Nutritional Support for Surgery: Optimising Your Recovery in Adelaide
Author: Rohan Smith | Functional Medicine Practitioner | Adelaide, SA
Most people prepare for surgery by organising time off work or packing a hospital bag. However, one of the most important forms of preparation happens internally. Surgery is a significant physiological stressor that triggers inflammation, increases nutrient demand, and places additional metabolic load on the liver. At Elemental Health and Nutrition, we support Adelaide patients with evidence-based nutritional strategies designed to assist recovery and reduce modifiable risk factors.
Quick Answer: Why Does Nutrition Matter for Surgery?
Surgery acts like a controlled injury. It increases the body’s requirement for specific vitamins, minerals, and amino acids involved in immune defence, tissue repair, and blood formation. Research suggests that a substantial proportion of patients undergoing major procedures have pre-existing nutritional insufficiencies, which may be associated with delayed wound healing and prolonged recovery. Addressing nutritional status before surgery helps ensure the body has adequate substrates available for repair and immune resilience.
The Role of the Liver and Anaesthesia Clearance
Anaesthetic agents and post-operative medications are primarily processed by the liver. This process relies on enzymatic biotransformation pathways that require sufficient micronutrient availability, including B-vitamins and antioxidants such as glutathione. During the perioperative period, hepatic clearance capacity may be under increased demand.
Supporting Hepatic Clearance Capacity (2 Weeks Before and After Surgery)
- Eat the rainbow: A variety of colourful fruits and vegetables provides antioxidants that help protect liver cells from oxidative stress.
- Cruciferous vegetables: Foods such as broccoli, cabbage, and rocket contain compounds that support phase II biotransformation pathways.
- B-vitamins: In some individuals, activated forms of B-vitamins may be better tolerated during periods of high physiological demand.
Important: What to Avoid Before Surgery
Some supplements commonly considered “healthy” may increase surgical risk by affecting bleeding time or interacting with anaesthetic medications. All supplements should be reviewed with your surgeon and anaesthetist prior to surgery.
| Avoid (typically 5 days prior unless advised otherwise) | Why |
|---|---|
| Fish oil and high-dose vitamin E | May increase bleeding risk in some procedures. |
| Turmeric and ginger supplements | Possess antiplatelet activity that may affect clotting. |
| High-dose vitamin C (24 hours prior) | Has been reported to interact with anaesthetic requirements in specific contexts. |
Healing From Within: Nutritional Support for Wound Repair
Following surgery, the body enters a high-demand anabolic state. Adequate intake of protein, micronutrients, and energy is essential for collagen synthesis, immune function, and tissue regeneration. Gut integrity also plays a role, as the gut microbiome and wound healing are closely linked through immune signalling and nutrient absorption.
- Protein and collagen: Provide structural components required for tissue repair.
- Zinc and vitamin A: Support epithelial regeneration and immune competence.
- Iron and vitamin B12: Contribute to red blood cell production following blood loss.
Adelaide Surgery Recovery: Practical Nutrition Ideas
During early recovery, appetite and digestion may be reduced. Easily digestible, nutrient-dense options are often better tolerated.
The Healing Booster Smoothie
- High-quality protein or collagen powder
- Berries for antioxidants
- Pumpkin seeds for zinc
- Leafy greens and almond milk
Traditional Bone Broth
Slow-simmered bone broth provides amino acids such as glutamine and glycine, which support gut lining integrity and tissue repair.
When to Consider Professional Support
If you have a history of nutritional deficiencies, digestive disorders, or experience persistent fatigue after surgery, a personalised approach may be appropriate. Targeted assessment helps identify modifiable factors that could influence recovery.
Next Steps
Pre-operative preparation is an opportunity to support recovery proactively. A pre-operative nutritional assessment allows potential deficiencies or stressors to be addressed ahead of time, in coordination with your surgical team.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start a pre-surgery nutrition plan?
Ideally, nutritional preparation begins two to four weeks before surgery to allow time to address potential deficiencies and optimise dietary intake.
Can I rely on a standard multivitamin before surgery?
Standard multivitamins may not address individual needs during periods of physiological stress. In some cases, practitioner-guided supplementation is more appropriate.
Should supplements always be stopped before surgery?
Not always. Decisions should be individualised and made in consultation with your surgeon and anaesthetist, as some nutrients may still be appropriate.
Key Insights
- Suboptimal nutritional status is common prior to surgery and may influence recovery.
- The liver plays a central role in anaesthetic and medication clearance during the perioperative period.
- Protein, zinc, vitamin A, iron, and B-vitamins are key nutrients involved in wound healing.
- Personalised nutritional planning can support recovery, particularly in patients with complex health histories.
Prepare for a Supported Recovery
Surgical recovery is influenced by more than the procedure itself. Appropriate nutritional preparation and guidance may help reduce avoidable stress on the body during recovery. If you are preparing for surgery in Adelaide, consider a consultation with Rohan Smith at Elemental Health and Nutrition to discuss an evidence-based, individualised approach.
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