What To Eat After An Appendicitis?

Appendicitis is the inflammation of a portion of the large intestine called appendix, and its treatment is mainly based on its removal through surgery, which being at the abdominal level, certain nutritional care must be maintained during the first days of the postoperative period to avoid possible complications.

Feeding after appendicitis should be light, starting in the first 24 to 48 hours of the postoperative period a diet of clear liquids (chicken broth, liquid jelly, teas and diluted juices), in order to test the individual’s tolerance to food and facilitate the functioning of the intestine, avoiding pain and discomfort, and reducing the hospital stay.

 What to eat after an appendicitis?

Post-operative feeding

Once the individual tolerates the liquid diet in the first 24 to 48 hours post-operatively, it is possible to progress the diet to one of semi-solid or soft consistency and of easy absorption, having to maintain it during the following 7 days after surgery. Meals should be prepared grilled, boiled or steamed, being able to eat:

  • Well cooked and mashed vegetables, being able to eat carrot, zucchini, chayota, eggplant and pumpkin;
  • Pear, apple or peach without peel, seedless and cooked preferably;
  • Fish and skinless turkey or chicken breast, low-fat white cheeses;
  • White bread and cream crackers;
  • Oatmeal or cornstarch atol prepared in water;
  • Chicken broth, pumpkin or carrot cream natural;
  • Jelly and fruit compotes;
  • Rice, pastina, potato or sweet potato cooked without skin. 
  • In addition to this, it is important to drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day to prevent constipation and to reduce the abdominal pressure exerted during bowel movements. To flavor the food it is possible to use aromatic herbs such as oregano, coriander and parsley, for example. See other care to be taken in the postoperative period following appendectomy. 

    What not to eat after surgery

    During the immediate postoperative period, foods rich in fats such as snacks, sausages, fried foods, butter, sauces and industrialized foods rich in sugars should be avoided, since these foods are pro-inflammatory, hindering the healing process, as well as digestion. 

    Likewise, foods that may irritate the intestinal mucosa should be avoided, as is the case of spicy foods, pepper and caffeine-rich drinks, as well as foods rich in fiber, since their absorption at intestinal level is slower and promotes an increase in the size of the stool, avoiding raw and shelled vegetables and fruits, whole foods and nuts.

    Foods that favor the production of intestinal gas such as beans, cabbage, broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, among others, should also be avoided, because they can cause discomfort and pain. Know which are the main foods that cause gas. 

    How long should you keep this diet

    This diet should be maintained for approximately 7 days, so if the individual during these days did not have any intolerance or complication, could return to perform a balanced and healthy diet of normal consistency, having to incorporate the foods progressively.

    Sample menu of diet for appendicitis

    In the table below we indicate a 3-day sample menu of a semi-solid diet for the post-operative period of an appendectomy:

    1 cup of chamomile tea s/az + 1 cup of Atol de avena s/az + 1 medium pear without skin and cooked

    The amounts included in the menu vary from one person to another, so the ideal is to go to a nutritionist to perform a complete nutritional assessment and calculate the meal plan according to the needs of the individual. In addition to this, it is important to respect the recommendations suggested by the same, to avoid complications of the surgery.  

    Comments

    Popular posts from this blog

    Working out with a cut finger on the gym: What should you do?

    Home Remedies For Canker Sores

    Diet For Diverticulitis: What To Eat And What To Avoid