Breast Reconstruction Surgery: 15 Foods That Will Help You Heal Faster
Every woman experiences some swelling and bruising after a breast reconstruction surgery. Usually, 80% of these side effects begin to subside within 2 weeks, and 20% takes a few weeks longer to disappear completely.
It’s the body’s natural response to the surgical trauma, but how you control it depends largely on the post-operative care you take.
Your diet is extremely important during this recovery phase, which is why we’re giving you a list of healing foods that will help inflammations subside faster. Be sure to include these ingredients in your daily diet, and they’ll help set you on a path towards speedy recovery:
# 1: Mushroom
• The fungus is rich in Vitamin D, which promotes bone healing and is an essential nutrient in a post-breast reconstruction diet.
# 2: Lemon
• The citrus fruit is high in Vitamin C, which helps boost collagen and repair soft tissues.
# 3: Tomato
• Again, rich in Vitamin C which your body needs in plenty right now.
# 4: Spinach
• Vitamin A in spinach helps to fight infections and make the healing process more efficient.
# 5: Pumpkin
• A Rich source of Vitamin A that improves immune function and skin health.
# 6: Broccoli
• The cruciferous vegetable is rich in sulforaphane, an antioxidant that reduces your levels of cytokines and NF-kB (which increase inflammation).
# 7: Turmeric
• The bright yellow `curry’ spice is one of nature’s most powerful antiseptic agents.
# 8: Beans
• The iron content in beans helps create new blood cells and heal wounds.
# 9: Avocado
• High levels of Vitamin E in avocados help build scar tissues.
# 10: Strawberries
• Berries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
# 11: Whole Grain Bread
• Provides the fiber you need to prevent constipation, a common complaint after surgery.
# 12: Yogurt
• Rich in probiotics and calcium, both of which support post-surgery recovery. Keep your intake moderate though, as some people may get constipated from too much yogurt.
# 13: Prawns
• This crustacean is loaded in zinc, which is a vital nutrient during the healing process.
# 14: Salmon
• A great source of omega-3s that can help reduce inflammation.
# 15: Green Tea
• The nutritious beverage contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a substance that inhibits inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production.