In this article we will be discussing a very common question: what happens if you take vitamins before surgery. It’s quite a sensitive & complex subject, as such we will do our best at providing a clear and concise article to clear any doubts you may have.
Pre-Operative Nutrition
The pre-operative period (2 to 4 weeks prior to surgery) is a great time to ensure you are achieving your needs for a healthy lifestyle while also preparing for the upcoming stress of surgery. Below are a few nutrients that are vital during this time period. Our organs, hormones, red blood cells, immune system, and enzymes are all comprised mainly of protein.
Although most Americans get more than enough protein in their diets, it is imperative that you consume a sufficient amount to meet your daily needs (including exercise) and best prepare your body for surgery and post-op tissue repair. This will prepare the body for the upcoming tissue repair process. It also aids in collagen production and improves blood vessel dilation, which brings more blood and nutrients to damaged tissues for wound healing.
Zinc: Zinc is used for growth, tissue building and repair, and improved immunity. Glutamine: Increased tissue concentrations of this amino acid during the pre-operative period will reduce healing time and aid in surgery recovery. Coenzyme Q 10: Another antioxidant when, taken before surgery, results in quicker recovery after surgery.
Probiotics: Antibiotics are often given for cosmetic surgery.
One Week Pre-Surgery
Directly before surgery, there are certain foods that may interfere with anesthesia, bleeding time, immune function, and healing time. Vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin K, B vitamins, fish oils, and all herbal supplements should all be STOPPED 1 week pre-surgery (including your multivitamin).
Green tea, cayenne, ginkgo, garlic, ginger, flaxseed, tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant may have a negative effect on anesthesia or bleeding time. Limit “neurotoxic” items including alcohol, caffeine, aspartame, and MSG. Post-Operative Nutrition
The goal of proper post-surgery nutrition is to promote quick healing and recovery with the assistance of a well-supported immune system, while reducing pain, inflammation, and swelling.
In addition, the below items can be added to improve recovery outcomes.
Interactions With Drugs
The reasons for this depend on your particular health conditions and the supplements you take — ask your doctor if you’re unsure why you’re being asked to do so. Video of the Day
Interactions With Drugs
One reason your doctor might ask you to stop taking vitamins before surgery is the risk of drug interactions.
During and after your surgery, you might receive a number of medications, such as anesthesia, pain medication and antibiotics. Certain vitamins might alter the efficacy of these medications. Advertisement
Bleeding
Your doctor might ask you not to take vitamins before surgery due to some vitamins’ effects on bleeding and blood clotting.
For example, vitamin E can increase your risk of bleeding if consumed in large doses. Refraining from vitamin supplements before surgery helps ensure you will not have abnormally high levels of vitamin E and can help with your healing process. Advertisement
Considerations
When your doctor asks you about any drugs you’re taking, be sure to give her information that includes any over-the-counter drugs, as well as vitamins and other supplements.
The Aedition
But that innocent lack of disclosure could adversely affect your care. In the case of cosmetic surgery, it could negatively impact your results. In today’s wellness era, the question certainly needs to be rephrased.
From a multivitamin to adaptogenic herbs, tonics, tinctures, everything you put into your mouth on a daily basis is of great interest to your provider. “I can do my job to get the best outcome for my patients, but I need my patients to commit to following the directions for optimal results.