Appendicitis is a painful medical condition that occurs when your appendix becomes inflamed and filled with pus. The symptoms of appendicitis include pain that begins around your belly button and radiates to your right side, eventually becoming very severe. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and fever. If you have appendicitis, the treatment involves removing your appendix. As you recover from your surgery, certain foods may be off limits, while others may promote healing by providing you with specific nutrients needed to heal.
Clear Liquids
An appendectomy is considered abdominal surgery and may cause a loss of appetite or an inability to keep food down. Once your surgery is completed, begin by slowly introducing clear liquids into your diet. Clear broths, such as chicken or vegetable, or carbonated beverages will supply some of the calories and carbohydrates your body needs, and they are less likely to be rejected by your healing body. The authors of "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living" also recommend herbal teas and clear juice as options immediately following a bout of appendicitis.
Vegetable Soup
Well-cooked vegetables have many of the nutrients, including vitamins A and C, that help promote quick and proper healing of your surgery site, as well as the rest of your body following surgery for appendicitis. "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living" recommends whole vegetables that have been well-cooked because they supply a wide variety of nutrients, each of which plays a role in healing your body. Squash, carrots and peas can all be added to clear broth to create a satisfying and healing soup, as well as supply your body with key vitamins and minerals.
Fruit Purees
Fruit purees are another source of important vitamins and minerals that help support healing following appendicitis and an appendectomy. Applesauce is the most common fruit puree, and it supplies a healthy dose of vitamin C. Other fruit purees, including those made with bananas, peaches, pears and berries, are also rich in vitamin C, and they will supply other nutrients as your body heals and recovers from your illness. You are also likely to keep fruit purees down, which is a benefit since vomiting is common following abdominal surgery.
Foods with Probiotics
Probiotics are the friendly bacteria present in yogurt and fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kefir and miso. The probiotics present in these foods help your body restore the health of your bowels so you may be able to recover from your illness and surgery more quickly. Plain yogurt is your best bet because it is lower in sugar than flavored varieties, which may help you keep it down more easily. Your doctor may also prescribe probiotic supplements if you cannot tolerate these foods.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Appendicitis; August 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Appendicitis
- "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living"; Janet Zand, et al.; 1999
