Like most surgeries involving an organ in the endocrine system, you’ll need to modify your diet in the wake of a thyroid operation. A thyroidectomy is an operation to remove part or all of a malfunctioning thyroid that may be cancerous or over/under-producing necessary hormones. You don’t need to make severe changes to your diet in the wake of a thyroidectomy, but some modifications will make life a little easier. Here are four diet tips to keep in mind after a thyroidectomy. Obviously you should always follow the instructions of your endocrine surgeon, but here are some general tips to keep in mind.
Simple To Swallow Foods
You might find it harder than normal to swallow in the first few days after thyroid surgery, so stick to some foods that are easier to swallow, like jello, pudding, soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt and applesauce.
Hydration is Important
Similar to one of the points in our recent post about post-hernia surgery diet, staying hydrated is crucial after thyroid surgery. A common side effect of pain medication is constipation, and staying hydrated can make it easier for you to have bowel movements after surgery. Strive for 60-80 ounces of water a day, which equates to about 8-10 small glasses of water.
Vitamin C and Zinc
It’s important to get food from a wide range of food groups after surgery, but Vitamin C and Zinc are especially important because of the role they play in wound healing and boosting your immune system. Vitamin C can easily be obtained from fruits like strawberries, raspberries and oranges, or you can get a supply from dark green veggies like broccoli and spinach. As for Zinc, you can find it in high-protein foods like chicken, pork and whole grains.
Avoid Spicy or Fried Foods
Although there are really no strict diet limitations after thyroid surgery, it is often recommended that you avoid spicy, heavy or fried foods in the first week after surgery. Some people experience a sore throat after surgery, and spicy or deep fried foods can add to that discomfort. You can try small portions of some of these foods on a trial basis, but it might be wise just to play it safe as you recover. Avoiding fatty fried foods is also beneficial because they can leave you feeling lethargic, deprive you of essential nutrients, and lead to weight gain due to excess calorie intake while you’re typically in a less-active state.
