Plant-Based Eating for Surgery Recovery

If you follow a plant-based diet, how can you support your recovery after surgery? How do you get the nutrients your body needs? Learn more about eating for healing after surgery to ensure you get those key nutrients to speed recovery. 

As someone who is recently recovering from an e-bike accident, which resulted in a fracture, major surgery to replace bones, and a long hospital stay, I am fully aware of how important it is to fuel your body with good nutrition to support recovery. In fact, I’ve been practicing as a dietitian for more than 30 years, spending many years in health care facilities helping people find their way to recovery on their healing journey. Surgery might be planned or unplanned, but either way it can be physically and emotionally demanding, and the journey toward healing and regaining strength can present its own set of obstacles. Ensuring a balanced diet and providing adequate nourishment are critical strategies for facilitating the healing process. Your body’s needs for nutrients increases during this healing period, but obstacles can make obtaining these nutrients through foods challenging. Is it possible to recover and heal on a plant-based diet, such as a vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian diet? The answer is yes! I’m doing that right now! That’s why I’m so excited to share more on all of the nutritional issues you should consider after surgery, including the nutrients your body needs to heal, and tips on how to get these nutrients through plant-based foods. Indeed, a healthy plant-based diet can help support your body as it repairs itself in unique ways, if planned properly.  

Things to Consider After Surgery

After surgery, there are a lot of issues to keep in mind along your healing journey. Here are a few tips to help you negotiate the process to speed your recovery. 

1. Follow postoperative care instructions

These instructions typically cover wound care, medications, physical activity, and follow-up sessions. Above all else, it is important to follow the doctor’s orders to aid in recovery.

2. Effective pain management

Being in pain is not fun. Having pain management under control will result in more comfort, allowing easier movement, adequate rest, and the ability to engage in physical therapy as needed. However, keep in mind that pain medications can cause irritation of the stomach, resulting in nausea, heartburn, and poor appetite (see more about nausea below).

3. Be watchful

Keep an eye out for any signs of complications, such as infection, excessive bleeding, swelling, redness, or persistent pain. If any of these issues develop, they should be reported to your doctor or healthcare provider so that appropriate treatment can be received to avoid developing further problems.

4. Don’t touch before washing

Always practice good hygiene, particularly near the surgery site to lower the risk of infection and accelerate recovery. Follow guidelines for handwashing and personal hygiene before changing dressing or wound care.

5. Drink your H2O

Stay well-hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day to help maintain circulation, support organ function, and facilitate the elimination of waste products from the body. Constipation is often a side effect of certain pain medications, and staying hydrated will help keep things moving (see more on constipation below).

6. Get your zzz’s

Get enough rest for your body to recover and heal after surgery by making sleep a priority. Pay attention and listen to your body’s cues.

7. Walk, don’t run

Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations on when and how to gradually resume physical activity. You might be instructed to start with light activity and then gradually work up to higher-intensity movement, which can help rebuild strength, improve mobility, and prevent complications such as blood clots.

Nutrition Considerations After Surgery 

When it comes to recovery, it’s important to keep in mind that your body will require additional calories, protein, fluids, vitamins, and minerals to promote healing, repair tissues, strengthen the immune system, and improve general health. Additionally, being NPO (nothing to eat by mouth) for a period of time, as well as poor appetite and nausea after surgery (see more below), can also interfere with your nutritional intake. The good news is that plant-based diets provide a range of nutrients and phytochemicals that can help support healing. Focus on consuming a well-balanced plant-based diet high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants through key plant-based foods. After receiving approval from your doctor to resume eating solid foods following surgery (which differs depending on your surgery), try considering ways to incorporate the following nutrients into your diet.

Protein

Protein is essential for wound healing, tissue repair, regeneration, and maintaining muscle mass. After surgery, your body requires more protein to repair damaged tissues and support the immune system. Including a variety of protein-rich foods in your diet can be beneficial for accelerating the healing process and minimizing the chances of developing infections as well as a great way to boost your nutrition. In a recent study involving 50 patients who underwent major open abdominal cancer surgery, it was found that a significant number of patients failed to consume sufficient protein and energy. (1) This highlights the importance of addressing nutritional needs in post-surgical care.

What to Eat for Protein?

• Tofu, tempeh, soy milk, pulses (beans, lentils, peas), nuts, seeds, textured vegetable protein (TVP), and soy or seitan meat alternatives. Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat also furnish additional protein. 
• Consider adding a plant-based protein shake fortified with nutrients to your routine, such as this Vega All-in-One Shake. 
• Incorporate pulses into your meals by tossing them into salads, preparing lentil soups, or enjoying chickpea-based dishes such as hummus or falafel. 
• Try this delectable Nourish Lentil Bowl recipe that features lentils as the foundation topped with healthy roasted vegetables and fruits.
• There are so many delicious ways to enjoy tofu! You can add it to stir-fries, curries, scrambles, salads, or even marinate and grill it for a flavorful main dish.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in the healing process of damaged tissue and the reduction of swelling. According to a research study, consuming an adequate amount of magnesium in your diet can help decrease inflammation. (2)

What to Eat for Magnesium?

