Hippocrates said, “Our food should be our medicine and our medicine should be our food.” Our food does play a vital role in our health and healing. Nutrition is essential in preparing for and recovering from joint replacement surgery.
During and after surgery the body is working hard to heal and restore itself. To supply additional energy for healing, our metabolism increases and to fight inflammation, our immune system kicks in. Therefore, our nutritional needs would fittingly need to increase to meet the additional demand on our body for energy and immune function.
Good nutrition can lead to a more positive surgical outcome and recovery. You can help your body by eating a diet that boosts your immune system and promotes joint and bone health.
Boost your immune system by eating:
- Amino Acids: Foods high in amino acids are quinoa, turkey, cottage cheese, eggs, mushrooms, fish, and legumes.
- Antioxidants: Foods high in antioxidants are kale, blueberries, dark chocolate, Gogi berries, artichokes, and pecans.
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Foods like fatty fish, eggs, flax seeds, soybeans, and walnuts are high in omegas.
Increase your energy to promote healing and joint health by eating:
- High Quality Protein: Eggs, poultry, fish, meat, and nuts are excellent sources of high-quality proteins.
- Complex Carbs: Foods such as whole grains, starchy vegetables, and legumes. Avoid simple carbohydrates found in foods such as pastries, desserts, cookies, candy, soda, and ice cream.
- Calcium and Vitamin D: Good sources of calcium include spinach, chia seeds, and kale as well as dairy products. To help your body absorb calcium, spend at least 15-20 min outside in the daylight. Vitamin D from the sun aids in calcium absorption.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C rich foods include citrus fruits such as oranges, lemon, kiwi, and grapefruit; and vegetables such as cauliflower, capsicum, and Brussel sprouts.
- Fiber: Increasing your fiber intake will help alleviate constipation after surgery and promote digestive health.
The body is full of wonder. Its healing ability is truly amazing. Before and after joint replacement surgery, you can help in that healing process by providing the nutrients and nutrition needed to boost the immune system and supply the energy to promote healing.
Mend Supplements helps support my patients in this process. Their clinical grade nutrition can help you on your journey to health.
Dr. Paul Jacob is a leading hip and knee surgeon in Oklahoma City who pioneered robotic joint replacement surgery in an outpatient setting. Dr. Jacob has performed over 5000 robotic joint replacement procedures and actively participates in numerous research studies on robotic outcomes.
