Nutrition

Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is one of the keys to success on your total joint journey.

A healthy diet before and after your surgery will give you the energy to help fuel your recovery and provide your body with the right nutrients and oxygen to heal.

Make sure you are consuming enough fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains every day, while minimizing saturated fats (e.g., butter, cheese, cream).

If you are diabetic, it is very important to check your glucose (sugar) levels regularly and follow the diet recommended by your physician.

Iron-rich foods reduce the risk of pre- and post-operative anemia: • Beans and peas, such as lima, black, red, and kidney beans, split and chickpeas. • Enriched breads, pastas and whole grains such as whole wheat bread, pasta, oats and quinoa. • Fruits (e.g., strawberries, watermelon, figs, prunes and prune juice, dried raisins and apricots). • Dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale and swiss chard, iron-fortified cereals like oats and wheat and whole grain cereals. • Red meat, pork and poultry. • Seafood (e.g., haddock, shrimp, oysters and tuna).

To prevent constipation, be sure to maintain a high-fiber diet. Eat foods that are naturally grown and picked, like vegetables and fruits. Avoid foods that are manufactured, boxed or bagged. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to keep your body well-hydrated. Water is your best choice!