x
Account
  • Sign In Sign In Create Account
    Sign In

    Forgot your password?

    Create Account
  • my Wishlist
  • Toll Free: (800) 869 9159
  • Customer Care
    • Contact Us
    • Help Center
  • My Account
    • Log in
    • Create an account
  • Rewards Program
  • Become a Humanized+ Member
  • Become a Humanized+ Member

Cart 0

Your cart is currently empty.

Continue Shopping

Total: $0.00

Or View Cart

  • Sign In Sign In Create Account
    Sign In

    Forgot your password?

    Create Account
  • my Wishlist
My Village Green
My Village Green

FREE SHIPPING! On online orders of $59+. Use code: SHIP59
This offer is for standard shipping available in the continental U.S.
Cannot be combined with any other offers.

  • My Account Log In
  • Brands
    Practitioner Brands
    • Pathway
    • Sinus Survival
    • Klaire Labs*
    • Kirkman
    • Metagenics
    • Nordic Naturals
    • Pure Encapsulations*
    • Thorne Research
    • Xymogen
    Top Brands
    • Megafood
    • Jarrow Formulas
    • Solgar
    • Nature's Way
    • Garden of Life
    • Life Extension
    • Bluebonnet
    • Derma E
    • Innate Response
    • Ollois
    Top Brands
    • Gaia Herbs
    • Herb Pharm
    • Boiron
    • Host Defense
    • Inika Organic
    • Carlson Labs
    • Enzymedica
    • Solaray
    • Renew Life

    * = Restricted Access Brands

  • Pathway Supplements
  • Categories
  • Consultations
  • Resources
    • Lab Testing
    • Rewards Program
    • Ask the Expert
    • Help Center
    • Pharmacy & Compounding
    • Medication Disposal Progam
    • Healthy Pets
    • Green Initiatives
    • Practitioner Brands
    • My Account
    • Create an Account
  • Education
    • Blog
    • Humanized - Your Health Personalized
    • Articles & Health Info
    • Radio Show Archive
Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts

Blog

Healing After Surgery

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Paula Gallagher

after-surgeryJust recently I received a question about what to take to help speed up healing after surgery. Unfortunately, surgery is sometimes necessary and unavoidable, and undergoing a surgical procedure can trigger a significant amount of stress on the body. Research has shown that the gastrointestinal and immune systems become weakened after surgery, leaving the body open to infection, and when you are in the hospital, minimizing the risk of postoperative infection is of the highest concern. Thankfully, there are natural approaches that can be taken, both before and after surgery, to speed up healing time, decrease inflammation and pain, and improve the overall quality of life for the recuperating patient. Here are some suggestions. Eat Healthy. The quality of food we eat has a significant effect on healing time and inflammation. Poor nutrition, either before or after surgery, has a negative effect on recovery. Avoid refined flours, sugar, red meats, alcohol and coffee, as they can suppress immune system function and promote inflammation. It is important to consume nutrient-rich, high-antioxidant, anti-inflammatory foods, such as organic fruits and vegetables, cold-water fish, whole grains, nuts, and seeds to help your body deal with the stresses of surgery. For the patient unable to swallow whole food, freshly made juices, vegetable broths, and puréed soups are all good choices. Supplement. There are many supplements that have been shown to decrease inflammation and strengthen immune system response after surgery. Please consult with your primary care physician about what dose you should take.
  • Vitamin C is necessary for proper immune system functioning.
  • Vitamin A plays a vital role in postoperative wound healing.
  • Selenium is necessary for the immune system and to prevent infection. Selenium deficiency has been reported in patients following gastrointestinal surgery.
  • Glutamine is an amino acid necessary for optimal digestion. During times of stress, glutamine levels can drop, leaving patients immunocompromised. Two controlled trials have shown that the use of glutamine-enriched IV formulas, providing approximately 20g of glutamine per day, resulted in increased immune cell activity and shorter hospital stays.
  • Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple that reduces postoperative bruising and swelling.
  • Fish oils have been shown to reduce inflammation and boost immune system response. Talk to your doctor before taking fish oils if you are on blood-thinning medication.
In addition to the above recommendations, and when the patient feels ready, both acupressure and acupuncture have been shown to be helpful in reducing postoperative nausea and healing time. No patient should smoke or be around second-hand smoke before or after surgery, as it is widely believed to increase the risk of infection. As with all medical procedures, talk to your doctor about your plan of action, pre- and post-surgery. By implementing the steps above, practicing stress-management techniques, and sleeping well, you will be on the road to recovery. Photo from here, with thanks.
  • Category_Health Concerns, Category_Nutritional Supplements, healing, post operative, surgery
← Older Post Newer Post →

Categories

  • Body Care & Beauty
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Green Living
  • Health Concerns
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Lab Testing
  • Nutritional Supplements
  • Pharmacy & Compounding
  • Stress Management & Lifestyle
  • Village Green News

Humanized Health - NEW!

Learn about personalized health from top experts! Check out our fascinating new shows every week, available as videos, podcasts and transcripts.:

  • How to Never Die of Heart Disease
  • Strategies to Improve Your Brain Health

Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
    read more..
  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
    read more..
  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
    read more..
  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
    read more..
  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
    read more..
  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
    read more..
  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
    read more..
  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
    read more..
  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
    read more..

Other Contributors

Caroline Blazovsky
Heather Gunn
Jared Rice
Ellen Kittredge
Naz Amini
Carmen Ugas
Steve Stillwater
Farzin Farid
Joe Ailts
Scott O’Dell
James Brodsky, MD
Christine M. Gonzales
Beth Ritchie
Jim Fox

Invalid password
Enter
Stay Informed
Join our mailing list for the latest news & exclusive discounts + FREE shipping on your first order.
Learning Resources
  • Consultations
  • Green Initiatives
  • Pharmacy/Compounding
  • Humanized Health
  • Village Green Blog
Customer Care
  • Help Center
  • Return Policy
  • Best Price Guarantee
  • Privacy Policy
  • Leave a Review
General Information
  • Curbside Pick-Up
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Job Opportunities
stay connected

Village Green Apothecary
5415 W Cedar Ln
Bethesda, Maryland, 20814
(301) 530-0800
Toll Free: (800) 869-9159

© 2021 Village Green Apothecary - All Rights Reserved. The information provided on this site is not intended to be a substitute for advice or treatment from a qualified physician, nor is it intended to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Consult your physician prior to starting any new health program or if you any questions regarding a medical condition.
Loading...
Error
 

is added to your shopping cart.

is added to your wish list.

Close
Liquid error (message-modal line 32): Could not find asset snippets/icon-close.liquid
You have successfully subscribed!

 

Limited-Time Offers, End in

-
+
:
Close
Back to top