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  • Emma B

Nutrition and Healing: What to Eat After Hip Replacement

Updated: Nov 9, 2022

Patients who have undergone hip replacement surgery usually have to stay in the hospital for around 3-5 days. Where as, with MSKdoctors SPAIRE hip replacement, there is an overnight stay the day of the operation. Once they are discharged, they are usually encouraged to start physical therapy as soon as possible. Physical therapy aims to help the patient regain their range of motion and strength.

Patients need to eat a healthy diet during their recovery process. This is because the body needs to repair the damaged tissue and grow new tissue. To do this, the body needs the right nutrients.

This article provides an overview of the nutrients that are important for healing and recovery after hip replacement surgery.


Carbohydrates


Carbohydrates are an essential part of the diet for people who are recovering from surgery. They help the body to replenish its energy stores and promote healing.

There are a few things to keep in mind when incorporating carbohydrates into your diet after surgery. First, it is important to choose complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, legumes, and vegetables. These types of carbohydrates are slowly absorbed by the body due to the long 'cell' structure and will help to keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Secondly, you should focus on getting adequate fibre. Fibre is important for gut health and regulation. This is a key thing to note as medication given after surgery may disrupt digestive processes and returning this to normal will help recovery.

If you are unsure of how many carbohydrates you should be eating, speak to your doctor or dietitian.



Proteins


Protein is an important nutrient for the human body. It plays a role in many bodily functions, including cell growth and repair, muscle development, and immunity. For this reason, protein is often recommended as a part of a healthy diet. Especially for people who are recovering from surgery. Due to the stress surgery puts on the body, the protein helps to repair the muscles and tissue that have been damaged.

There are many different sources of protein, including meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, and beans. If you are recovering from surgery, be sure to include protein-rich foods in your diet to help your body recover.


Fats


In the past, patients were told to avoid fats after surgery. However, recent research has shown that fats play an important role in helping the body recover after surgery. Fatty acids help the body repair damaged tissue, reduce inflammation, and improve healing time.

So, if you're having surgery, don't be afraid to include healthy fats in your diet. They'll help you recover quicker and feel better overall.


Supplementation


One of the most important things you can do to aid in your recovery after surgery is to make sure you are getting enough nutrition to help recovery. If you feel as though you are lacking, supplementation can help this.


Protein supplements are often recommended for people after surgery. This is because protein is essential for wound healing and tissue repair. Protein supplements can help improve surgical outcomes by providing the body with the nutrients it needs to heal properly.

However, not all protein supplements are created equal. Some protein supplements are more bioavailable than others, meaning they are better able to be used by the body for healing. Whey protein is one of the most bioavailable protein supplements, making it an ideal choice for people after surgery.


Collagen supplements have been shown to help with the recovery process after surgery. Collagen is a protein that helps to support the skin and connective tissues. It also

plays a role in the repair of tissue damage.

There are a variety of collagen supplements available on the market. However, not all supplements are created equal. It is important to do your research and choose a supplement that is backed by scientific evidence.

If you are considering taking a collagen supplement after surgery, talk to your doctor first. They will be able to advise you on the best type of supplement for your individual needs.


After hip surgery, it is important to follow a healthy diet to recover properly. This includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, as well as getting enough water. You may also need to take supplements to get all the nutrients you need. Talk to a professional about nutrition after hip surgery to make sure you are doing everything you can to recover properly.


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