32 | CMH-OHSU Health Orthopedic Clinic Make healthy choices for better healing Eat nutritious foods A well-balanced diet is especially important before and after you have surgery to help you heal. You should also aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily. Talk to your doctor if you are on a special diet. Protein: Protein is important for tissue and wound healing. One serving of protein is 3 oz., which is the size of a deck of cards. Good sources of protein include: • Meat (beef, chicken, turkey, pork) • Fish • Eggs (the whites of the eggs contain most of the protein) • Dairy products (cheese, milk, yogurt) • Vegetarian sources (legumes, nuts, tofu) Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are your body’s preferred source of energy. There are 2 forms of carbohydrates: simple (honey, sugar, juice) and complex (bread, fruits, grains, vegetables). Whole grains are best for you. For example, choose whole wheat bread over white. Fat: Although it’s best to consume fats in moderation, your body does need a certain amount of fat to function. Essential fatty acids store energy and protect your body’s organs. There are two types of fats: saturated and unsaturated. Unsaturated fats tend to be liquid at room temperature and are healthier. Avoid alcohol and tobacco Avoid alcohol until you are no longer taking your pain medication. Avoid smoking. Tobacco/nicotine use of any kind increases the risk of major problems after surgery, such as infections or blood clots. Nicotine replacement therapy is available. We can send a referral for CMH Tobacco Cessation services to help you quit before your surgery. Keep your bowels moving Constipation can be an uncomfortable side-effect of surgery. Both pain medication and decreased activity levels can slow your digestion and lead to constipation. To avoid this, eat a high fiber diet and drink more water. Foods with high fiber include whole grains, fruits, beans and vegetables. You should not go too long without a bowel movement after surgery. You can get over-the-counter stool softeners (docusate sodium). If you have tried these
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