Surgery recovery and speedy healing has been a topic of recent discussion with a few friends. Invasive or non-invasive surgery still has similar impact on the body and puts stress and trauma on the body. Naturally, it is required for us to help the body heal, post-surgery with a healthy, nutritional diet and proper supplementation.

Whether you are recovering from heart surgery, oral surgery or laproscopic surgery- the right diet plan can have a big impact on the speed of your recovery and healing. Pain, bleeding and swelling and surgery site inflammation will naturally occur at and around the surgery site. Healing foods rich in antioxidants can assist in reducing the severity of the pain and swelling.

The 5 Ingredients Needed in Every Surgery Recovery Diet:
Antioxidants

Best consumed in food; studies suggest that supplemented antioxidants don't work, possibly because they work synergistically with other flavonoids and chemical compounds present in the native format. Consume lots of colorful fruit and veggies, especially dark leafy greens, citrus, berries and cherries.
Turmeric

Turmeric is a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic that is getting a lot of attention lately in research. It can be taken in capsule form.
Glucosamine sulfate

Glycosamingens are well established in the literature for the repair of connective tissue. Aim for approximately 1500 milligrams daily.
Omega-3 fatty acids

The easiest source of omega-3s is fish oil capsules, which should be taken twice daily. This should wait till about two to three days after surgery to ensure it does not interfere with normal blood clotting. (Fish oil has a very slight anticoagulant effect, which is mostly good—just not in the acute, post-trauma phase). Patients can also eat walnuts and pumpkin seeds as they are also sources of omega-3s.
Protein

Other amino acids besides glutamine are involved in wound healing and tissue regeneration, so ensure an adequate intake of lean protein: lean beef, chicken, fish, seafood, eggs, low-fat dairy and soy products.

The Best Surgery Recipe

Healing Organic Chicken Soup with Veggies & Brown Rice:

3 lb chicken, bought at the local farmers market. It comes frozen, with gizzards and all.
1 lb carrots
1 package celery (about 10 stalks, probably a little over a pound)
1/2 lb dry beans or lentils
1 large onion
1 large sweet potato, peeled
bay leaf, clove of garlic, salt, pepper and other spices (turmeric)
10 oz frozen package of peas
1 lb dry, whole grain brown rice

   1.     Wash the whole chicken and chicken parts. Place in 8 or 13-quart soup pot, fill three-quarters full with water and bring to a boil. Add carrots, onion, lentils and sweet potato. Stir in garlic, bay leaf, oregano, and basil.
   2.     Simmer covered for 1-1/2 hours. Add celery, beans, peas and parsley and cook for another 45 minutes. Spoon out the chicken bones and skim off some of the grease and fat from the top.
   3.     Add Salt and pepper to taste.