Articles

Nutrition and Healing from Back Surgery

By Nancy Bennett, M.S., R.D., Nutritionist

Good nutrition is a key factor in both the speed and quality of healing from back surgery. Your body needs a wide variety of nutrients in building tissue for wound repair

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A well-balanced diet is the best insurance for getting these nutrients.

The FOOD GUIDE PYRAMID below outlines the ingredients of a healthy diet. Each food group contributes special nutrients which the body uses in repairing its tissue. Choose the appropriate number of servings from each food group on a daily basis.

DAIRY
2-3 Servings
Provides Calcium, Phosphorus, Protein, and B Vitamins

VEGETABLES
3-5 Servings
Provides Vitamins A and Potassium, and Fiber

FATS AND SUGARS
Contribute little nutritionally. Use sparingly.

MEATS
2-3 Servings
Provides Protein, Iron, Zinc, and B Vitamins

FRUITS
4 Servings
Provides Vitamins A and C, Potassium, and Fiber

BREADS, CEREALS AND STARCHES
6-11 Servings
Provides Vitamins, Minerals, and Fiber

WHAT COUNTS AS A SERVING?

Breads, Cereals and Starches:

• 1 slice of bread
• 1 oz. of ready-to-eat cereal
• 1/2 cup cooked cereal, rice or pasta

Vegetables

• 1 cup raw leafy vegetables
• 1/2 cup other vegetables, cooked or chopped raw
• 3/4 cup vegetable juice

Fruits

• 1 medium piece of fruit cup of chopped, cooked or canned fruit cup of fruit juice

Meats

• 3 oz. cooked lean meat, poultry or fish
• 1/2 cup cooked dry beans, 1 egg, or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter count as 1 oz. lean meat

Dairy

• 1 cup milk or yogurt
• 1-1/2 oz. natural cheese
• 2 oz. process cheese