High quality protein such as lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, beans, legumes, yogurt, cheese, nuts and seeds help your body prepare and heal before and after surgery. These high quality proteins will help boost immunity and aid in the body’s repair.
Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel contain high amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties which assist in reducing inflammation caused by the surgery.
Vitamin C is essential for the formation of collagen which is present in the tendons and ligaments that connect the bones and muscles. Include Vitamin C rich foods like oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, lemons and vegetables such as brussels sprouts and cauliflower.
Vitamin D and Calcium maximize bone and joint health when undergoing joint replacement. Dairy such as ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, milk and Greek yogurt are some examples as well as foods such as broccoli, spinach, chia seeds, sesame seeds, almonds, oranges, figs, apples, and bananas to name a few. Aside from Calcium rich foods you should spend time outdoors during the day so your body is able to synthesize Vitamin D from sunlight to aid in the absorption of calcium from the foods you consume.
Focus on whole foods and avoid processed foods low in fiber, high in sugar and saturated fat. Maintaining good nutrition is key to optimal healing.