Why is what I eat and drink important before my procedure?
What you eat before your procedure is important to maintain a healthy weight, and may help you recover faster.
- A healthy and balanced diet supports your immune system, which help to reduce your risk of infections and provides your body with the nutrients it needs to help repair itself after surgery or treatment. These factors may help you get home from the hospital faster.
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet is important to help you maintain a healthy weight which helps to reduce strain on your heart and reduces the risk of developing blood clots which can cause Deep Vein Thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolisms.
- Your body needs good nutrition to help fight infections and heal after your procedure. Eating a healthy balanced diet with a variety of foods from all the food groups will provide your body with the nutrients that support healing and fight off infection.
- Drinking plenty of water (not fizzy or sugary drinks) helps you avoid dehydration and constipation, and also helps to reduce the risk of developing blood clots.
- Increasing the amount of fibre in your diet will help you avoid constipation too. High fibre foods include wholemeal bread, wholegrain breakfast cereals, brown pasta or rice, fruit, vegetables, peas, beans, nuts, seeds and potatoes with skins.
- Alcohol can reduce your body’s ability to heal. Make sure you are drinking within the recommended limits or lower to improve your ability to heal after your procedure.
These websites will help you understand the importance of healthy eating to improve brain and body function, food tips and foods you can swap for healthier choices, as well as some family-friendly recipes: