by Marcey Klein BS, CNC
Recently I had to undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery to fix a tear and to remove calcium deposits. I made sure to prepare my body and mind a few weeks ahead of time to ensure the best out-come possible. Before the surgery is the best time to get ahead on your nutrition, detoxification, and hydration. Surgery doesn’t have to be a major setback for the body if you prep it first, and I’m going to recommend a few things here just for that purpose.
Nutrition. Your body needs certain key nutrients for repair and inflammation control, and it’s very difficult to get them from food-only sources. That’s why I recommend supplements. Zinc is important for creating new tissue and supporting immune function, while vitamin A is important to reduce the risk of wound infection, and helps with wound healing. Vitamin C is very important in collagen production, wound healing, and protects cells from oxidative damage. I also kept up my vitamin D intake – important for mood and for boosting the immune system. I recommend 30 mg of Zinc, 10,000 iu of A, 1000 mg of C, and 5,000 iu of D. I also kept up my powdered green drinks for detoxification and my probiotics for a healthy immune system and digestive system.
You can also start eating foods that are rich in these nutrients. Zinc is found in red meats (grass fed is the least inflammatory), oysters, and pumpkin seeds, Vitamin A and D are found in egg yolks and organ meats, and vitamin C in fruits and vegetables. It’s also important to keep your protein intake up after the surgery, and to drink bone broths and protein drinks to increase your collagen production.
Make sure to drink plenty of water with electrolytes (a pinch of Himalayan sea salt per glass) leading up to the surgery. Hydration is important for detoxification, brain function, cellular respiration, and digestion. I would recommend coconut water the day before the surgery, and after the surgery as well. They want you to eat their saltine crackers right after to fight the nausea of the anesthetic, but the gluten and refined carbs in them will give you a stomach ache. So, I would recommend you bring your own protein drink. Odwalla vanilla protein drink is a good choice, along with some coconut water.
And now to prep your mental state. Deep breathing is super essential to relax your body when they poke you with the needles, to completely relax yourself; tension only makes it worse. Then, show a lot of gratitude towards all the nurses. They are there to help you, and being gracious makes you feel more joy and love. Tell yourself you are so thankful that you are able to undergo this surgery – many people do not have access to medical procedures like we do – and tell yourself you are so thankful you were given an intelligent body that knows how to heal from this and that everything is going to turn out great!
Then give yourself time to heal. This is where am, and it is quite the lesson on patience. To do it over again, I would have started a journal on my progress. It’s import-ant to take note even on the small-est sign of progress to keep your morale up. Do keep up on your nutrients, do not get lazy on this; this is the time your body needs these nutrients the most. Eat clean, and take your supplements and you should be off your pain meds in no time. Come into Wild Roots to see me (when I’m back at work after my recuperation) and we can talk some more if you or a loved one is facing surgery.