Pre- and Post-Surgery Health (Holistic)
About This Condition
- Enjoy some ginger
Reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting by taking 1 gram of encapsulated ginger powder 60 minutes before receiving general anesthesia
- Think nutrition
Eat a high-quality, balanced diet, and use nutritional supplements to prevent malnutrition that can impair recovery from surgery
- Say good-bye to smoking
Prevent poor surgery outcomes and many other health problems by kicking the habit for good
About This Condition
Major surgery causes serious stress to the body. The body’s immune system is weakened and gastrointestinal function is changed after major surgery, leaving the body vulnerable to infection and in a state of nutritional insufficiency.1 Steps can be taken using natural approaches to strengthen the body before and after surgery, enhance defenses, prevent complications, and speed recovery.
Healthy Lifestyle Tips
Smoking compromises overall health and is associated with poorer outcomes of many types of surgery.2, 3, 4 Smoking may lessen the nausea and vomiting commonly experienced after surgery due to effects of anesthesia, according to a preliminary study,5 but the disadvantages far outweigh this single possible benefit.
Holistic Options
Acupressure can be used to prevent nausea and vomiting. Wristbands designed to apply pressure to acupuncture points on the forearm were shown to effectively prevent post-operative nausea and vomiting in seven controlled trials6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and were as effective as an antinausea medication in another.12 One controlled trial found no benefit from acupressure wristbands.13Acupuncture14 and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) of a wrist acupuncture point15 have also been shown to be effective for post-operative nausea and vomiting in controlled trials. A controlled comparison study found that electroacupuncture of the wrist points controlled post-operative nausea and vomiting as well as antinausea medication and better than TENS, but both electro-acupuncture and TENS helped more than no treatment.16 A comprehensive review of research on acupuncture, electroacupuncture, TENS, acupoint stimulation, and acupressure for post-operative nausea and vomiting found these techniques to be more effective than placebo and as effective as commonly prescribed medications in adults but not in children.17 However, laser stimulation of the acupuncture points on the wrists both before and after surgery was effective for children in one controlled trial.18
The right diet is the key to managing many diseases and to improving general quality of life. For this condition, scientific research has found benefit in the following healthy eating tips.
| Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|
| Think nutrition | Eat a high-quality, balanced diet, and use nutritional supplements to prevent malnutrition that can impair recovery from surgery. Malnutrition, either before or after surgery, has a negative effect on recovery from surgery. Malnutrition is common among the elderly and chronically ill even in developed countries, and one study found that half of older general surgery patients had moderate to severe malnutrition from protein deficiency. Being malnourished prior to surgery was associated with increased post-operative inflammation in one recent preliminary study. A study of patients requiring lung surgery found that those who were better nourished prior to surgery had shorter hospital stays and required less intensive post-surgery care. Dietary restriction and even fasting is often required prior to certain types of surgery. However, one study found that a four- to eight-day calorie-restricted diet lowered nutritional health and caused decreased immune system activity in pre-surgery patients, but adding a nutritional formula providing extra calories and protein reduced this negative effect of the restricted diet. In another study, the clear liquid diet commonly recommended to patients before colon surgery was compared with a liquid diet providing protein, calories, and other nutrients; the patients who received extra nutrition prior to surgery had shorter hospital stays than those who received only clear liquids. After reviewing animal and human studies comparing fasting and clear liquid pre-surgery diets to pre-surgery diets including liquid carbohydrate formulas, some authorities recommend a carbohydrate formula rather than fasting in preparation for surgery. Liquid diets using specially prepared nutritional formulas containing all necessary nutrients are frequently used around the time of surgery, especially in patients who cannot eat solid food. Studies have also shown that use of nutritional formulas soon after surgery has a positive effect on recovery time after cesarean section and reduces rates of infection after abdominal surgeries. Reviews of nutrition research on all types of surgery patients have concluded that undernourished patients will have better results if they receive supplemental nutrition before and after surgery, and that supplemental nutrition is more helpful when given orally rather than directly to the bloodstream (intravenously). Whether people who are not malnourished benefit from these diet supplements is unknown. After major surgery, it is sometimes necessary to supply nourishment by a route that bypasses the digestive tract, such as intravenously, rather than by mouth. This form of nutrition is known as “parenteral,” while food taken into the digestive tract is known as “enteral.” While there is debate about whether parenteral nutrition is less healthful than enteral nutrition, the decision to use one or the other is a complicated one, and should be discussed in individual cases with the treating physician. |
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
| Supplement | Why |
|---|---|
