Good nutrition is important before surgery
>> Now is time to start preparing your body for your surgery, and to make a difference to its outcome.
Be in as good a shape as you can before the operation. If your knee prevents you from walking and cycling, then swimming or gentle water exercises are more manageable — consult a physiotherapist for tips.
Ensure that your body tissue and organs are well-hydrated — drink around two to three litres of water per day, and continue to do so following the operation. Good nutrition is important, so eat fresh fruit and vegetables and lean protein, and avoid processed and junk foods.
Vitamin C is important — start with 3,000mg per day and increase the dosage to 4,000-6,000mg daily for two weeks either side of the operation. I prefer sodium ascorbate powder stirred into water, because it is effective, gentle on the stomach, and affordable. But if you have a favourite C supplement, then stick with that.
Zinc is crucial for wound healing, particularly if you are low in this mineral. Vitamin D is also important for bone growth and repair. Vitamin A is another important preparatory antioxidant nutrient — the Blue Ice Royal Butter Oil and Fermented Cod Liver Oil blend, from Green Pastures is excellent. Regular fish oil supplements should be left out, since omega 3 and 6 fatty acids can increase bleeding.
Homeopathically, I suggest arnica, bellis, and symphytum for a couple of weeks either side of surgery. Traumeel contains these three remedies. I like the liquid-drop formulation, which can be taken under the tongue. Use 10 drops, three times daily for three weeks before your operation; then, take 10 drops as needed (up to every 15 minutes) following the surgery to help with pain, swelling, and bruising. Continue for a week or two with 10 drops, three times daily for as long as you need.
Traumeel also makes a gel and an ointment, which can be used around the area (not on broken skin) to help with pain and inflammation.
If you need antibiotics, repopulate your gut with beneficial bacteria using a quality probiotic.
State of mind helps with healing — from lowered anxiety to a positive attitude. People who have prepared mentally and emotionally for surgery require less anaesthesia, and lower levels of pain relief. Meditation, breath work, and rescue remedy are all useful in reducing anxiety.
There are a few natural remedies you should avoid as they interfere with healing.
The first is vitamin E. This nutrient has been shown to increase bleeding, so should be avoided for at least two weeks before surgery (the same goes for Aspirin usage). Once the operation has been completed, you should take around 300IU of vitamin E, daily, for around a month for tissue repair.
The herb echinacea can cause allergic reactions, impair the action of certain drugs, and delay wound-healing.
Garlic can increase the risk of bleeding, as can both gingko biloba and ginseng. Kava kava and valerian may increase the sedative action of the anaesthesia, or even increase the amount required; while St John’s Wort alters the metabolism of a number of medications.
If you are currently using any of these herbs, it’s important to discontinue use now, and wait for at least a month following the operation before taking them, if necessary.
