Vitamins for Healing From Surgery

Any type of surgery can have a negative effect on the body if not healed properly. While surgery is performed for functional improvement, it can also make you more susceptible to infections. This is why certain vitamins are essential to help recover from any surgery, minor or major.

Vitamin A

• Vitamin A is important after surgery for a variety of reasons. It is best known for its ability to repair skin tissues. It helps heal, promotes growth of new skin and aids in generation of new tissues. It enhances production of connective tissue, which includes collagen. It also enhances growth of new blood vessels. Some of the best sources for vitamin A are eggs, cheese, milk, broccoli, spinach and carrots.

Vitamin C

• Vitamin C helps wounds heal more quickly, and a deficiency will substantially slow the healing process. Vitamin C helps produce collagen to help wounds heal faster, and elastin to help wounds stretch out without breaking. Collagen also provides structure needed for tissues like skin, bones and blood vessels to grow. Vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system, which is vital for anyone undergoing a surgical procedure. Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits as well as strawberries, collard greens, cauliflower and cabbage are loaded with vitamin C.

Vitamin E

• Vitamin E is particularly useful for those who have had coronary bypass surgery. It not only prevents buildup of fat deposits in the arteries, but it can reduce the amount of damage to tissue during heart surgery. It also is a strong antioxidant, which can improve the immune system. Almonds, fortified cereals, herring, avocados and peanuts are rich in vitamin E.

Zinc

• Zinc plays a key role in post-surgical recovery because it encompasses a wide range of healing abilities. It helps to speed up tissue repair. People who suffer a zinc deficiency usually take longer to heal completely after surgery. Zinc also assists with the production of collagen and keeping the immune system strong. A large variety of foods contain zinc, such as multi-grain breads, cheese, yogurt, lobster, squash and lamb chops.

Selenium

• Selenium aids in the production of enzymes and proteins in the body. It is an antioxidant that is paramount for immune system function and detoxifying the body of waste products. Selenium is particularly helpful to those who undergo bariatric surgery because it is instrumental in regulating thyroid function. Turkey, cottage cheese, oatmeal, walnuts, chicken breast and Brazil nuts are all sources of selenium.