• Some sources of magnesium to include in your diet for post-surgery recovery are avocado, almonds, cashews, leafy greens (such as kale, spinach, and collards), bananas, and whole grains (such as oats and brown rice).
• Bananas are a delicious and versatile fruit source of magnesium that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer them on their own, blended into a smoothie, or sliced on top of your morning oatmeal. 
• Magnesium is particularly abundant in dark leafy vegetables such as collard greens, Swiss chard, spinach, and kale. Enjoy them in smoothies, stir-fries, soups, salads, or as a main course as featured in this delicious and nutritious homemade vegan lasagna. 
• Savor a small piece of dark chocolate as a treat that is high in magnesium.

Zinc

Zinc is a trace mineral that plays a crucial role in promoting skin healing and growth. 

What to Eat for Zinc?

• Include spinach, nuts, and seeds like pumpkin seeds and cashews, as well as whole grains such as oats and quinoa, and lentils, beans, and chickpeas in your diet to boost your zinc intake. 
• Zinc can also be found in some types of mushrooms, including shiitake and maitake.
• Get creative with nuts and seeds; add them to your yogurt, oatmeal, and salads.
• Zinc-rich whole grains, such as brown rice and quinoa, can be eaten as a side dish or as a starting point for dishes like stir-fries, grain bowls, and even tacos.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays a crucial role in the production of skin cells. In a comprehensive narrative review examining the impact of nutrition on wound healing and the link between nutritional status and postoperative complications, it was found that vitamins A, and C, along with zinc, have a positive effect on the various stages of healing. (3)

What to Eat for Vitamin A?

• Some sources of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body, include sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers (mainly red), mango, melons (such as cantaloupe and watermelon), avocado, leafy greens (such as collards, turnip greens, and spinach), butternut squash, and tomatoes. 
• It’s important to keep in mind that vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, so pairing these foods with a source of healthy fats will help with absorption.
• Delicious and nutritious, try sweet potatoes as a source of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. They make a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal. Whether roasted, mashed, or baked, these vibrant root vegetables are sure to satisfy your taste buds with their natural sweetness and rich texture. Try this recipe for sweet potato veggie burgers here. 

Vitamin C

Fruits and vegetables provide the essential nutrient vitamin C, which is important in rebuilding collagen and soft tissues, as well as promoting wound recovery. 

What to Eat for Vitamin C?

• Add a variety of vibrant fruits plentiful in vitamin C to your diet, such as oranges, kiwis, papayas, guavas, and various berries like strawberries and blueberries.
• Vegetables also contribute a good source of vitamin C, such as bell peppers, potatoes, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, and potatoes. 
• Remember that vitamin C is quite sensitive to heat. To maintain the vitamin C content in fruits and vegetables, it’s best to consume them raw or lightly cooking them without excess water. 
• Try this calming super-berry soy chia pudding featuring sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

How to Prevent Constipation

Medications (including pain meds), immobilization, and poor appetite can lead to constipation after surgery. Push the water and make sure to include as much fiber as possible with these tips:

• Include whole grains like oats for breakfast, whole grain toast and crackers for snacks and sandwiches, and cooked grains like quinoa and wheatberries as side-dishes.
• Put beans on your plate every day, such as lentils in soups and curries, bean wraps for breakfast or lunch, and chickpeas in stews or entrees. 
• Include fruits and vegetables at each meal—in soups, salads, snacks, bars, and smoothies. 
• Add a couple of servings of nuts and seeds each day, such as in smoothies, cookies, cereals, and salads. 

How to Fight Nausea 

Nausea and poor appetite is a common side effect of surgery. It occurs due to many factors, including anesthesia, trauma, pain, and medications. These effects can linger after surgery, as medications can further irritate the lining of your stomach. Many of your favorite foods no longer appeal to you. Try these tips to deal with nausea until your appetite returns to normal. 

• Try six small feedings rather than three larger meals. 
• Nibble on simple dry, carbohydrate foods, such as saltine crackers or dry toast when nausea arises.
• You may need to avoid strongly flavored, spicy foods if they don’t appeal to you. 
• If acidic foods, such as coffee, dark chocolate, and citrus bother you, avoid it. 
• Avoid alcohol, which can irritate your stomach and interfere with many drugs. 
• Favor mildly flavored, comforting foods, such as soups, peanut butter on toast, baked tofu, mashed potatoes, lentil patties, porridges, bananas, and vegan mac and cheese. 
• Some strongly flavored vegetables, such as garlic, onions, kale, and broccoli, may not appeal to you at this time. Try milder vegetables, like peas, carrots, and iceburg lettuce. 
• Include a plant-based shake at least once a day to supplement key nutrients. Try this recipe for a high protein shake using your favorite plant-based protein powder. Look for protein powders that also include essential nutrients to help meet your nutrient needs, such as this Vega All-in-One Shake.

For more information on meeting your nutrient needs, check out the following:

Written by Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN with Kristine Papa, Dietetic Intern

References:

1. Constansia RDN, Hentzen JEKR, Hogenbirk RNM, et al. Actual postoperative protein and calorie intake in patients undergoing major open abdominal cancer surgery: A prospective, observational cohort study. Nutr Clin Pract. 2022;37(1):183-191. doi:10.1002/ncp.10678 
2.  Alateeq K, Walsh EI, Ambikairajah A, Cherbuin N. Association between dietary magnesium intake, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. Eur J Nutr. Published online 2024. doi:10.1007/s00394-024-03383-1
3.  Seth I, Lim B, Cevik J, et al. Impact of nutrition on skin wound healing and aesthetic outcomes: A comprehensive narrative review. JPRAS Open. 2024;39:291-302. doi:10.1016/j.jpra.2024.01.006

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