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10 Best Foods to Eat After Plastic Surgery

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    Plastic surgery of any kind puts a big stress on your body. Recovery time will vary depending on the type and quality of surgery. That’s why it’s essential to choose a highly qualified plastic surgeon to achieve the best results and avoid complications. 

    Fortunately, some things can help your body heal faster, and one of them is your diet. Healthy diet choices will reduce your risk of lessening scarring and possible complications like infection. Here are the 10 best foods to consume after plastic surgery:

    1. Berries 

    Berries contain a wide range of antioxidants. These substances will help you avoid oxidative stress to which your body is more prone after surgery. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants. Too much free radicals lead to cellular and DNA damage and can provoke cancer. 

    In addition to antioxidants, berries are high in various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, manganese, vitamin K1, copper, and folate. All of these essential nutrients will lower post-surgery inflammation, improve your blood flow, and protect your skin against damage.

    2. Pineapple and Papaya

    Pineapple and papaya have enzymes that lower inflammation and swelling and break down protein into building blocks for your skin. 

    3. Protein-rich foods 

    Lean protein, particularly collagen, is responsible for providing your skin with structure and elasticity. Eating higher amounts of protein-rich foods will help your skin heal well, especially if you’ve had surgery. The best sources of lean protein include: 

    • White-fleshed fish
    • Plain greek yogurt
    • Beans
    • Peas
    • Lentils
    • Low-fat cottage cheese
    • Lite tofu 
    • Egg whites

    You can also try supplemental protein, like the protein added to shakes, to help your body get enough protein.

    4. Cruciferous Vegetables

    Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower contain high amounts of indoles that improve immune function and help combat inflammation. Having a strong immune system is essential for avoiding infection and other complications after surgery. 

    5. Fiber-rich foods

    Surgery also affects your digestive system, especially your bowels resulting in constipation. To prevent possible intestinal issues, you should consume plenty of fiber and drink lots of water. Good sources of fiber include:

    • Apples
    • Beans and legumes
    • Pears
    • Bran flakes
    • Oatmeal
    • Flaxseed Meal

    6. Mushrooms 

    Mushrooms help maintain a healthy immune system by lowering inflammatory proteins and increasing the functionality of T-cells. Adding mushrooms to your diet will increase your antioxidant intake and improve your energy levels.

    7. Dairy products 

    Fermented dairy products such as yogurt and kefir improve your gut and skin microbiome. But why do you need to boost your microbiome? Doctors often prescribe antibiotics after surgery to combat infection. Antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria in your gut and skin leading to digestive issues, weakened immune system, and poor skin health. If you don’t eat dairy products, try supplements with probiotics. 

    8. Bell peppers and citrus fruits

    Vitamin C is extremely beneficial for your skin health. This vitamin helps combat free radicals that damage skin cells, keeps signs of premature aging at bay, and improves skin repair. Red and green peppers, kiwi, broccoli, guava, and citrus fruits contain high amounts of vitamin C

    9. Seeds, nuts, and squash

    Seeds, nuts, and pumpkins are full of zinc that’s known for its beneficial effects on the immune system. Zinc is also crucial for protein synthesis and promotes good healing after plastic surgery.

    10. Sweet potatoes 

    Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene that turns into vitamin A during the digestive process. Your body uses vitamin A to repair damaged tissues, mucous membranes, and skin. All these components of the body are affected by plastic surgery. Beta-carotene is also found in carrots, cantaloupe, mango, and dark leafy greens.

    Foods To Avoid After Plastic Surgery

    Another thing you need to know is that some foods should be avoided. In the current healing time, you want your body to be as primed for healing as possible. To achieve this goal, eliminate the following foods from your diet:

    • Sugar. Refined sugar or foods high in sugar can negatively affect your immune function and foster inflammation.
    • Salt. Sodium leads to fluid retention that will prolong any swelling or puffiness near an incision. Reduce or eliminate salt after plastic surgery to allow your body to heal well.
    • Inflammatory foods. Inflammatory foods include vegetable and seed oils, products that contain trans fats, refined carbs, alcohol, corn syrup, and processed meat. It’s obvious that these products promote inflammation.

    Your body needs five times more nutrients after surgery. Getting enough essential minerals, vitamins, macronutrients, and antioxidants will help prevent serious infection and other possible complications and promote good healing. Good nutrition will lower your swelling, help avoid infection, and reduce your pain and inflammation. 

    Consult your surgeon about other things you should avoid during your recovery period to keep your body healthy and strong.