Nutrition has a profound impact on the wound healing process. To prepare your body for surgery avoid nicotine-containing products, stay hydrated, and consume plenty of the nutrients your body will need for healing:
- Boost your protein intake: Drink a protein shake twice daily using protein powder such as ProCare MD* or a less expensive whey protein powder, such as those sold at Costco, GNC and elsewhere. A few example recipes are at the bottom of the page. The Internet has hundreds of recipes for smoothies.
- Optimize your diet: Eat eggs for breakfast to further boost protein. Avoid sweet-tasting foods and drinks, even those with low calorie sweeteners, and try to drink more water.
- Take vitamins: Take a multivitamin including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and iron. These are the most important cofactors for healing. Vitamin C and zinc help build collagen. Iron will help you raise your blood counts preoperatively. If you have a history of constipation problems, take an over-the-counter stool softener such as Colace, 100mg twice a day, while taking iron. Prunes are another good option for preventing constipation. If necessary, you may also add a tablespoon of Miralax to your coffee, water or juice every morning. It has no flavor and will not ruin your drink.
ProCare MD Surgical Protein Supplement contains
- 24g of protein per serving
- 6g of BCAAs per serving
- 5g of fiber per serving
- 4-hour protein release
- Digestive enzymes for maximum protein absorption
Protein Shake Example Recipes
Shake 1
- 4 oz. apple or orange juice
- 1 banana
- 1 cup strawberries or other berries
- 2 scoops of protein powder
Shake 2
- 4 oz. orange juice
- 1 cup greek yogurt
- ½ cup frozen strawberries
- ½ cup frozen raspberries, blackberries or blueberries
- 2 scoops of protein powder
If you feel green drinks are healthier, add kale or spinach to a fruit protein shake. It won’t be as gross tasting as it sounds. Or explore the many recipes available elsewhere on the Internet; you can use any shake recipe that calls for protein powder.
* Dr. Fisher doesn’t have a financial interest in ProCare MD. She is familiar with the research supporting the evidence-based decision to use this product to promote wound healing.
Christine Fisher MD
Nutrition has a profound impact on the wound healing process. To prepare your body for surgery avoid nicotine-containing products, stay hydrated, and consume plenty of the nutrients your body will need for healing:
- Boost your protein intake: Drink a protein shake twice daily using protein powder such as ProCare MD* or a less expensive whey protein powder, such as those sold at Costco, GNC and elsewhere. A few example recipes are at the bottom of the page. The Internet has hundreds of recipes for smoothies.
- Optimize your diet: Eat eggs for breakfast to further boost protein. Avoid sweet-tasting foods and drinks, even those with low calorie sweeteners, and try to drink more water.
- Take vitamins: Take a multivitamin including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and iron. These are the most important cofactors for healing. Vitamin C and zinc help build collagen. Iron will help you raise your blood counts preoperatively. If you have a history of constipation problems, take an over-the-counter stool softener such as Colace, 100mg twice a day, while taking iron. Prunes are another good option for preventing constipation. If necessary, you may also add a tablespoon of Miralax to your coffee, water or juice every morning. It has no flavor and will not ruin your drink.
ProCare MD Surgical Protein Supplement contains
- 24g of protein per serving
- 6g of BCAAs per serving
- 5g of fiber per serving
- 4-hour protein release
- Digestive enzymes for maximum protein absorption
Protein Shake Example Recipes
Shake 1
- 4 oz. apple or orange juice
- 1 banana
- 1 cup strawberries or other berries
- 2 scoops of protein powder
Shake 2
- 4 oz. orange juice
- 1 cup greek yogurt
- ½ cup frozen strawberries
- ½ cup frozen raspberries, blackberries or blueberries
- 2 scoops of protein powder
If you feel green drinks are healthier, add kale or spinach to a fruit protein shake. It won’t be as gross tasting as it sounds. Or explore the many recipes available elsewhere on the Internet; you can use any shake recipe that calls for protein powder.
* Dr. Fisher doesn’t have a financial interest in ProCare MD. She is familiar with the research supporting the evidence-based decision to use this product to promote wound healing.
Christine Fisher MD
