Post-Surgery Eats

All about the foods that'll help you get back on your feet

Ok, I know what you're thinking, "Eleanor, don't be overdramatic, you didn't have real surgery" and to be honest, you'd be correct. I didn't have 'you'll feel a sharp scratch, fall asleep for about six hours and then wake up with zero recollection of where you are and wholeheartedly believing you are in fact Hannah Montana' type surgery, but I did spend a Sunday evening in an operating theatre while my left hand was thoroughly beaten up (and then patched up) by a surgeon. I had local anaesthetic, took antibiotics three times a day for a week and currently have a finger the size of a golf ball, featuring stitches reminiscent of #FrankensteinChic.

Either way, when I realised quite what a state I had got myself into, and quite how long (and how much hard work) it would take to rectify and get me back to dual handedness, I jumped straight on the 'food cures everything' bandwagon and started searching out what sorts of foods promote healing and basically help the body to do its thang.

As ever, the internet did not disappoint. It was surprisingly easy to find foods that are accessible, tasty, and full of everything your body could ever need; so here's what I've been chowing down on lately...

ALMONDS
for: Vitamin E
Almonds are a great source of Vitamin E, which not only helps to encourage wound healing and building up scar tissue (so we can all be Harry Potter), it's also a key player in antioxidant defence, helping to protect you from anything nasty that could be lurking in any tissues or cells.

Also found in: sunflower seeds, peanuts, kale, vegetable oils and olives

BEANS
for: Iron
Iron is pretty vital at all times, let alone when you've had surgery, because it helps create new red blood cells that store and carry oxygen in your blood. #Science. This in turn encourages the wound to heal and boosts your energy levels, getting you back on your feet and full of beans. Sorry, couldn't resist...

Also found in: meat and poultry, dried fruit, leafy vegetables, eggs and whole grains

POULTRY
for: Protein
Foods that are high in protein are a no-brainer after surgery because muscle tissue is likely to have been moved or damaged, meaning your body will be quick to try and repair itself (it's pretty great like that). Therefore, giving your body an extra dose of protein (feat. amino acids) will help boost its ability to heal, repair and regenerate tissue. Plus it'll help you feel stronger and more energised.

Also found in: seafood, eggs, nuts, dairy and beans

CITRUS FRUITS
for: Vitamin C
Ah, our trusty friend, Vitamin C. He's always there when we're feeling under the weather (which makes sense because he's great at protecting cells and keeping them healthy). In this instance, Vitamin C also helps heal up wounds and repair collagen. There's also speculation that Vitamin C can minimise the chance of over sensitising your nerves, so that's a pro.

Also found in: peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, brussels sprouts and potatoes

SEAFOOD
for: Zinc
Zinc is yet another speedy healer of wounds, but it is also well-known for helping to make new cells and enzymes. Not only that, but it helps us process and break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins in food which is, you know, pretty helpful.

Also found in: meat, cheese, bread and wheat germ

SWEET POTATOES
for: Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a mighty chap; just a small dose of Vitamin A enables your body to keep your immune system in tip-top condition so it can continue to fight against infections (always a worry after surgery). However, any Vitamin A not needed for immediate use is stored away by your body for the future, so you don't need it every day. Nifty!

Also found in: dairy, eggs, oily fish and leafy vegetables

WHOLE GRAINS
for: Fibre
I hope it's fairly self explanatory why fibre is a pretty important part of this list; basically so your body keeps working like it should and allows you to feel totally cool and chill. Getting fibre from high-carb foods will also help increase your energy levels.

Also found in: fruits, vegetables, beans, bread and porridge

YOGURT
for: Probiotics
Anaesthetics, antibiotics, and painkillers are notorious for messing you up and can deplete your supply of good bacteria. Therefore, eating foods high in probiotics will help keep your gut healthy and well balanced, as well as replenishing any 'friendly' bacteria lost.

Also found in: fermented foods and dairy

WATER
for: Hydration
It's so important to keep your fluid levels up. Personally I don't love water, but I know that it's the surefire way to prevent nausea, fatigue, and just not feeling all that peachy. As well as the fact that getting your eight glasses of H2O promotes healing, it also helps your body absorb medications and metabolise vitamins and nutrients.

Turns out you really are what you eat...
~ Eleanor xo