The tonsils are glands found on both sides of the throat. Some people might have enlarged tonsils or suffer from repeated bouts of tonsillitis or strep throat, conditions resolved by a tonsillectomy, the surgical removal of the tonsils. Risks of a tonsillectomy include infection and bleeding from the surgical site, according to MedlinePlus. A proper diet afterward might help decrease pain associated with the operation and the risk of bleeding.
Step 1
Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water or try sucking on ice pops, according to MayoClinic.com. Increasing fluid intake helps keep the body hydrated and the throat moist. A moist throat might help keep the scabs soft and adequate hydration might help the body heal faster and decrease throat pain.
Step 2
Eliminate milk and milk products such as pudding, ice cream and yogurt from your diet for the first 24 hours following the surgical removal of the tonsils, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dairy products might increase mucous production and make swallowing difficult.
Step 3
Eat foods that are soft and easy to swallow during the first day following surgery, if tolerating clear liquids. Foods such as broth and applesauce go past the throat easily. If taking pain medications, solid foods such as the applesauce might help decrease the possibility of nausea.
Step 4
Add more foods that sound appealing throughout the rest of the healing process. Some people recovering from a tonsillectomy might need encouragement to eat and drink because of the throat pain, so find foods that sound appealing and not painful. Acceptable foods include cool soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs. Eating can speed recovery because it provides energy.
Step 5
Avoid eating foods that scratch the throat and might cause bleeding. Examples include potato chips, toast, dry cereal and croutons. Crunchy vegetables also can scratch the throat. Also avoid spicy foods and foods that are hot in temperature because they might increase irritation in the throat.