3 Stars Glutamine 20 grams daily | Studies have shown that using glutamine-enriched formulas after surgery increased immune cell activity, shortened hospital stays, improved nutritional status, and reduced infections. Glutamine, one of the most abundant amino acids in the body, supports the health of the cells lining the gastrointestinal tract and is important for immune function. Glutamine is depleted when the body is under stress, including the stress of surgery. Blood levels of glutamine decrease following surgery, and as they return to normal, their increase parallels the increase in immune cells. Two controlled trials have shown that the use of glutamine-enriched intravenous formulas, providing approximately 20 grams of glutamine per day, resulted in increased immune cell activity and shorter hospital stays. Double-blind studies report that patients receiving intravenous formulas supplemented with glutamine after surgery had better nutritional status and better health outcomes, including fewer infections and other complications, compared with patients receiving regular formulas. |
2 Stars Arginine 12.5 to 18.75 grams daily before and after surgery | The amino acid arginine has a role in immune function, infection prevention, and tissue repair after injury, including surgery. The amino acid arginine has a role in immune function, infection prevention, and tissue repair after injury, including surgery. Animal research suggests that supplemental arginine may improve the outcomes in cardiovascular and colon surgeries. Other animal studies suggest a possible role for arginine in prevention of adhesions, a painful type of internal scarring that can occur with surgery. Human trials of formulas including arginine are discussed below, but the benefits of supplemental arginine alone have not been studied in surgery patients. |
2 Stars Fish Oil 3.3 to 5 grams daily omega-3 fatty acids before and after surgery | Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties and may improve recovery and prevent infection after surgery. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, and animal studies suggest that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may improve recovery and prevent infection after surgery. A controlled human trial found that intravenous nutritional formulas containing omega-3 fatty acids given post-operatively lowered the production of inflammatory chemicals compared with standard nutritional formulas. Other human studies of omega-3 fatty acid-supplemented nutritional formulas used in surgery patients have included other supplemental nutrients as well and are discussed below. |
2 Stars Ginger 1 gram of powder in a capsule 60 minutes before receiving general anesthesia (inform your anesthesiologist) | Ginger has antinausea properties and may prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting. A recent study found that 24% of surgery patients had taken herbal supplements before their surgeries, and 50 different herbs had been used among these patients. Little research exists, however, on the safety or efficacy of herbs before surgery. Some researchers and healthcare providers are concerned about possible harmful interactions between herbs and medications used around or during surgery, or the possibility that some herbs may increase bleeding during and after surgery. The use of herbs around the time of surgery should be discussed with a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner. Nausea and vomiting can be experienced post-operatively as a result of anesthesia. Ginger(Zingiber officinale) has antinausea properties and has been examined for its ability to prevent post-operative nausea and vomiting in several controlled trials. In two of these controlled trials, ginger was found more effective than placebo and equal to an antinausea medication; however, in two other controlled trials ginger was not found to have any benefit. A review considering the results of these trials concluded that 1 gram of ginger taken before surgery prevents nausea and vomiting slightly better than placebo, but this difference is not significant. However, a more recent review concluded that ginger is an effective means for reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting. |
2 Stars Iron Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | Iron supplementation prior to surgery was found in one trial to reduce the need for postoperative blood transfusions. One preliminary study found iron levels to be reduced after both minor and major surgeries, and iron supplementation prior to surgery was not able to prevent this reduction. A controlled trial found that intravenous iron was more effective than oral iron for restoring normal iron levels after spinal surgery in children. One animal study reported that supplementation with fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) improved the absorption of iron and prevented anemia after surgery, but no human trials have been done to confirm this finding. Some researchers speculate that iron deficiency after a trauma such as surgery is an important mechanism for avoiding infection, and they suggest that iron supplements should not be given after surgery. Patients who have undergone major surgery frequently need blood transfusions to replace blood lost during the procedure. Studies have found that 18 to 21% of surgery patients were anemic prior to surgery, and these anemic patients required more blood after surgery than did non-anemic surgery patients. Supplementation with iron prior to surgery was found in a controlled trial to reduce the need for blood transfusions, whether or not iron deficiency was present.Iron supplements (99 mg per day) given before and for two months after joint surgery in another controlled trial improved blood values but did not change the length of hospitalization or the risk of post-operative fever. Pre-operative iron supplementation in combination with a medication that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow is considered by some doctors to be an effective way to minimize the need for post-operative blood transfusions. |
