If you or a loved one is preparing for surgery, learning how nutrition can help you heal is essential. Our body's immune system is activated through certain nutrients. Specific vitamins and minerals can reduce inflammation and speed up tissue repair. Improving your immune system through eating a diet rich in amino acids, omega -3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals can quickly get you back to feeling your best after surgery

Amino Acids: You need them for vital processes such as building proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters- foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and soybeans have amino acids.

Omega -3 fatty acids: Omega-3s are important components of the membranes that surround each cell in your body - foods such as fatty fish, eggs, flax seeds, soybeans, and walnuts are high in omegas.

Antioxidants: Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in our bodies, which boost overall health - foods high in antioxidants are kale, leafy greens, blueberries, dark chocolate, goji berries, artichokes, and pecans.

Minerals: Minerals are crucial for our bones, muscles, heart, and brain to work correctly. Minerals are also essential for making enzymes and hormones. Foods with lots of minerals are nuts, seeds, shellfish, eggs, avocados, and cruciferous vegetables.

Nutrition is essential for optimal recovery after surgery. Choosing whole foods that are not processed can help your nutritional status. Getting good dietary value out of your meals is an excellent goal for everyday health, not just to serve you after surgery. Maybe having surgery will also help motivate you to make lasting changes in your eating habits for better overall health.

Dr. Frisch is a specialist orthopedic surgeon focusing on minimally invasive hip and knee joint replacement as well as complex primary and revision surgery. He believes in creating a very personalized experience with the highest level of service. Visit one of our offices located in Rochester, River District, or Tawas City, MI.