As soon as I scheduled my knee surgery, I started researching the best things I could do to prepare myself for a positive, healthy, and stress-free recovery experience. Note: Always consult your healthcare practitioner regarding the information you read online.
Healthy body, healthy recovery: I am pro-vitamins and supplements, so I consulted medical and nutritional journals for the best vitamins before surgery. This article from the Mayo Clinic provides a helpful guideline for avoiding dietary supplements before surgery that may have potential unintended side effects such as prolonged bleeding, interference with anesthesia, cardiovascular disturbances, and interaction with pharmaceuticals.
This journal article, the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, provided a summary of supplements recommended for use before surgery, including:
- Vitamin A – important for immunity and antioxidant benefits
- Vitamin C – strengthens our immune system and may lower blood pressure
- B vitamins – enhance brain function and heart health and promote energy production
- Zinc – helps the immune function and metabolism function
- Calcium with Vitamin D – sustains healthy bones, muscle movement, and nerve communication
These vitamins also reduce bruising, swelling, and inflammation, promote wound healing, and support joint health.
I am also supplementing my diet with FlavCity Protein Smoothies. I have tried many brands of smoothies, and hands down; the FlavCity brand is THE BEST for taste and quality. You can purchase it on their site here using code Hello15 for 15% off, or if you set up a subscription on Amazon, you’ll save 5% on every delivery. My favorite flavors are Butter Coffee and Vanilla Cream. Each smoothie contains grass-fed whey protein and grass-fed collagen, organic cordyceps, and organic reishi (functional mushrooms to increase brain cognition and brain function. Zero added sugar, and each serving is 25 grams of protein. I like adding Chia, Flaxseed, and Hemp seeds into my smoothie for added fiber, Omega-3, and 6, and protein.
The other two additions to my daily routine are from Gainful. First is Daily Performance Greens, a pre-measured powder I mix with water. It includes 11 organic fruits and vegetables, supporting the gut microbiome and enhancing nutrient absorption and mental strength with its blend of power adaptogens. Second, customized hydration has four essential electrolytes that hydrate faster than water and only 2 grams of sugar. Once daily, I pour one of the pre-measured packets into my Stanley Cup. The caffeinated option gives me a clean energy boost without the jitters. If I start my day with daily greens and follow with hydration, I am sufficiently hydrated to start my day. When you wake up after a whole night’s sleep, have you ever noticed you are dragging – it’s because your body has been without water for eight hours, so hydrating as soon as you wake is vital to getting your body and brain ready to function.
Click the pic to shop all my vitamins and supplements
I’ve got more good surgery tips coming up next. I hope this information was helpful to you.
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.
