A tonsillectomy is a procedure in which the tonsils and sometimes the adenoids are removed from the throat. Reasons for having a tonsillectomy include frequent infected tonsils, irritation or enlarged tonsils and frequent confirmed cases of strep throat. Because a tonsillectomy involves surgery, proper care must be instituted afterward. Knowing what types of food to eat will help make the healing process smoother.
Fluids
An important part of the healing process after a tonsillectomy is making sure you stay hydrated. Drink as much as water and fruit juice as you want but avoid acidic drinks like soda. Stay away from citrus juice such as grapefruit or tomato juice because it could burn your throat, explain the Associates in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. You can also consume broth-based foods that contain either chicken or beef broth. If you can tolerate soups such as chicken noodle or vegetable beef without irritating your throat, it will help with added nutrients and keeping your throat lubricated. Avoid hot soups and drinks and try to stay away from creamed soups because they can increase mucous in the throat.
Soft Foods
Your physician may advise you to stick to soft foods for the first 48 hours after tonsil surgery. Soft foods go down smoothly and are less likely to cause irritation. Examples include pasta, eggs, oatmeal, tuna salad sandwiches, mashed potatoes, rice, cottage cheese and squash. You can also puree food if you are having trouble swallowing. Avoid food that may cause irritation to your mouth or throat such as potato chips, spicy foods, pizza, cookies and crackers, explains the University of Wisconsin.
Fruits
Fruit is an important part of the main food group. Healthy adults should consume at least 2 cups of fruit daily, according to choosemyplate.gov. Soft fruit such as mashed bananas and melons can be consumed after a tonsillectomy. You can find pureed fruits such as applesauce and all-natural fruit bars in the frozen food section to get your daily amount of fruit. Another way to get your daily amount of fruit is to freeze fruit juice into a slush for an ice-cold treat that will sooth your sore throat.
Cold Foods
When recovering from a tonsillectomy, choose soft dairy products such as yogurt, sour cream and cultured dairy products that contain probiotics. Probiotics are essential for strengthening your immune and digestive system, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Having a strong immune system will reduce your risks of infection as you go through the healing process. Ice cream is permitted, but choosing sherbet as an alternative may help reduce phlegm build-up in the back of the throat.
References
- Associates in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery: Patient Instructions -- Post Operative Instructions for Tonsillectomy
- University of Wisconsin Health: Adult Tonsillectomy
- United States Department of Agriculture: How Much Fruit is Needed Daily?
- University of Michigan Health System: Probiotic Microbes Could Be a Key to Good Health
