Guest Blog by Corey Schuler, MS, DC, CNS, LN
Welcome to part four in our series on how to help your body heal after surgery by guest blogger Dr. Corey Schuler.
Take a Potent Probiotic Supplement
What does gut health have to do with surgery? Everything! Antibiotics are used as a precaution against potential infection. However, antibiotics have their own consequences. While killing off invaders, antibiotics also disturb the natural gut flora. Hundreds of strains of microbes normally colonize our intestines. They break down ill digested foods, make nutrients, and support immune function. Doctors may suggest eating yogurt or fermented foods to restore this critical balance, but it may not be enough in all cases.
Probiotics, or live cultures, can be supplemented in doses ranging from 1 billion to 450 billion colony forming units (CFU). The extent to which someone needs to supplement is largely based on how healthy they were before the antibiotics. Most will benefit from a 50 billion CFU dose. History of antibiotic use and the standard western diet are major flora disruptors.
Heal the Gut and Support Liver Function
Pain medications, often powerful narcotics, will be suggested after most surgical procedures. These medicines can be habit forming and should be used in the lowest dose and shortest duration. Acupuncture and other natural pain relief can support decreasing the dose and duration of these medications. Side effects include confusion or apathy, nausea, and constipation. Anti-nausea meds may also be prescribed to offset the effects while constipation requires a healthy supply of good clean water, fiber via diet or supplementation, and perhaps even a stool softener or laxative.
It is best to be proactive, as constipation after surgery can be one of the most frustrating and painful parts of recovery. Gastrointestinal repair nutrients include glutamine, zinc, and a non-colony forming yeast known as Saccharomyces boulardii. A broad spectrum liver support product is often advised by integrative medicine practitioners after the discontinuation of pain medicines. Regardless of whether you had a general anesthesia or a nerve block, you can benefit from fully and quickly clearing these substances from the body.
Thanks for reading this guest blog series on healing after surgery. We hope you’ve enjoyed it and learned a thing or two! If you have any further questions about how to help your body heal after surgery, connect with Dr. Schuler through his Facebook page.
