We encourage our patients to start physical therapy as soon as possible after being discharged from hospital. This ensures they regain their strength and range of motion quickly.

It’s also important to concentrate on eating a healthy diet to aid recovery. Getting the right nutrients helps the body to repair the damaged tissue.

We have provided a useful guide to eating a balanced diet, with the right nutrients to help you recover from hip replacement surgery with the best results.

Carbohydrates

Eating carbohydrates is essential for people recovering from any surgery as they assist the body in replenishing its stores of energy. They also promote healing, so don’t skimp on bread and pasta. When including complex carbohydrates in your diet remember to choose wholegrains as they are absorbed more slowly by the body than refined carbs. Include a balance of legumes and vegetables to get a good mix of nutrients and to keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Don’t forget fibre too, which is important for gut health and a healthy digestive system. The medication taken following surgery often disrupts the digestive process, which can hinder recovery. If you have any issues causing you discomfort speak to us for advice.

Protein

Your body needs proteins for muscle development, cell growth and repair, and to support your immune system. It is especially important in people recovering from surgery as the body is put under stress and needs to repair any muscle and tissue damage.

Good sources of protein are meat, fish, eggs, soy-based vegetarian and vegan foods, dairy produce, and nuts and legumes.  

Fats

It is generally accepted that we need to avoid fats in our diet but following surgery, it has been shown that fats play an important role in aiding recovery. They help the body by reducing inflammation, repairing tissue damage, and reducing healing time.

Don’t be afraid to include some healthy fats such as avocado, cheese, dark chocolate and full-fat yoghurt in your diet following surgery, it will help you recover quickly and improve your well-being.

Supplements

Whilst eating a balanced, nutritious diet aids recovery following surgery, sometimes we need a little help. Taking supplements can fill in the gaps in our diet and is often recommended post-surgery. There are protein supplements if you feel your diet is lacking, this is especially true for vegetarians and vegans. Check the quality of the supplements though, as they vary in ingredients. Whey protein is the best choice for people recovering from surgery.

Collagen supplements are known to aid the recovery process following surgery as collagen supports the connective tissues in the body. It also helps to repair tissue damage.

Don’t however just grab the cheapest one, do some research and look for scientific evidence, or ask your doctor for a recommendation.

In conclusion

To help your body recover as quickly as possible from hip replacement surgery eat a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates and proteins. Keep well hydrated and consider supplements if you feel that your diet is lacking.

Your surgical team at MSK Doctors will support you through your surgery and beyond, ensuring the best possible outcome and getting you back to your old self quickly.