Ask

Happy Tummy Expert

1 week ago

Dear Cecilia, thank you for the question

Any surgery (minor or major) will have its own post-surgery challenges and after care procedures, which should be followed diligently under professional medical guidance to allow the body to recover in a healthy manner.

Inadequate food intake post-surgery may cause nutritional deficiencies, avoid long fasting hours as adequate nutritional consumption is important to support muscle function, healing and overall health.

Some tips for post-operative dietary management include:

• Adequate amount of protein intake helps wound healing, increases resistance to infection and reduces potential risk of oedema at wound site. Good sources of protein include: Milk, curd, egg, soy etc.
• Include essential micronutrients in daily balanced diet such as vitamin C, iron, zinc, magnesium etc. They help fight infection, wound healing and prevent micronutrient deficiency
• To avoid dehydration, consume at least 8 glasses of water.

As a general dietary guideline, for an apparently healthy individual/ with no specific health or nutrition needs and/or metabolic condition it is recommended to consume 2000kcal/d and for women, the RDA for protein requirement is 46g/d and for fiber it is 25g/d.

 Here are few guidelines for healthy balanced diet that can be considered:

• Have a Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the food groups in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning.
• Try to incorporate the My plate Concept by dividing your plate into 4 quadrants, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, the other two quadrants with cereals and protein. A small quantity of dairy intake is recommended.
• Some of the good sources of protein include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, eggs, lean meat, nuts & seeds, etc.  
• Begin your day with a well-balanced breakfast as it is an important meal of the day.
• Avoid skipping meals. Also, try to avoid fasting and feasting too often.
• Consume small frequent meals, with healthy snacking options.
• Consume minimum 5 servings of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit as they are rich in Fiber, essential minerals & Vitamins as well as they give you a feeling of satiety.
• Try to consume more of Whole grains, Millets and Multigrain foods as they are a good source of fiber.
• Limit intake of deep-fried foods. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.
• Have your last meal at least 2-3 hours before sleep time.
• Drink adequate amount of water (minimum 8 glasses) of water daily to keep yourself well hydrated
• Engage in at least 30-45 minutes brisk walk/physical activity of moderate intensity at least 5 days a week.
• Try and follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and Quality.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions, please contact your Health care professional.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead

0 Reply