The Best Foods To Eat To Heal From Surgery

Healing from surgery requires increased calories, protein, vitamins A and C, and zinc, according to ClevelandClinic.org. The metabolic processes of the body are under stress postoperatively, and good nutrition and augmented calories can help the body overcome postoperative strain. Certain foods can help with healing after surgery. Prior to making any dietary changes, it is important to consult your physician.

Protein Foods

According to GoAskAlice.org, protein is important because it is needed to form antibodies, to produce collagen for scar formation, to repair damaged tissues and for maintenance of many vital processes in the body. A serving size of protein is 2 to 3 oz. of meat, a cup of cooked beans or legumes, or 2 tbsp. of peanut butter, according to ClevelandClinic.org. Including two to three servings a day of beef, fish, poultry, pork, lamb, eggs, cheese, milk, yogurt, dried beans, peas or nuts will provide adequate protein resources for healing. If additional protein is needed, you can add cheese to sandwiches, use protein powders in drinks and add beans to salads.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important for wound healing and maintenance of the skin, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery, and it is found in dark green leafy vegetables. At least one serving a day, which is equal to 1 cup of green leafy vegetables, is needed in order to achieve ample vitamin A, according to ClevelandClinic.org. Other sources of vitamin A include pumpkin, squash, spinach, sweet potato with skin, carrot juice, fortified cereals, collard greens and red cabbage.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is important for wound healing because it helps rebuild connective tissue. Eating one serving a day of a food rich in vitamin C can provide sufficient amounts of vitamin C for healing, according to ClevelandClinic.org. Powerful vitamin C foods include strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.

Zinc

Zinc is an important component of enzymes, which are catalysts for metabolic processes. Foods with zinc include beef, liver, crab, sunflower seeds, almonds, peanut butter, eggs, milk, wheat germ, black-eyed peas and whole-grain products.