Surgery and Nutrition

Surgery of any kind, no matter how minor, requires a period of recovery. Implementing a good nutritional program both before and after the procedure will help support the body’s healing process and pave a smooth road to recovery. People who are well nourished are more likely to heal better and more quickly than those who are not. Scientific studies have confirmed that patients who follow a healthy diet-supplement-exercise regimen are less prone to develop infections and other complications after surgery.

It is important to follow your surgeon’s specific pre- and post-operative instructions during this time. As a general rule, however, you can help bolster your health by following the guidelines of the supplement program below. If possible, begin the program about two weeks before the surgery and continue it for four weeks after.

Supplements for before and after surgery

• Alpha-lipoic acid
• Arginine
• Carnitine
• Coenzyme Q10
• EPA/DHA (fish oil)
• Glutamine
• Gota kola
• Grape seed extract
• Magnesium
• Methylsulfonyl-methane (MSM)
• N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
• Phosphatidylserine
• Probiotics
• Selenium
• Taurine
• Vitamin A and mixed carotenoids
• Vitamin C
• Zinc


Supplements to avoid for two weeks before and one week after surgery

• Cayenne
• Garlic
• Ginkgo
• Large doses of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexanoic acid (DHA)
• St. John’s wort
• Vitamin E