Post surgery protein requirements and benefits (2024)

FAQs

What are the protein requirements for postoperative patients? ›

Postoperative protein requirements typically range between 1.2 and 2 g/kg, with the lower endappropriate for patients after uncomplicated elective surgery and the higher end recommended after major surgery.

Eating foods rich in protein is important for healing and repairing tissues. Protein also helps your body make new blood cells, which are necessary for wound healing. Good sources of protein include lean meats, poultry, fish, tofu, eggs, legumes, and nuts.

After surgery, your body initiates a complex process of tissue repair and wound healing. Protein is essential for this process as it provides the building blocks (amino acids) necessary for the creation of new tissues.

Protein needs are higher after surgery and the general recommended intake increases to at least 1.6g protein per kg of body weight per day (1.6g/kg/day) or up to 2-3 g/kg/day. To calculate this, you would multiply your weight in kg by the amount of protein per kg you want to consume (such as 1.6).

Post operatively, protein has an important role in helping to replace blood losses, repair damaged body tissues, improve muscle health, recover strength, accelerate the healing process and enhance your immune system to prevent inflammations or infections.

Leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, arugula, mustard greens, and Swiss chard are packed with nutrients that decrease inflammation, enhance immune function, and improve wound healing, making them the perfect choice to promote recovery.

Therefore, should you eat chicken and eggs after a surgery? Yes, it is completely safe and even advisable. However, if you are still not convinced and do not feel comfortable eating them, it is also alright to skip the chicken and egg. Nevertheless, remember to get your protein from the other sources as mentioned.

Avoid fatty foods that are more likely to cause constipation, such as cheeses and full-fat dairy products, French fries, and red meats. Limit your intake of fried food. Drink more liquids, such as water, herbal and decaffeinated teas, and other unsweetened beverages.

Drink fluids

It helps you feel better. And it balances the chemicals in your body called electrolytes. Unless told not to, drink at least 6 glasses of clear liquids (such as water, apple juice, or ginger ale) a day. You may want to stay away from fizzy (carbonated) drinks.

How to speed up healing after surgery? ›

Supplements: Make sure to continue with Zinc, Glutamine, Arginine, Coenzyme Q10, and Probiotics. Wait 72 hours before resuming Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, B vitamins, fish oils, and a Multivitamin.

High-protein foods include lean meat, poultry, and fish. You can also get plenty of protein from eggs, dairy and soy products, beans, nuts, and seeds.

Proteins significantly affect the entire process of wound healing through their roles in RNA and DNA synthesis, collagen and elastic tissue formation, immune system function, epidermal growth, and keratinization [8]. Therefore, it is vital to provide proteins for wound healing.

If you plan on including processed foods after surgery, try to choose items that are low in salt, low in sugar, and high in protein. Foods that are not providing high quantities of fiber and protein should be avoided, such as chips, sweets, and fried foods.

The stress of surgery increases our body's need for protein. Protein provides the building blocks for our body to heal surgical incisions and to keep our muscles strong. Aim to eat at least 20-30g of protein per meal up to and following your surgery date.

Athletes may need even more protein and should aim for 1.2–2g/kg each day. While protein gets most of the glory when it comes to post-exercise fuel, carbohydrates have a role to play, too. In fact, carbohydrates and protein in a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio have been found to help maximise recovery by replenishing energy stores.

Preserve muscle tissue by eating foods rich in protein. High-protein foods include eggs, meats, fish, seafood, tuna, poultry, soy milk, tofu, cottage cheese, yogurt and other milk products. Your goal should be a minimum of 65 to 75 grams of protein a day.