Organ donations occur when an organ transplant is necessary. Good nutrition for the organ donor and recipient are essential to minimize surgical complication and optimize recovery. The healthiest diet for both donor and recipient follow federal dietary guidelines. Organ recipients will also have increased nutritional needs after surgery to support proper healing.
Pre-Transplant Diet
Individuals who follow a nutritious diet and are healthy before an organ transplant will have an easier time recovering after surgery. According to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), overweight individuals should lose weight before surgery to prevent transplant complications by moderately reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity. Individuals who are malnourished before surgery might require calorie or nutrient supplements to improve nutritional status.
The healthiest diet for organ donors and recipients adheres to federal dietary guidelines. It is high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and includes low-fat dairy products, lean proteins and heart-healthy fats like unsaturated oils and fat from nuts and fish. It limits processed foods and foods high in saturated and trans-fats, added sugar, sodium and cholesterol.
Post-Transplant Diet
Protein repairs tissue cells and helps the body heal. Organ donors and recipients have increased protein needs after surgery. The Rogosin Institute, an affiliate of New York Presbyterian Hospital, says transplant patients need 8 to 10 oz. of protein per day for proper healing. An adequate amount of calories, vitamins and minerals is also required to maintain energy, prevent infection and support recovery.
Weight Gain
Organ recipients are often prescribed steroids such as prednisone, which can increase hunger and lead to weight gain. Weight gain can lead to obesity and increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases. The Rogosin Institute says prednisone also can increase blood pressure and cholesterol. Patients on steroids can prevent unwanted weight gain by following a healthful diet. They should avoid high-calorie foods like deep-fried foods, bacon, cream, cheese and foods cooked with a lot of butter, oil, lard or margarine.
Organ recipients should reduce their sodium intake by limiting processed and canned foods, snack foods and table salt because sodium can increase blood pressure. Sodium can also lead to fluid retention, which can result in swelling of the extremities---edema---or fluid buildup in the abdomen---ascites. Eating more plant foods and less animal products will help reduce cholesterol intake because cholesterol is only in animal products.
Supplements
Organ recipients who are malnourished before a transplant or who are unable to eat after a transplant might require vitamin and mineral supplements. Severely malnourished patients also might require tube feedings to make calorie requirements, according to BIDMC. The Rosogin Institute says once a regular, well-rounded diet is tolerated, patients should not require vitamin or mineral supplements.
Food Safety
This is extremely important after an organ donation for both the organ donor and recipient because of an increased risk of infection. Organ recipients also might be on medications that suppress the immune system. The BIDMC and Rosogin Institute recommend that transplant patients avoid raw seafood, meat and eggs, salad bars and buffets because they pose a greater risk of food-borne illnesses and food contamination.
Warnings
The Rosogin Institute warns that transplant medications such as tacrolimus and prograf can elevate blood potassium levels that might require decreases in dietary potassium. High-potassium foods include citrus fruits, cantaloupe, bananas, kiwis, prunes and apricots. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with some transplant drugs and should be avoided after an organ transplant.
