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After surgery, it is crucial to eat nutritious foods in order to speed up recovery and rebuild your strength. Here are 6 foods that are good to eat after a hysterectomy
After a hysterectomy, you may experience problems such as weight gain, disrupted sleep, irritability, and increased risk of chronic conditions. In order to speed up recovery and rebuild your strength, it is crucial to eat healthy, nutritious foods.
Foods to eat after a hysterectomy include those that are rich in fiber, protein and fat, calcium, phytonutrients, phytoestrogens, and fluids.
6 foods that are good to eat after hysterectomy
1. Fiber
Hysterectomy can cause side effects such as constipation. So it’s important to prioritize eating high-fiber foods in order to promote regular bowel movements and improve overall gut health. Foods rich in fiber include:
- Fruits such as berries and pears
- Vegetables such as kale and artichokes
- Starches such as squash and sweet potatoes
- Legumes such as beans, lentils, and peas
- Seeds such as flaxseeds
- Whole grains such as oatmeal
2. Protein and fat
Protein and fat are essential after a hysterectomy in order to regain strength and energy. Ideal sources of protein and beneficial fats include:
- Meat such as chicken and turkey
- Fish such as salmon and tuna
- Soy products such as tofu and edamame
- Legumes such as beans and lentils
- Dairy products such as milk and yogurt
- Nuts and nut butter such as almond butter
- Eggs
- Olives
- Oils such as flaxseed and avocado oil
Avoid trans and saturated fats that are found in butter, margaine, and fried foods.
3. Calcium
For optimal bone health, try to get about 1,200 mg of calcium a day in addition to vitamin D:
- Eat 3-4 servings of low-fat dairy daily
- Add calcium-rich foods to your diet:
- Hard cheese
- Yogurt
- Canned salmon
- Broccoli
- Legumes
- Get a bone density scan
4. Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are plant compounds found in colorful fruits and vegetables and play a role in boosting immune function, especially after surgery like hysterectomy. Foods high in phytonutrients include:
- Asparagus
- Avocadoes
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Leafy greens
- Pumpkin
- Sweet potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Apples
- Berries
- Grapefruit
- Oranges
- Papaya
- Peaches
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Turmeric
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Green or black tea
- Beans
- Nuts and seeds
- Soy products
- Whole grains
5. Phytoestrogens
If you had your ovaries removed in your hysterectomy procedure, you may experience surgical menopause due to the lack of estrogen. This can trigger night sweats, hot flashes, fatigue, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms of menopause. Foods high in phytoestrogens can help ease symptoms. These include:
- Soy products
- Dried fruits
- Strawberries
- Brussels sprouts
- Pumpkin
- Zucchini
- Seeds
- Peanuts
- Garlic
6. Fluids
It is crucial to stay well hydrated after a hysterectomy. Include plenty of fluids in your diet such as water, herbal teas, and fresh fruit juices. Drinking plenty of fluids can help you flush out waste from your body and prevent problems like constipation.
How to take care of your body after a hysterectomy
In addition to eating nutritious foods, you should also make lifestyle changes that promote speedy recovery: