12 healing foods to eat after surgery or injury

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Using food to supplement nutrition and enhance the body's resistance always brings great benefits, especially for people who have just undergone surgery. So what should you eat after surgery to recover quickly? Here are 12 food suggestions for you to refer to so you don't have to wonder what to eat after surgery or injury.

1. Cranberries and their benefits for heart health

We often use cranberries in snacks but don't pay attention to the powerful antioxidant properties of this fruit. This is a superfruit that is good for health, especially for lowering the risk of heart disease. In addition, if you want to lose weight, you can use 1/3 cup daily.

This type of fruit is recommended to be used ripe to enhance positive functions for health. If you have undergone heart surgery or frequently experience pain, you should use it to reduce pain and improve heart health.

2. Reducing nausea with ginger

Ginger has a warm nature and is often combined with cold foods to harmonize when introduced into the body. In the analysis of components, researchers have found antibacterial substances from ginger that help the body resist the risk of disease. Ginger is especially good for people with low blood pressure and reduces nausea symptoms when using 0.5 - 1g. At the same time, this spice is recommended for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

3. Supporting digestion with oatmeal

Oatmeal is a convenient food rich in fiber, energy, and low in fat for busy people. Post-surgery patients can use it for easy digestion while improving their health.

Oatmeal supports the patient’s digestive system, specially after surgery
Oatmeal supports the patient’s digestive system, specially after surgery

4. Healing wound with honey

If you're looking for healing foods, honey is a great option. It's a long-standing remedy that has been used to heal wounds, fight inflammation, and prevent bacteria and viruses from entering the body. Honey also helps white blood cells release cytokines to heal damaged tissues.


If you are in need of healing food, use honey. This is a long-standing medicine that has been used to heal wounds, prevent inflammation, and prevent viruses and bacteria from entering. At the same time, honey helps white blood cells release cytokines to heal damaged tissues.

5. Citrus fruits promote wound healing

Lemons and oranges are fruits rich in vitamin C, which is good for the body's immune system. Therefore, these fruits are commonly used for patients and people who want to prevent the risk of disease. Berries work by preventing oxidation, inflammation, and allergies, so post-surgery patients can use them.

6. Mushrooms help wounds heal and improve gut health

Mushrooms are a type of vegetarian food with high nutritional value and many health benefits. Based on their biological properties, experts have found that they have the ability to heal wounds, fight allergies, and stimulate the immune system. In addition, mushrooms contain prebiotics, a substance that stimulates the growth of gut bacteria.

7. Avocado for heart surgery or stroke patients

Eating plenty of avocados is beneficial before heart disease becomes a threat to your health. It is a nutritious fruit with a rich, creamy taste and is commonly used. Regular consumption of avocados helps prevent metabolic disorders. This is also the cause of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

For patients who have undergone heart surgery or stroke, avocados should be eaten to boost immunity. This is a solution to prevent the recurrence of dangerous diseases.

Avocado which is nutritious is good for patients after heart surgery
Avocado which is nutritious is good for patients after heart surgery

8. Turmeric powder for post-surgery pain relief

What to eat after surgery to reduce pain when the effects of anesthesia gradually wear off? You can try fresh turmeric or turmeric powder, which can be combined with honey if you are not used to it. Turmeric is a popular colorant when preparing food. However, that is not the real purpose of this spice.

When you eat turmeric as a habit, your body will be treated for various diseases such as arthritis, be detoxified and your skin will be lightened. Turmeric is good for people with cancer and especially diseases related to the stomach. For patients undergoing surgery or postpartum women, it is often recommended to use this spice to reduce pain and quickly heal wounds.

9. Apple cider vinegar for allergies

What to eat after surgery to improve antibiotic allergies? You may not have ever been allergic to drugs, but not all of us are the same. Antibiotics are drugs used to care for post-surgery, but they are very prone to allergies if your body is resistant. Therefore, you should use a little apple cider vinegar to provide acetic acid as a replacement for drugs that your body is resistant to.

However, apple cider vinegar has a sour taste and is acidic, so it should not be abused. Beside that, you should note some of the following points to safely use apple cider vinegar after surgery.

  • High acid damages tooth enamel, so you should dilute the vinegar with water.
  • Vinegar affects potassium levels, specifically reducing potassium.
  • Apple cider vinegar affects insulin and should be used with caution in diabetic patients.

10. Nuts to increase insulin

Numerous studies have demonstrated that nuts improve insulin resistance, contributing to the regeneration of cell membranes. Among them, almonds are a typical type of nut that you should try. You can consume from 10 to 100 grams of almonds daily, depending on your needs, to reduce blood sugar, lower cholesterol instead of statins, and improve insulin resistance.

Eating almonds also creates a feeling of fullness, so you can use this type of nut to supplement a low-calorie diet. Walnuts are similar and also reduce the risk of heart disease for users. At the same time, you will be supplemented with fiber, which is good for the digestive process.

You can also eat about 40g of peanuts with the shell every day. Using this type of nut for a long time will reduce blood sugar levels and improve blood vessel function, as well as reduce the risk of dangerous cardiovascular diseases.

11. Apples for faster recovery after heart surgery

There are many types of apples, but which one is good for people who have just had surgery? All types of apples you use are a source of phytochemicals that inhibit the production of cancer cells, reduce bad cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease, and prevent the risk of chronic diseases.

Consuming apples helps supplementing phytochemical for patients
Consuming apples helps supplementing phytochemical for patients

12. Nutritious and easy-to-use milk

Drinking milk is a convenient option for post-surgery patients to limit the movement of organs but still ensure a rich source of nutrients. You can drink 3 glasses of milk a day to recover from injuries. However, that's just the theory, in reality, you can process milk into dishes for easy consumption without being boring.

  • Replace milk with water in cooking recipes
  • Mix milk powder with yogurt
  • Use milk with fruit smoothies or eat with oatmeal
  • Cook soup with milk

In addition, you can use dairy products such as butter, cheese... or drink soy milk, corn milk to increase taste sensation.

Besides using foods to help the body recover well after injuries or surgery, patients should also pay attention to lifestyle, living, and regular health check-ups as directed by a specialist.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: verywellfit.com
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