2 Stars Probiotics Refer to label instructions | One meta-analysis found that the use of a probiotic or synbiotic (probiotic plus prebiotic) product around the time of surgery significantly decreased the incidence of severe infections following elective surgery. A meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials found that the use of a probiotic or synbiotic (probiotic plus prebiotic) product around the time of surgery significantly decreased the incidence of severe infections following elective surgery. Consult a healthcare practitioner for information about what probiotic or synbiotic to use and when to start taking it. |
2 Stars Ribonucleic Acid 1.2 to 1.8 grams daily before and after surgery | During times of physical stress, such as surgery, ribonucleic acid (RNA) helps stimulate immune cell division and activity and is needed in greater amounts. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a member of the nucleotide family of biomolecules and supports protein synthesis and cell growth. During times of physical stress, RNA helps stimulate immune cell division and activity, and is needed in greater amounts. Animal studies show that nucleotides given in the diet support the immune response and decrease death rates in infected animals. In human infants, those fed nucleotide-enriched formulas have healthier gastrointestinal systems and better immune function than do those fed ordinary formulas. RNA is included in some oral and intravenous nutritional formulas used for surgery patients, and these formulas are discussed below. |
2 Stars Taurine Take at least 1.5 grams daily before and after surgery | Taurine is an amino acid that appears to have an important role in immune cell functions. Supplementing with it may reduce inflammation. Taurine is an amino acid abundantly present in the body that also appears to have an important role in immune cell functions. A preliminary trial found that patients receiving an oral formula enriched with taurine (1 gram per liter) beginning two days before surgery and continuing until five days after surgery had less inflammation after surgery compared with those receiving a standard formula. |
1 Star Alpha Ketoglutarate (AKG) Refer to label instructions | AKG is used by cells during growth and in healing from injuries and other wounds, and is especially important in the healing of muscle tissue. AKG (alpha-ketoglutarate) is used by cells during growth and in healing from injuries and other wounds, and is especially important in the healing of muscle tissue. Controlled studies have found intravenous AKG helpful for supporting protein synthesis, which often declines as a result of surgery, and for protecting the heart muscle from damage during heart surgery, but no research has investigated whether oral AKG would be similarly effective. |
1 Star Fructo-oligosaccharides Refer to label instructions | Supplementing with fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) appears to improve iron absorption and restore iron levels, which may be reduced after surgery. One preliminary study found iron levels to be reduced after both minor and major surgeries, and iron supplementation prior to surgery was not able to prevent this reduction. A controlled trial found that intravenous iron was more effective than oral iron for restoring normal iron levels after spinal surgery in children. One animal study reported that supplementation with fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) improved the absorption of iron and prevented anemia after surgery, but no human trials have been done to confirm this finding. Some researchers speculate that iron deficiency after a trauma such as surgery is an important mechanism for avoiding infection, and they suggest that iron supplements should not be given after surgery. |
1 Star Selenium Refer to label instructions | Selenium has an important role in immune function and infection prevention, and supplementing with it may correct a postoperative selenium deficiency. Selenium is a mineral nutrient with an important role in immune function and infection prevention, and selenium deficiency has been reported in patients after intestinal surgery. A controlled trial of critically ill patients, including some with recent major surgery, found that those receiving daily intravenous selenium injections for three weeks showed less biochemical signs of body stress compared with unsupplemented patients. The amount used in this trial was 500 mcg twice daily for the first week, 500 mcg once daily for the second week, and 100 mcg three times daily for the third week. |
1 Star Turmeric Refer to label instructions | Turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects. One trial found curcumin (from turmeric) was more effective than anti-inflammatory medication for relieving postsurgical inflammation. A recent study found that 24% of surgery patients had taken herbal supplements before their surgeries, and 50 different herbs had been used among these patients. Little research exists, however, on the safety or efficacy of herbs before surgery. Some researchers and healthcare providers are concerned about possible harmful interactions between herbs and medications used around or during surgery, or the possibility that some herbs may increase bleeding during and after surgery. The use of herbs around the time of surgery should be discussed with a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner. Turmeric(Curcuma longa) is an herb with anti-inflammatory effects. One trial found curcumin (from turmeric) at 400 mg three times daily was more effective than either placebo or anti-inflammatory medication for relieving post-surgical inflammation. However, as the different treatment groups had different degrees of inflammation at the start of the study, firm conclusions cannot be drawn from this study. |
