Food for Thought
You’ve already learned that it’s normal to feel more stressed than usual after surgery. After surgery, stress reaction elevates metabolism which increases the need for calories. It’s then easy to find yourself making poor food choices such as less healthy but more convenient options like fast food and processed foods.
Such choices are partly due to high levels of stress hormones, which cause us to crave fat and sugar.
Unfortunately, this becomes a vicious cycle. Eating junk food and products high in refined sugar instead of proper, nutritionally balanced meals actually creates physical stress for our bodies, which in turn, can inhibit the healing process.
After surgery, it’s also important to pay attention, not just to what we’re eating but also to how much and how often we’re eating. When we’re less able to do the activities that usually keep us busy - whether that’s work, hobbies, sport or exercise – it’s easy to use eating to compensate. In short, eating more or more often, just to “stay busy”.
After a major surgery like knee replacement, it is important to keep an eye on your diet. Here’s why:
If you are a healthy weight already, it’s a good idea to focus on the kinds of foods you eat. It’s important to get enough protein, vitamins, minerals - and equally important, enough water.
If you are underweight, you’ll need to be sure to eat enough healthy foods to give your body the protein and other nutrients it needs to help your knee heal.
If you are overweight, now is a good time to think about making some lifestyle changes that may result in a healthier body and a healthier weight, that will put less stress on your joints, including your knee.
If you want to start working on weight loss, it is a good idea to check in with your doctor about any changes to your diet you want to make after surgery. Your doctor can help you make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need to heal.
What are the important nutrients for recovery?
Protein – good for the immune system and helps build muscle (eggs, cheese, poultry, fish, soya)
Vitamin C – helps with collagen which helps build ligaments and tendons (fruit and veg, berries, potatoes)
Calcium – help with building strong bones (spinach, dairy)
Vitamin D – Helps absorb calcium
Aim to reduce your intake of alcohol, caffeine (in tea as well as coffee) and foods high in sugar and salt, as they slow down bone healing by depleting the body of essential nutrients.
It is also important to stay hydrated and consume foods that are high in fibre to prevent constipation
What does a healthy plate of food look like?
Health experts advise filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables.
Eating more fruits and vegetables may reduce your risk of having serious health problems such as a heart attack, stroke or some cancers. You’ll also get more of the nutrients your body needs to heal from surgery. When you eat more of these foods, you’ll also have less need to fill up on unhealthy choices like crisps, sweets, and fried foods.
References:
“USDA MyPlate Fruit Group — Nutrients and Health Benefits.” USDA MyPlate Fruit Group — Nutrients and Health Benefits. Web. 15 July 2015, - https://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/fruits-why.html