If you’ve undergone surgery, you know that recovery is no picnic. Your body has been through a lot, and as a result, you might not feel quite like yourself. You could be dealing with nausea, a common side effect of anesthesia, or perhaps you simply don’t have much of an appetite. Still, eating well can significantly improve the healing process and support recovery.
Postsurgery, your body requires additional nutrients to repair tissue, combat infection, and regain strength. Whether you’re recovering from a minor outpatient surgery or a major invasive procedure, the foods you consume can either speed up healing or slow it down.
Your nutritional needs may vary depending on the type of surgery you had and your overall health, but certain nutritional principles hold true across most recovery plans. These include consuming enough calories to fuel recovery; eating nutrient-dense foods, including plenty of fiber; and staying hydrated.
“Major surgeries along with wound healing put the body under substantial stress that will require more nutrition,” explains Maggie Ward, MS, RDN, LDN, nutrition director of The UltraWellness Center in Lenox, Mass. “This includes the three macronutrients — fats, carbohydrates, and proteins — and vitamins and minerals.”
It’s important to always follow any specific dietary guidance your surgical team provides, as these instructions can vary depending on the type of surgery you underwent. For example, if you’re recovering from a gastrointestinal procedure, like a gastrectomy, you may be instructed to follow a low-fiber diet to prevent irritating the digestive system. Or, if you’ve had a cardiac operation, such as an arrhythmia surgery, the doctors may recommend you reduce sodium intake to protect your cardiovascular health.
“Providing your body with the right nutrients can help reduce inflammation, prevent complications, and get you back on your feet sooner,” says Ward. The following nutritional advice can aid your recovery.
Stay hydrated.
One of the most essential components of postsurgery recovery is proper hydration. “Blood and other fluids are often lost during surgery, along with minerals that work as electrolytes to balance bodily fluids,” Ward says. “Drinking enough fluids helps your body flush out toxins, maintain electrolyte balance, and support circulation, all of which are crucial for wound healing.”
While you may not feel thirsty after surgery — especially if you’re dealing with pain or nausea — it’s essential to consume fluids regularly throughout the day. Water is the best option, but you can also hydrate with clear broths, tea, or electrolyte drinks.
Some surgeries, especially those involving the digestive tract, may require you to follow a liquid or partial-liquid diet for a time. If you’ve been prescribed a liquid diet, prioritize nutrient-dense beverages like bone broth, smoothies, and protein shakes to nourish your body with essential vitamins and minerals (explore our collection of smoothie and shake recipes). Once you get the go-ahead from your doctor to begin eating solid foods, opt for soft, easy-to-digest options, such as cooked veggies and lean proteins.
Focus on fiber.
Fiber may not be top of mind when you think of nourishing postsurgery foods, but it’s critical for preventing constipation, a common side effect of many surgeries. Postoperative pain medications, particularly opioids, can slow bowel movements.
“Fiber provides the bulk to stools, helping move waste out through the digestive tract, which also requires good hydration,” Ward explains. High-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes help avert constipation and, at the same time, support gut health.
However, it’s also essential to adjust your fiber intake based on the type of surgery you’ve had. “For surgeries on the digestive tract or that impair short-term gut function, you may require a low-fiber diet to allow the bowel to rest after surgery,” she notes. “Once your digestive system is ready, gradually reintroducing fiber will help ensure regular bowel movements and prevent discomfort.”
Get plenty of protein.
Protein is one of the most critical nutrients for postsurgery recovery, Ward says, because it’s “essential for tissue repair, especially in surgeries that involve muscle or connective tissue.” Your body also relies on protein to promote wound healing and support your immune system.
Without enough protein, your body may break down muscle to provide the amino acids necessary for other critical functions, leading to muscle loss and weakness. This is especially concerning following surgery because you need strength to support your recovery.
Lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, tofu, and beans are excellent options. Ward notes that for those struggling with appetite or digestion, “good-quality protein powders and protein shakes can be a great way to get more protein, especially if appetite and digestion are compromised in the short term.”
Some specific amino acids, such as leucine and glutamine, have also been shown to assist the healing process by promoting muscle repair and recovery.
Choose whole foods.
Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help repair damaged tissue and boost your immune system. These nutrients — which include zinc and vitamins C and E — can help counteract the oxidative stress and inflammation caused by surgery. For these reasons, Ward emphasizes that “whole, unprocessed foods are best for before and after surgery.”
Stay clear of ultraprocessed foods, alcohol, and added sugars after surgery, she advises, because they can increase inflammation, impair immune function, and slow the healing process.
“Alcohol is inflammatory to the gut and overall body and puts a strain on the detox pathways,” she explains. “Processed foods high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections. In addition to sugary snacks, avoid fried foods and processed meats, as these can exacerbate inflammation and delay recovery.”
While your specific post-surgery needs may vary depending on the type of procedure you’ve had, a balanced, nutrient-dense diet with plenty of fluids is a good prescription for supporting your body’s healing process. These simple nutritional principles can help prevent complications, aid recovery, and get you back on your feet.
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