MAILBAG: Recover from Surgery FASTER
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 23, 2023
“I’m having knee replacement surgery next month. I’m very nervous. Are there any ways to speed up recovery?”
– Jen, Boulder, CO
There’s no doubt about it. Surgery IS stressful for the body (and mind), and it takes time to heal. But your recovery time CAN typically be reduced with a bit of extra support.
Most surgeons now have handouts that tell you what to avoid before surgery. Or, they’ll cover this in a pre-surgery appointment.
Follow the surgeon’s instructions to the letter. This will help the surgery and recovery run smoother.
I typically encourage patients to take the following daily “surgery cocktail,” starting two weeks before the operation and continuing for four weeks post-surgery.
- A high-quality multivitamin and mineral.
- Vitamin C – 3,000 milligrams to promote the healing of connective tissue.
- Mixed bioflavonoids – 3000 milligrams to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling.
- Vitamin E – 400 IU to promote wound healing and reduce scar formation.
- Zinc – 30 to 40 milligrams to stimulate DNA synthesis for new cell growth.
Even if these supplements aren’t listed on the surgery no-no list, it’s a good idea to ask about them BEFORE you start taking them.
Focus on eating a healthy anti-inflammatory diet. Eat plenty of meats and vegetables. And avoid processed foods, vegetable oils, added sugars, and alcohol.
With your surgeon’s thumbs up, consider taking natural anti-inflammatories such as fish oil, Boswellia, and turmeric as well.
Light exercise and sleep are vital for healing and stress reduction.
Ask your surgeon what kind of exercise you can do and when you can start. Light walking is often encouraged. You may also be prescribed physical therapy immediately following surgery. The therapist can provide you with instructions for other safe at-home exercises to do as well.
I prefer natural approaches to encourage more restful sleep such as melatonin and calming herbs like passionflower, hops, and chamomile.
Best of luck with surgery and recovery!
P.S. Before you reach for that bottle of NSAID pain reliever again, you NEED to know something. Your temporary solution for joint pain could leave you with permanent damage. Don’t take another NSAID pain reliever until you READ THIS!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...