Nutrition is vital to healing after a surgery. As I have stated in prior blogs, you MUST have a good diet after surgery or you will not heal.
What does poor nutrition do?
- Incisions can open up. “wound dehiscence”
- Infections can happen.
- Scars can widen or elevate.
- Delayed feeling good/return to work.
When you have deficiencies in vitamins, wound healing is impaired because they are essential to collagen synthesis and cross linking for wound strength.
Which vitamins and minerals do we mean? ** THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. These recommendations should be reviewed with your treating doctor. There are issues with toxicity from all of these.
- VITAMIN A. Needed for collagen.
- To supplement, you need 10,000-25,000 IU/day for 10 days. Only supplement if deficient. (seen if you are on a steroid, have had radiation or chemo, or have diabetes)
- VITAMIN C. Needed for collagen to cross link and form strong wounds. Elderly are at particular risk due to poor intake of vitamin C.
- To supplement, take 250-500 mg/day. Decrease dose in renal failure.
- ZINC. Helps with wound strength, collagen making, immune system, and new skin formation. Risk factors for being deficient are seen in people with malabsorption, wound drainage, or diarrhea.
- To supplement, take 220 mg/day
Other possible supplements….
- ARGININE. An essential amino acid. May influence small blood vessel perfusion, stimulate the immune function, and improves rapid wound closure. (these were found in a few randomized controlled trials, but the sample size was small.)
- GLUTAMINE. This is the fuel for rapidly dividing cells. It helps with nitrogen balance, improved immune function after surgical stress.
- CONTRAINDICATED in liver failure, hyperammonemia, and cerebral edema.
- More studies needed to find efficacy.
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding your health or medical condition.