Brain surgery is an option to treat a variety of medical conditions such as brain cancers and tumors, strokes, atherosclerosis and epilepsy. When your body does not receive an adequate supply of vitamins and nutrients, its ability to heal properly is impaired. Taking certain vitamins before and after brain surgery can prevent brain damage, repair tissues injured during surgery and accelerate the healing process.
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that supports brain tissue growth, improves brain function, increases brain activity, supports brain health, aids in cellular reproduction, heals surgical wounds and shortens your recovery time, according to Andrew Goldberg and Gerard Stansby, authors of the book "Surgical Talk: Revision in Surgery." Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in your body and must be replenished daily to keep your body functioning at an optimal level. Foods rich in the vitamin include broccoli, collard greens, tomatoes, Swiss chard, corn, yogurt, eggs, winter squash, sunflower seeds and strawberries.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that enhances immune system function and protects your brain from infections and viruses that can cause brain damage during or following brain surgery, according to Michael Zimmermann, author of the book "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease." Zimmermann explains that vitamin C also heals scalp incision wounds incurred during surgery, carries oxygen, blood and nutrients to your brain and brain tissues, increases collagen production, reduces inflammation surrounding your brain, accelerates the healing process, hydrates your body and repairs damaged brain tissues. Foods rich in vitamin C include mustard greens, oranges, strawberries, cauliflower, lemon juice, papaya, bell peppers and brussels sprouts.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that aids in calcium absorption, improves immune system function, accelerates the healing process, heals brain wounds and scalp lesions received during surgery, increases brain activity, transports oxygen and blood to your brain tissues, lowers your risk of permanent brain damage, eliminates oxidative stress from your brain and prevents fluid accumulation in your brain tissues, according to Steve Blake, author of the book "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified." Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in your fat cells, tissues and liver until they are needed to help your body function properly. Since these vitamins are stored in your body, they do not have to be replaced on a daily basis. Foods rich in vitamin D include salmon, shrimp, sardines, milk, eggs, cod, tuna and oysters.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a water-soluble antioxidant that strengthens your immune system and protects your brain from damaging free radicals that can interfere with the healing process following brain surgery, according to Dr. Darwin Deen and nutritionist Lisa Hark, authors of the book "The Complete Guide to Nutrition in Primary Care." Deen and Hark report that vitamin E also repairs minor brain damage, heals brain and scalp lesions, improves the condition of the skin surrounding your surgical wounds, decreases brain inflammation and regulates the pressure in your brain. Foods rich in vitamin E include broccoli, spinach, mangoes, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, kiwi, tomatoes and almonds.
References
- "Frontiers of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, Volume 20: Handbook on Cerebral Artery Dissection"; R. W. Baumgartner; 2005
- "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease"; Michael Zimmermann; 2001
- "Surgical Talk: Revision in Surgery"; Andrew Goldberg and Gerard Stansby; 2005
- "The Complete Guide to Nutrition in Primary Care"; Darwin Deen, M.D. and Lisa Hark, M.S.; 2008
- "Vitamins and Minerals Demystified"; Steve Blake; 2007
