Singapore Orthopaedic Surgery: A Nutrition Guide for Faster Recovery

Good nutrition is just as important as rest and proper wound care in the recovery process following orthopaedic surgery, like knee replacement or even a fracture. In Singapore, an orthopaedic surgery can strain the body because metabolism elevates during a repair.

To ensure a healthy recovery after orthopaedic surgery, you must also get adequate rest and wound care and consume nutritious foods. During the healing process, the body’s metabolism puts the body under a lot of stress. A fast and complete recovery is only possible with a well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients.

After surgery at an orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, healing is the top priority. You desire to feel better and resume your normal activities as soon as possible. Although you may not like eating immediately after surgery, pay attention to your diet. Appropriate nutrition can aid recovery and healing, whereas eating the wrong foods at the wrong time can cause unpleasant complications. Your diet will depend on your preexisting health conditions and the type of surgery you underwent. Here’s a proper nutrition diet an orthopaedic doctor in Singapore recommend after surgery:

The crucial nutrients for orthopaedic patients:

1. Protein.

Protein comprises 55% of the volume of your bones, making it an essential component of a bone-healing diet. Protein is the primary component of human bones. Patients in an orthopaedic clinic in Singapore recovering from surgery should increase their protein intake by consuming more soy, spinach, peas, lentils, meat, and eggs. Vegetarians are less likely to consume an adequate amount of protein and should therefore pay close attention to the protein content of their diet.

After an orthopaedic surgery done by your doctor in Singapore, including this essential nutrient in your diet has been shown to reduce the risk of infections and increase bone mass. In contrast, protein deficiency reduces bone-building hormones, which slows the healing process.

2. Vitamin D.

Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption and utilisation, promoting bone health alongside calcium. The sun is the best source of vitamin D, but your body’s ability to produce vitamin D varies with the season, time of day, and location. Vitamin D can also be in foods such as fatty fish, salmon, tuna, eggs, cheese, and fortified milk.

3. Calcium.

Your orthopaedic doctor in Singapore would advise regular calcium intake because calcium contributes to bone formation in conjunction with protein and is an essential mineral after surgery. Even your heart, muscles, and nerves require calcium for optimal function. The best sources of calcium are dairy products like low-fat and fat-free milk, yoghurt, and cheese, as well as fortified foods like seeds, tofu, rice milk, dark leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach and kale etc.

4. Zinc.

The combination of zinc, vitamin C, and protein can significantly accelerate recovery from orthopaedicbunion surgery in Singapore. Lack of vitamin D is linked to weakened bones. Due to its role in collagen synthesis, zinc has been shown to aid wound healing, unite bone fractures, and prevent osteoporosis. This mineral is found predominantly in animal foods. Oysters, meat, and dark poultry are among the best protein sources. In contrast, fortified cereals, dairy, beans, and nuts contain moderate amounts of zinc.

5. Vitamin C.

Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties make it an essential immune system component for wound healing. It can neutralise the effects of disease-promoting free radicals. Vitamin C also aids in synthesising collagen, which is necessary for repairing tendons, ligaments, and other surgical wounds. Adding adequate amounts of this essential nutrient to the diet can expedite recovery after surgery.

Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits like oranges, strawberries, kiwis, and lemons, as well as in vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts. The body needs more vitamin C to heal effectively post-surgery, so the recommended daily allowance is 500 mg as per a foot and ankle specialist in Singapore.

6. Fibre.

Pain medications prescribed after surgery can cause digestive issues such as constipation. As a result, fibre-rich foods and copious amounts of water can have a laxative effect and aid in relieving constipation. In this instance, fruits and juices can be the most beneficial.

7. Omega 3.

Omega 3 nutrients are renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties and role in bone development. And the fatty acid components DHA and EPA have proven to promote bone formation and prevent bone loss. In addition, an orthopaedic doctor in Singapore would highlight its anti-inflammatory properties that protect against bone disease-causing agents. Cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon or tuna, are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. And other vegetarian protein sources include tofu, walnuts, canola oil, flax seeds, etc.

 

Food items to avoid for orthopaedic patients:

1. Sweets.

Avoid eating sweets in Singapore after orthopaedic surgery. Sweets negate nutrients, vitamins, and minerals and are high in sugar. After surgery, your appetite diminishes, and sweets make you feel full more quickly, leaving less room for nutrient- and vitamin-rich foods.

2. Alcohol.

Alcoholic beverages are not allowed following surgery. Alcohol causes blood thinning and consequently slows the healing process. In addition to causing bleeding and bruising, alcohol should be avoided two weeks before and one week after surgery.

3. Fizzy drinks.

Since they are high in sugar, avoid carbonated beverages after bunion surgery in Singapore. The carbon dioxide in the carbonated drinks will cause you to feel full more quickly, preventing you from consuming nutrient-rich foods. In addition, carbonated drinks increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

4. Dairy products.

Dairy products are an excellent source of calcium and other essential vitamins. However, after surgery, the body has difficulty digesting dairy products, so they should be avoided. Consider taking vitamin supplements during the initial phase of recovery to ensure the body receives the vitamins necessary for a healthy recovery.

5. Caffeine products.

Caffeine is a stimulant that increases the rate at which your body digests food. Caffeine-heavy beverages may cause diarrhoea in some individuals. Coffee, tea, and cola should not be consumed for a couple of weeks after bunion surgery in Singapore.

Recovery from surgery is greatly aided if you know the foods associated with bone nutrients and foods to avoid. However, you should consult your physician regarding the proportion of each nutrient in your diet.

To consult with an orthopaedic doctor in Singapore, contact Specialist Orthopaedic Centre today!