Peri-Operative Nutrition

Surgery places significant stress on your body, increasing your need for energy, protein, and nutrients to heal effectively. Supporting your recovery with a balanced diet—rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, low-glycemic carbohydrates, and anti-inflammatory foods—can reduce complications and speed up your healing. On the flip side, poor nutrition can slow wound healing, impair muscle recovery, and increase the risk of infection.

Protein-Powered Meals

Consume foods with high-quality protein at every meal throughout the day. Protein supports tissue repair, immune function, and muscle preservation—especially important if mobility is limited after surgery. Great options include eggs, poultry, fish, Greek yogurt, legumes, tofu, or quality protein powders.

Colorful Fruits & Vegetables

Berries, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cauliflower) are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that reduce inflammation and support healing.

Hydration & Electrolytes

Drink plenty of water and include electrolyte-rich foods like avocados, bananas, and leafy greens. Proper hydration is essential for circulation, tissue repair, and digestion—especially after anesthesia.

Healthy Fats

Include omega-3-rich foods such as salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, and olive oil to help control inflammation and promote healing.

Sugary and Processed Foods

Processed snacks, packaged meals, sugary cereals, and baked goods are inflammatory and can impair wound healing. They spike insulin levels, increase stress hormones like cortisol, and delay your body’s recovery processes. Stick to whole, minimally processed foods whenever possible.

Alcohol

Alcohol adds unnecessary stress to your system during a critical healing period. It can increase inflammation, impair immune function, interfere with medications, and disrupt sleep—one of your body’s best tools for recovery. Avoid alcohol for at least a week before and after surgery, or as directed by your care team. Alcohol can also cause interactions with medications that you may be taking after surgery.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Juices

These can cause spikes in blood sugar, increase your risk of infection, and slow tissue healing. Opt for water or drinks without added sugars.

While a well-balanced diet is key, certain nutrients and supplements can play a pivotal role in recovery by supporting wound healing, muscle strength, and bone health.

Vitamin C for Wound Healing

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, a key component of wound healing. It also boosts immune function, helping your body fight off infections and heal faster. Getting 500–1,000 mg of Vitamin C daily, either through food (like citrus fruits, strawberries, or bell peppers) or supplements, can enhance recovery.

Vitamin D for Bone and Muscle Health

Vitamin D is vital for maintaining strong bones and muscles. It aids calcium absorption, which is critical for bone healing and strength. Research has shown that vitamin D deficiency can impair recovery from numerous orthopaedic surgeries, so consider taking a Vitamin D supplement (2,000 IU daily) if you are not getting enough from natural sunlight or dietary sources (e.g., fatty fish, fortified dairy).

Protein Supplements for Enhanced Healing

While high-quality food sources of protein are always preferred, sometimes additional protein is necessary, especially if you’re having trouble eating enough due to post-surgical appetite loss. Consider using a high-quality protein supplement that provides at least 25 grams of protein per serving with <5 grams of carbs and no added sugars.