Going to the Hospital? My Advice: Pack a Cooler From Home! (Part 2)
A friend of mine had open heart surgery yesterday to correct a birth defect. It is both miraculous and amazing to me that we have made advances in modern medicine that allow our very gifted surgeons to cut open the sternum, stop the heart, perform a lifesaving repair, close it all back up and get it all restarted. Truly, truly wonderful and for that we are so grateful.
And then I got this text: Mel...... Help Me
Once the ice-chip, water and intestinal gurgle tests were all passed, the very first thing served to my friend: Sugar, sugar and sugar. Highly destructive, blood sugar spiking and NON-nutritive sugar in the form of soda (SODA?!?!?!?), jello and apple juice. Wow. Have we made so few advances in nutrition that this is still the norm?
With a degree in Holistic Nutrition, while I cannot Prescribe Nutritional Medicine, I can coach and educate about the healing properties of different foods. So, just for fun, let’s consider an alternative post-op first meal.
Instead of the apple juice, how about organic pineapple juice, which contains an amazing element called Bromelain. Bromelain is a digestive aid that also has a mild anti-inflammatory effect and is useful to reduce micro blood clots, one of the primary concerns after open-heart surgery. Pineapples also contain Vitamins A and C, both helpful with tissue healing and immune support, as well as potassium, calcium, manganese and selenium.
Next, instead of jello, why not pureed avocado or banana? Avocado is high in most of the B vitamins, which helps with both tissue repair and the stress of surgery, has vitamin C and good amounts of vitamin A. They are also rich in potassium and contain many other minerals including magnesium, manganese and iron. With surgical blood loss, more iron may be needed in the recovery stage to build blood cells. Bananas also contain potassium, which helps muscles contract and keeps the heart beating regularly.
And finally, instead of SODA, maybe some clear Organic Bone broth. Bone broth contains many healing elements including collagen, several different minerals and 19 different amino acids, all in forms your body can easily absorb. It is easy to digest, helps reduce intestinal inflammation, aids in tissue healing and boosts immune function.
While the current hospital diet might make more economic sense, it is definitely NOT in the best interest of the patient, in my opinion. As Elson M. Haas, M.D. so perfectly states, "It would be wonderful if our hospitals would provide more nutrient-rich, healing diets, with more wholesome foods and liquids to help revitalize and nourish (AND HEAL) the patients." But, since they don’t, my advice: If you are headed to the hospital…. PACK A COOLER FROM HOME!
Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to diagnose or treat specific medical conditions and is not a substitute for you own personal research. It contains basic information, that is publicly available. It is not intended as individualized advice or as a substitute for professional advice of any kind. Any suggestions I make are not a substitute for you own personal research. Always consult your own licensed medical practitioner if you are in any way concerned about your health. You must satisfy yourself of the validity of the professional qualifications of any healthcare provider and, as always, do not discontinue any medications without your doctor’s consent.
