There are many factors that determine how fast a person recuperates from injury, trauma, and surgery. Although factors such as age are more difficult to control, nutrition is one of those factors we can manage.

1. Our first food is leafy green vegetables including kale, spinach, mustard greens and swiss chard just to name a few. These green vegetables help to reduce inflammation especially after a surgery. It is important to reduce swelling after surgery because swelling can become a deterrent to achieving therapy goals especially goals centered around improving range of motion of joints. In addition, leafy greens also improve the function of the immune system. Leafy green vegetables also improve wound healing which is very vital after surgery as well.
2. Berries including blueberries, raspberries, strawberries contain vitamin C which promotes healing of wounds by stimulating collagen production and antioxidants.
3. Coconut is also another great food that promotes healing. Coconut water is a low calorie, low carb, low sugar, and practically fat free solution. In fact, coconut water is high in vitamin C, B vitamins and proteins. The fleshy part of the coconut also helps to restore damaged tissue and is also a source of healthy fat. Overall, coconut helps to support immune health and improve digestion. If the raw form of coconut is inaccessible to you there are other alternatives that may be easier to find like coconut milk, coconut flour, coconut cream and coconut sugar.
4. Food number 4 is eggs, which of course is an excellent source of protein. This is beneficial to our bodies because protein is the building block of muscle. After surgery, the body actually needs more protein than it does under normal circumstances. The recommended intake of protein is 0.7 to 0.9 grams per pound of body weight. Eggs not only provide protein in our diet, but they also support immune health and wound healing. Eggs contain vitamin A, B-12, zinc, and iron.
5. Salmon which contains protein, zinc, omega 3-fats, b- vitamins also promote wound healing and enhances immune response which is very important after surgery. Although the Omega-3 is beneficial in its natural form as it is found in the salmon however, you may want to enquire with your physician before taking the supplemental form.
6. A good source of protein for people who may be vegan is nuts and seeds. These include almonds, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and hemp seeps. In addition to the protein that nuts, and seeds contain they also have zinc, vitamin e, manganese, and magnesium. The vitamin e acts as an antioxidant, helps the immune system, and also supports against cell damage.
7. Aloe Vera is also another great food choice that helps us to heal fast. Aloe contains 18 out of 20 amino acids that are found within the body and a total of 12 vitamins. Much like coconut, aloe contains antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties but most importantly aloe eases inflammation and arthritic pains.
8. Last put finally not least is bee pollen. Bee pollen is a rich source of carotenoids, amino acids, and enzymes. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and proteins are the building block of muscles. Bee pollen also contains B-vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, and more than 68 minerals. One of the many benefits of Bee pollen in addition to providing the body with a lot of energy it also increases resistance to infections and improve your body defenses.

Try adding a few of these to your diet today. Your body will thank you for it.