While you wait for surgery, you could be fueling your recovery!

There are powerful nutrients that your body needs to heal from surgery. Ensuring you are getting them from your diet 1-2 months before surgery sets you up for improved recovery. That means less risk of infection, fewer nights in hospital, and decreased chances of complications. You’ll be stronger and better prepared to start any adjuvant treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.

To do that you may need to work with some of the challenges you are currently experiencing. If you are eating less because you are in pain or have low appetite you may need extra support. Difficulty swallowing, digesting or eliminating foods may also be impacting your food choices. There are powerful strategies you can use to make the most of your mealtime. Reach out to your nutrition care team to get help now!

If you are eating mostly like your normal but are wondering what you can do to support your body or you are confused by the information you are taking in, focus on these nutrients to make the most of the time spent waiting.

You will likely want to avoid getting these nutrients through supplements at this time. Talk to your healthcare team to learn more.

Protein. The building blocks of all of your immune cells and tissues. Get it from fish, nuts, seeds, yogurt, kefir, eggs, whole grains, cheese, lean or grass-fed meat, legumes including beans and lentils.

Omega 3. They help regulate inflammation which translates into better immunity and quicker healing. Get it from salmon, sardines, smelt, light tuna, walnuts, flax meal, chia, hemp seeds and their oils.

Vitamin C. This helps clean up the wreckage and promotes healthy skin and tissue regrowth. Get it from yellow peppers, fresh thyme, parsley, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, kiwi, lemon, papaya, strawberries and oranges.

Zinc. This is important in every step of immunity, healing and energy recovery. Get it from fish and shellfish, lean or grass-fed meat, legumes including beans and lentils, nuts and seeds.