I’m sorry I haven’t been able to keep up with blogging as much as I would like. It’s been busy with the twins and on top of that my computer has not been cooperating. Right now my goal is to post at least twice a week, hopefully even three times.
I had a cesarean section to deliver my twins and I’ve been thinking about the rough recovery I went through. It wasn’t as easy as I heard it was going to be. We all handle surgery differently. A lot of you may have had a c-section or you have one coming up. Or any surgery for that matter. I’ve been doing some research to find out what foods and supplements are helpful for a quicker recovery. It’s so important to recover quickly so you can feel good and take care of your little baby and the rest of the family. I wish I had researched this before. Even if you are already a healthy person, recovery can still be difficult. Our bodies need to be strong to fight off infection, mend our broken tissues, and restore lost blood.
Please note that it is very important to discuss and inform your doctor of any vitamins or other supplements that you want to take. Vitamins and supplements can interfere with other medications that you are taking, so don’t take risks before talking to your doctor. For example, my doctor told me not to take Vitamin C or E before surgery because it can thin the blood and prevent it from clotting properly. As you will see below, Vitamin C can be very helpful a few days after surgery.
Here are some helpful things I found. Click on the reference links in order to see more details.
Vitamin C - We lose vitamin C through the blood we lose during surgery, so it needs to be replenished. Produces wound-healing collagen and elastin. Boosts the immune system.
Vitamin A – Helps to mend the skin. Important for the generation of new tissues and connective tissues, including collagen. Promotes the growth of new blood vessels, which is important for nourishing new tissues. Vitamin A can be toxic in doses exceeding 15,000 international units daily.
Zinc – If a person is low on zinc, supplements can help incisions heal more quickly. Works with Vitamin A to make the vitamin available for use. Necessary to produce collagen, the connective tissue that allows scars to form. Plays a role in immune function.
Fiber – Eat lots of it because constipation is common after surgery. Prunes, prune juice, vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes are all good. You don’t want to be straining with a fresh wound.
Water - Drink up because the bladder is more prone to infection. It also helps the fiber to work better and helps to prevent dehydration. Keep your body flushed with PURE water. We don’t drink tap water because of all the bad things added to it such as chlorine and extra fluoride.
Arnica Montana – A homeopathic remedy that can be taken before and after surgery. Helps to heal the soreness, bruising and swelling of surgical wounds.
Get lots of sleep because that’s when our bodies heal best.
I know there are plenty of other important vitamins to be taking but these are just a few helpful ones I found. Good luck!
References:
http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/10/109.cfm
http://vitamins.lovetoknow.com/Preparing_for_Surgery:_Supplements_to_Take
