What to Eat as a Post-Surgery Recovery

Surgery = controlled trauma. Healing needs: protein, vitamin C, zinc, vitamin A. Malnutrition doubles surgical complications.

Surgery = controlled trauma. Healing needs: protein, vitamin C, zinc, vitamin A. Malnutrition doubles surgical complications.

🔑 Key Nutrients

Protein — 1.5-2.0g/kg

Sources:

Collagen synthesis requires amino acids. Deficiency = poor wound healing.

Vitamin C — 500-1000mg/day

Sources:

Required for collagen cross-linking. Smokers need 2x more.

Zinc — 15-30mg/day

Sources:

Cell division + protein synthesis. Deficiency = delayed closure.

Bromelain

Sources:

Pineapple enzyme reduces swelling and bruising. 500mg 3x/day.

🥇 Top Foods for Post-Surgery Recovery

eggsalmonchicken breastbone brothspinachsweet potatoberriespineapple

💊 Supportive Supplements

vitamin czincbromelaincollagenvitamin d3

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

4.7/5

20g collagen/day for wound healing. Glycine + proline are the amino acids for collagen synthesis. Mixes in any liquid. Start 2 weeks pre-op if elective.

$27

Thorne Zinc Picolinate 30mg

4.8/5

Zinc is required for cell division and wound closure. Zinc deficiency = delayed healing. 30mg/day during recovery. Take with food.

$15

NOW Bromelain 500mg

4.5/5

Pineapple enzyme that reduces post-surgical swelling. Take on empty stomach. Start 3 days pre-op if planned. 500mg 3x/day between meals for swelling.

$14