source at every meal — the recommendation is 1.2g to 2g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day (so if you weigh 62kg, you should aim for 75g to 124g of protein per day). Become). Spread over 20g to 40g portions daily to maximize absorption.
Some of my favorite protein and nutrition sources before and after recovery include:
- 200g yogurt (20g protein)
- 100g salmon (20g protein)
- 2 eggs (11g protein)
- 50g nuts (20g protein)
- 200g lentils (18g protein)
- 100g firm tofu (17g protein)
After surgery, eat foods containing omega-3s, such as fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) two to three times a week. Because these fats have anti-inflammatory effects.
But if you lose your appetite, eat whatever you want. This is a better than nothing situation. After surgery, anesthetics, pain relievers, and immobility slow the normal muscle contractions of the intestine, which can lead to constipation.
In that case, consuming 50g of prunes per day can help you get back to normal behavior. If you don’t like prunes, try eating a few kiwis a day. Another great source of gut-stimulating fiber, especially if you eat the skin.
Another thing to consider is increasing physical activity 3 months before surgery. Surgery often leads to loss of muscle mass, primarily through decreased activity, so you want to start in the right place.Studies show that healthy people recover faster.
Try increasing your gym visits or hitting 10,000 steps a day before surgery. People with more limited mobility can go up and down stairs several times each day. Or you can lift tin cans in your kitchen cupboard as weights every day.
A 2017 study by London’s King’s College Hospital found that even this prefabricated home-based exercise style can really make a difference in the speed of recovery. The goal is to get as much of yourself as possible. It will pay dividends.
ask megan
How likely are chemicals in tap water (such as chlorine) to damage our gut bacteria? Should I invest in a water filter?
Ed Bowater
Great question. First, however, chlorine is added to the water to prevent the growth of pathogens, making it safe to drink. is regarded.
However, as you are rightly suggesting, these safety checks were done before understanding the importance of the gut microbiome.
Researchers at the University of California recently measured the effects of non-chlorinated and chlorinated drinking water on 130 urban children in Bangladesh.
Interestingly, results reported an increase in beneficial gut bacteria, such as Akkermansia species, in those who drank chlorinated water. This is probably related to the reduced infection rate due to chlorination.
They also found that chlorinated water had no effect on gut bacterial diversity. It is often used as a measure of gut health.
Now, this study didn’t compare filtered water, but my experience in the clinic is that when it comes to water, it’s more important to most of us that whether it’s filtered or not, it’s adequate. Make sure you are drinking.
Try This: “Snickers” Smoothie Bowl
Our ultra-processed protein shake not only delivers 18g of protein and 10g of fiber, it tastes like a Snickers bar without the added sugar or additives.
1 serving
- 60g firm tofu
- 50g thick yogurt
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
- 1 ripe banana (frozen)
- 1 tablespoon of your favorite nut butter
- 40g frozen zucchini
- 2 Medjool dates, pierced
Topper (Optional):
- 5g coconut flakes
- 15g unsweetened granola
Blend smoothie ingredients in a high-power blender for about 1 minute until smooth (stack frozen ingredients first for a smooth blend). Serve in a bowl and add your favorite topper.
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