What nutrients should be supplemented after brain surgery?

Diet plays an important role in helping the body recover after injury or surgery, especially brain surgery. Doctor II Dang Bao Ngoc, Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroscience, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, advises patients to eat scientifically, balancing groups of substances to support the body’s recovery. , heal skin, bones and nerve function. Below are 5 groups of nutrients that patients should prioritize after brain surgery.

Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids improve cognitive ability and promote recovery of nerve cells in patients after traumatic brain injury. Omega-3 is an essential fat that the body cannot produce on its own and must be supplemented from food. Adequate supplementation of this fatty acid helps reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease after brain surgery. The recommended dose is 1,500 mg a day. Good food sources of omega 3 include salmon, halibut, flaxseeds, soybean oil and walnuts.

Protein

Protein is necessary for growth, development, and provides the body with necessary energy. This is also a nutrient that helps form antibodies, enzymes, hormones and tissues. The body breaks down protein into important amino acids for building muscle. Lack of essential amino acids over a long period of time negatively affects the body’s ability to function and heal.

Protein is found in fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, milk, green leafy vegetables, beans and cereals.

Vitamins

According to Dr. Ngoc, patients after brain surgery need to supplement vitamins through their daily diet such as vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, Choline, vitamins D, E, K and folic acid (folate). Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects brain cells from free radicals, fights inflammation, and is good for brain recovery. It also plays a role in nerve activity and function.

Vitamin-rich foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, wheat germ, spinach, broccoli, kiwi, fats, nuts, and cereals. Patients can also take multivitamin supplements according to the doctor’s instructions.

Types of minerals

Minerals play an important role in maintaining fluid balance in the patient’s body after brain surgery. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, manganese and zinc not only support brain function but also participate in the formation of healthy blood, bones, nerves, and muscles. Seafood, milk, grapes, broccoli, and lean meats contain many micronutrients that are good for health.

Curcumin

This nutrient found in turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body fight inflammation. Curcumin also has the ability to aid in the recovery of cognitive function after brain injury.

Dr. Ngoc recommends that patients drink plenty of water after brain surgery. Water helps transport nutrients and eliminate toxins from cells, maintain a stable temperature, support digestion, and promote circulatory function. For the body to function optimally, patients should drink 8-10 glasses a day, equivalent to two liters of water.

Avoid foods containing stimulants such as alcohol and caffeine. Limit salty foods, sweets and candy. Overeating causes neurological impairment and cognitive disorders. Patients can use natural active ingredients such as blueberry and ginkgo biloba to help regulate blood flow to the brain, increase nutrients to the brain, reduce headaches, insomnia, and improve depression. memory.