Doctor-Recommended Supplements to Take Before and After Surgery

I will explain the supplements that doctors recommend taking before and after surgery. If you have surgery scheduled, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, it can be a burden and a source of worry. Since it's a difficult decision to undergo surgery, you're probably also curious about how to recover afterward. I will introduce the supplements that you absolutely must take before and after surgery. Please take good care of yourself and I hope you recover quickly.

Reasons for Taking Supplements

No matter which part of your body is undergoing surgery, the recovery process is the same. Surgery is an enormous trauma that inflicts significant damage on our body's tissues. Skin and muscles are cut, and ligaments and bones may be severed.
 
Our bodies go through three stages of recovery, and it's natural that we need to replenish nutrients during this process. Therefore, there are essential nutrients to consider before and after surgery. These are the nutrients that minimize inflammation and expedite recovery.

Types

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is known to be a vital nutrient for bone health, as it helps with normal blood clotting.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, which is essential for wound healing. It also boosts immunity through antioxidant action. Numerous studies indicate that vitamin C helps prevent shock during surgery and post-surgery complications like bedsores, while also accelerating recovery. It's advisable to consume at least 1000mg daily starting before the surgery.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

It's known as an antioxidant that helps prevent heart attacks. Since surgery is a traumatic event, it generates a massive amount of reactive oxygen species. Antioxidants are necessary to minimize the damage caused by these species. Like vitamin C, it's recommended to consume at least 50mg daily, starting before the surgery.

Vitamin B

It's involved in cellular metabolism and is crucial for tissue repair. Vitamin B plays numerous roles in our bodies, and its deficiency can lead to complications. You should consume at least 50mg daily to ensure a smooth recovery.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is synonymous with immunity and, along with Vitamin K, contributes to bone health. It's recommended to consume at least 5000 IU of Vitamin D daily.

Magnesium

Magnesium is involved in over 100 biochemical processes, making it indispensable. This mineral plays a vital role in wound healing. After surgery, infection prevention and wound healing are crucial, highlighting the importance of magnesium.

Zinc

It's recommended to consume 30 to 50mg of zinc daily before and after surgery.

Amino Acids (L-Arginine, L-Glutamine)

Amino acids like L-Arginine and L-Glutamine are crucial for wound healing, and they also play a vital role in immunity.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is known for its liver-supporting properties. Anesthesia and other medications administered during surgery can strain the liver. Therefore, milk thistle can be beneficial for recovery.

Arnica Montana

It's effective in reducing inflammation. Reducing inflammation minimizes damage, thereby accelerating recovery. Arnica Montana is available in both oral and topical forms, but oral consumption is more important.

Probiotics

It's recommended to consume probiotics frequently after surgery.

In Conclusion

It's often recommended to start taking supplements two weeks before surgery, but ideally, you can start a month prior, especially if it's a planned procedure. The point is not to acquire all these supplements and strictly follow dosages, but to understand the basic concepts.
 
Maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet is also essential. Abstaining from alcohol, getting sufficient sleep, and engaging in light exercise can significantly aid in recovery before and after surgery.