1 Star Vitamin A Refer to label instructions | Topical vitamin A may help speed wound healing and reduce scarring in patients taking corticosteroids, which typically slow wound healing. Vitamin A plays an important role in wound healing, and one animal study suggests that vitamin A deficiency might contribute to poor recovery after surgery. Vitamin A may be particularly beneficial to post-surgical patients who are using corticosteroid medications. These medications typically slow wound healing, and a number of animal studies have found that both topical and oral vitamin A reverse this effect; however, vitamin A does not change healing time in animals not given corticosteroids. Similar results have been reported for topical vitamin A in some human cases, and these researchers suggest a topical preparation containing 200,000 IU of vitamin A per ounce for improved surgical wound healing in patients using corticosteroids after surgery. Topical vitamin A may also reduce scarring in patients taking corticosteroids. |
1 Star Vitamin B1 Refer to label instructions | Vitamin B1, given as intramuscular injections before surgery, resulted in less reduction of immune system activity after surgery in one study. Vitamin B1, given as intramuscular injections of 120 mg daily for several days before surgery, resulted in less reduction of immune system activity after surgery in a preliminary trial. In a controlled trial, an oral B vitamin combination providing 100 mg of B1, 200 mg of vitamin B6, and 200 mcg of vitamin B12 daily given for five weeks before surgery and for two weeks following surgery also prevented post-surgical reductions in immune activity. However, no research has explored any other benefits of B vitamin supplementation in surgery patients. |
1 Star Vitamin B12 Refer to label instructions | In one trial, a combination of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 before and after surgery prevented post-surgical reductions in immune activity. Vitamin B1, given as intramuscular injections of 120 mg daily for several days before surgery, resulted in less reduction of immune system activity after surgery in a preliminary trial. In a controlled trial, an oral B vitamin combination providing 100 mg of B1, 200 mg of vitamin B6, and 200 mcg of vitamin B12 daily given for five weeks before surgery and for two weeks following surgery also prevented post-surgical reductions in immune activity. However, no research has explored any other benefits of B vitamin supplementation in surgery patients. |
1 Star Vitamin B6 Refer to label instructions | In one trial, a combination of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 before and after surgery prevented post-surgical reductions in immune activity. Vitamin B1, given as intramuscular injections of 120 mg daily for several days before surgery, resulted in less reduction of immune system activity after surgery in a preliminary trial. In a controlled trial, an oral B vitamin combination providing 100 mg of B1, 200 mg of vitamin B6, and 200 mcg of vitamin B12 daily given for five weeks before surgery and for two weeks following surgery also prevented post-surgical reductions in immune activity. However, no research has explored any other benefits of B vitamin supplementation in surgery patients. |
1 Star Vitamin E Refer to label instructions | Some studies have found that vitamin E levels decrease after surgery, supplementation may correct a deficiency. Vitamin E may also prevent scarring when used topically after surgery. Some studies of surgery patients, though not all, have found that blood levels of vitamin E decrease during and after surgery. Animal research suggests that vitamin E may prevent skin scarring when used topically after surgery, but a human study reported disappointing results. Vitamin E taken by mouth may interfere with blood clotting; therefore, use of vitamin E before surgery should be discussed with the surgeon. No research on either the usefulness or hazards of vitamin E supplementation around surgery has been done. |
1 Star Zinc Refer to label instructions | Zinc is important for proper immune system function and wound healing. Zinc supplements taken before surgery may prevent zinc deficiency and promote healing. Zinc is a mineral nutrient important for proper immune system function and wound healing. One study found most surgery patients recovering at home had low dietary intakes of zinc. Low blood levels of zinc have been reported in patients after lung surgery. In one study this deficiency lasted for up to seven days after surgery and was associated with higher risk of pneumonia, while another study found an association between post-operative zinc deficiency and fatigue. Poor post-operative wound healing is also more common in people with zinc deficiency. Zinc supplements given to patients before surgery prevented zinc deficiency in one study, but the effect of these supplements on post-surgical health was not evaluated. |
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15. Fassoulaki A, Papilas K, Sarantopoulos C, Zotou M. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces the incidence of vomiting after hysterectomy. Anesth Analg 1993;76:1012-4.
16. Ho RT, Jawan B, Fung ST, et al. Electro-acupuncture and postoperative emesis. Anaesthesia 1989;45:327-9.
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18. Schlager A, Offer T, Baldissera I. Laser stimulation of acupuncture point P6 reduces postoperative vomiting in children undergoing strabismus surgery. Br J Anaesth 1998;81:529-32.
Last Review: 06-08-2015
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.
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