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The Impact of Nutrition on Post-Surgical Recovery: Insights from Oncology Experts

Proper nutrition is essential after an oncology treatment, as it can affect the body. An oncology doctor at SN Super Speciality Hospital in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, will treat you and recommend what food you should eat for post-surgery recovery. We can recommend a nutritionist for the best diet plans. 

People who have undergone oncology treatment are typically advised to refrain from or limit consuming red meat, saturated fats, high-calorie and processed foods, and others. 

The Critical Role of Nutrition in Recovery After Surgery

Nutrition is crucial for restoring the body’s resources since it supports tissue repair and boosts immunity. Oncology can lead to side effects such as diarrhea, which can drain the body of nutrients. Other side effects include constipation, fatigue, vomiting, and nausea. 

At SN Super Speciality Hospital, the best oncologist doctor in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan will lead a team of experienced personnel committed to your treatment and recovery. We curate personalized treatment and diet plans for our patients.

Essential Nutrients for Effective Post-Surgical Healing

The food items recommended can help manage the side effects, increase energy, and reduce energy among others. They are: 

  • Proteins: Proteins are instrumental in tissue repair. Meat, eggs, legumes, nuts, fish, and dairy can support the regeneration of cells and the healing of wounds. 
  • Minerals and Vitamins: Zinc and vitamins A and C can heal wounds. Vitamin A helps with epithelial repair and C enhances immunity. It also enhances collagen production. Finally, zinc can help in reducing inflammation and accelerating tissue repair.
  • Healthy Fats: Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like avocados and olive oil have health benefits such as improving cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation. Both are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Carbohydrates: Wheat, grain, and oats are minimally processed food items. They contain soluble fiber which helps in maintaining good gut bacteria. This fiber also helps promote the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which help in the betterment of functions ranging from metabolism to cell repair.
  • Hydration: Finally, we recommend staying hydrated as it supports circulation, nutrient transport, and the removal of toxins. In addition to having water, broths, and herbal teas can also be a great way to stay hydrated.

Evaluation and Diagnosis

If you experience symptoms of gastroparesis, seeking prompt evaluation is crucial. A Gastrology doctor will perform several tests to confirm the diagnosis:

Gastric Emptying Study: This is a popular test that is used for diagnosing gastroparesis. During this procedure, the patient consumes a small meal containing a radioactive substance, and the time it takes for the stomach to empty the food into the small intestine is monitored.

Upper Endoscopy: An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may be performed to check for any blockages or abnormalities in the stomach lining that could mimic or worsen gastroparesis symptoms.

SmartPill Test: This involves swallowing a small capsule that measures pH levels, temperature, and pressure as it moves through the digestive tract. It helps provide detailed data on how long it takes food to travel through the stomach and intestines.

Gastric Manometry: This test evaluates the muscle contractions in the stomach, assessing their strength and coordination to detect abnormal movement.

After these evaluations, a Gastroenterology Dr. will make an accurate diagnosis and suggest the most appropriate treatment plan.

Practical Meal Planning Strategies for Recovery

Several factors at play determine diet planning for people recovering from oncology treatment. They are individual dietary needs, nutrient intake, and portion sizes. Accurately made plans not only speed up healing but also raise energy levels and reduce inflammation. Some of the strategies are:

  • Small, Frequent Meals: After surgery, please try to avoid large meals. Taking small amounts of food in frequent meals can lead to easier digestion and consistent energy levels.
  • Food Rich in Calories and Nutrients: Despite advising against calorie-rich food items, an exception can be made for nuts, full-fat yogurt, and seeds.
  • Including Plants in Diet: We recommend a plant-based diet after oncology treatment. Fruits and vegetables are a fine source of vitamins, minerals, fibers, and many other nutrients that can help you in your path to recovery. Having a variety of vegetables and fruits every day would be a good way to incorporate plants into your diet. Juices made from the same are also helpful.
  • Wholegrains and Fiber: A fiber-rich diet is often associated with lower cancer risks. These food items include wholegrain breads, cereals, beans, pasta, and rice. Wholegrain foods are made from entire grain seeds, and the food items include rice, wheat, barley, and oats. They contain more fiber, minerals, and vitamins than processed grains.

Foods to Avoid During the Recovery Period

During recovery after oncology, you may have to consume some of your favourite foods in moderation or avoid them completely. We understand that you might miss having them like you used to, but they may be harmful to your recovery process. The food items are:

  • Highly Processed Foods: If you consume processed foods such as sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and junk foods, you increase the risk of inflammation which may delay healing.
  • Food Containing High Sodium: There is sodium in salt and too much of that can lead to water retention and high blood pressure. This may be harmful if you are recovering from treatment.
  • Caffeine and Alcohol: These two can be a barrier to recovery. Also, alcohol causes dehydration and can be detrimental to your recovery.

Lifestyle Modifications to Enhance Recovery Speed

We have highlighted how diet is important for recovery after oncology treatment. In the same way, making some changes to your lifestyle is also just as important. Practicing self-care in the form of being physically active and taking care of mental health work hand in hand with a healthy diet to speed up your recovery. Let’s see how you can tune up your lifestyle to do the same:

  • Fitness: Maintaining consistency in physical activities can build your strength and endurance. You can start with walking and cycling to burn calories. Then, with time, you can engage in swimming, and sports like football and aerobics can not only improve your recovery speed but also lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
  • Managing Stress: Oncology treatment can be a burden on our mental health as well. Then there is the stress of recurrence too. We suggest taking up a hobby or rekindling one you used to pursue. Positive feelings are beneficial for cancer prognosis.

Post-Surgical Support at SN Super Speciality Hospital

The role of an oncology doctor involves collaborating with nutritionists to ensure that we help you recover to the best of our abilities and more. We curate personalized plans and lifestyle guidance to make sure that you reach home well on the path towards getting better.

Conclusion

As much as effective treatment can make a difference, patients also have to be proactive to get better. Their lifestyle and diet changes, with the treatment done by specialists, work simultaneously to restore your tampered glory. SN Super Speciality Hospital, through compassionate care, stops at nothing to put you on the road to recovery.