Nutrition Warriors

Hernia

 July 17th, 2012 

A hernia is a condition in which tissue protrudes through an opening in the muscles. It commonly occurs in the groin and navel areas and may happen at a previous surgical incision site. Surgical treatment repairs the hernia using mesh or by closing the opening in the muscle. Consult your doctor for specific diet recommendations after surgery.  The type of surgery also depends on how quickly the recovery will be.  Some hernia operations can be done  laproscopic and recovery is faster.  If the surgery is going through the abdominal cavity recovery will take longer. The location of the hernia also determines what you will be able to eat.

Immediately following surgery, you may feel nauseous or not have much of an appetite. As a result, your doctor will typically have you follow a clear liquid diet. You will be able to drink small amounts of clear liquid, including tea, broth, or gelatin. If you do not feel nauseous, you can progress quickly to a full liquid diet.  Juicing is a great option.  Juicing will give you the vitamins needed without causing stress on your system.  Important anti oxidants will help you start healing.

As your stomach feels better, appetite increases, and nausea subsides after surgery, you can slowly add solid foods to your diet. The timing of this transition varies. There are no dietary restrictions, and you can eat regular foods as tolerated.

Incorporate high-fiber foods into your diet to keep food moving through your intestine. Fiber helps your digestive tract’s functioning. Raspberries, pears, whole-wheat pasta, cooked barley, beans, broccoli and artichoke are good sources of fiber.  A great way to get fiber in the diet is drinking home made  smoothies.  Protein  is also important  for healing.

High Fiber Berry Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup kale
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup almond milk or use cold green tea
• 1/4  of an avocado
• 2 teaspoons hemp
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in blender and whip until smooth. If berries are not fully ripe, add a little honey or Stevia  for sweetness. serves 2

This will add anti oxidants, protein , fiber and the cinnamon with help stabilize your glucose levels.

Drinking eight to 10 glasses of fluids each day  also helps you stay hydrated and prevents constipation by keeping the stool moving through your intestine.

Resource

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