Combining Protein Supplements with Diet for Optimal Muscle Repair After Surgery
Surgical procedures put a lot of stress on the body, leading to loss of muscle and lean mass. There is a critical period after surgery during which these muscles can heal or be restored, and since muscle protein is primarily formed from protein, adequate protein consumption is crucial during this time. In combination with a suitable diet, protein supplements can help patients recover much faster.
Perhaps you already know that protein is crucial to everyday life and to feeding those growing muscles. But to reinforce that with a tad of science I figured I would post this video.
This video was precipitated by a guy I saw in my local gym lifting large weights and simultaneously chugging one of the largest shake bottles I have ever seen. While this may seen to be a stereotypical sight at the gym, it is actually more accurate to speak on how undervalued nutrition is in healthcare even amongst athletes and and health professionals.
In fact, most people associate a good protein shake or supplement with a work out routine but fail to discuss its implications with surgery and/or other wound healing situations such as an accidental injury. Protein is an incredibly important ingredient after a surgery or injury where your Basal Metabolic rate (the amount of calories you burn in a day) increases 15-50%.
This is a huge amount and you cannot recover quickly by remaining sedentary eating cheerios on the couch, no you require proper nutrition to help the body heal faster. In fact, you need about a gram of protein per pound of body weight every 24 hours to help with recovery from an injury. This is a significant amount! Maybe as much as what the guy at the gym chugged in front of me.
Importance of Protein in Muscle Healing
In order to create new muscle tissues, protein is an essential macronutrient. It contains the primary amino acids which are the building blocks needed to reconstruct and build up muscles. Muscle catabolism largely outpaces muscle synthesis after surgery. An individual with sufficient protein intake can thereby avoid muscle loss by increasing their anabolic activity.
Protein helps enhance immune functions known to significantly avert the risk of infection. It is also vital for synthesizing collagen, which is critical in closure of wounds and healing of skins. This is then even more important seeing the body is more vulnerable than usual post-surgery.
Quality and Timing of Protein Usage
| Type of Protein Source | Complete Proteins Examples | Incomplete Proteins Examples | Benefits of Combination | Best Time for Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal-Based Proteins | Eggs, Chicken, Beef, Fish | - | Provides all essential amino acids | After an incision or surgery, spread evenly across meals |
| Plant-Based Proteins | Quinoa (contains all 9 essential amino acids) | Lentils, Soya, Peas | Combining different plant-based proteins to create a complete amino acid profile | Within a few hours post-surgery, evenly throughout the day |
| Dairy-Based Proteins | Whey Protein, Casein Protein | - | Quick absorption (Whey), Slow digestion (Casein) for sustained protein release | Whey in the morning or after workouts, Casein before bed |
Proteins cannot be equated. A particular protein is defined by its content in amino acids as well as its digestion. Complete proteins include all the nine amino acids required by the body and are more readily available in animal products – such as eggs and meat. Plant proteins – soya, lentils, grass peas, etc. – usually contain only one or two basic amino acids, so it is not as effective, unless combined with other sources of protein.
Equally paramount is when protein is consumed. After an incision, taking protein for a few hours can help minimize muscle loss. With gruel divided for every meal, protein is distributed evenly in a day, thus boosting lean mass.
Scope of Protein Supplement for Optimal Recovery in Post-Surgical Care
Whole food tends to be the primary element of any recovery diet as it best achieves the nutritional goal. Only a few calories containing protein rich supplements, however, will often be useful to propel up the protein needs after surgery. These calories are particularly beneficial for those patients that have low food intake due to lack of appetite, digestive troubles, or dietary restrictions. Taking protein supplements can help in these situations.
Whey protein supplement, for instance, is very simple to take and gets absorbed by the body very quickly, making it an ideal post-surgery supplement. Protein supplements enable accurate measurement of a patient's protein intake, preventing guesswork in ensuring they meet their nutritional requirements. These supplements are also available in powder, shakes, and bars, which suit a variety of tastes and convenience needs.
It is important to evaluate the appropriate protein intake for muscle recovery without placing undue stress on the body. The recommended protein allowance varies depending on factors like age, sex, type of surgery, and overall health. For patients recovering from major surgeries, especially those involving muscle or visceral tissues, a higher protein intake of 1.2 to 2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight per day is generally advised.
A general guideline for protein intake goes:
- Mild Surgery (e.g., minor orthopedic procedures) – 1.2-1.5 g/kg of body weight.
- Moderate Surgery (e.g., abdominal surgery, major injury repair) – 1.5-1.8 g/kg of body weight.
- Intensive Surgery (e.g., joint replacements, major trauma surgeries) – 1.8-2.0 g/kg of body weight.
It is equally important to maintain fluid intakes at this stage regardless of protein intake, as well as ensure you consume enough probiotics. Together with proteins, fluids keep the body hydrated, maintain blood pressure, and aid towards overall recuperation.
Protein Supplements and the Recommended Dietary Pattern
A post-surgery diet plan should include protein supplements to prevent protein deficiency. The emphasis, however, must be on the addition of protein supplements to nutrient-rich meals, as opposed to simply drinking protein shakes. A typical muscle repair meal plan might look like this:
-
Breakfast
- Protein Source: One scoop of whey protein powder in a smoothie, a handful of spinach, half a banana, and a tablespoon of chia seeds can – totaling to about 20 to 25g of protein.
- Carbohydrates: One slice of whole grain toast topped with a bit of almond butter.
- Healthy Fats: Chia seeds supply omega-3 fatty acids, helping to decrease inflammation.
- Hydration: Apart from the food, a glass of water with a slice of lemon would help with hydration and digestion.
-
Mid-Morning Snack
- Protein Source: 150g serving of Greek yogurt with a few mixed nuts and seeds.
- Micronutrients: Nuts and seeds – rich in zinc and magnesium, minerals which are important in the muscle repair process.
-
Lunch
- Protein Source: 100 to 150g grilled chicken breast or a plant-based option such as 100g tempeh.
- Carbohydrates: Quinoa or brown rice, which will provide sustained energy.
- Vegetables: Side order of mixed lettuce and garnished with vegetable colors such as green bell peppers, cherry tomato, and cucumber with olive oil and vinegar mix.
-
Afternoon Snack
- Protein Source: A protein shake with plant-based protein powder pea or brown rice.
-
Dinner
- Protein source: The choice of baked salmon (150g) – or lentils stew, for a plant-based option.
- Carbohydrates: The offered accompaniment would be sweet potato or any other starchy vegetable.
- Vegetables: Broccoli and carrot, mashed and steamed, with some seasoning herbs.
- Hydration: Herbal tea (no sugar).
-
Evening Snack
- Protein Source: Cottage cheese (100g) with a few berries for antioxidants.
- Optional Supplement: The last meal (about one hour before bed) is to avoid becoming catabolic during the night. So a slow digesting casein protein shake would also be advised.
Utilizing Protein Supplements Along with Other Recovery Supplements
| Supplement Type | Benefits | Potential Side Effects | Recommended Use Cases | Key Interactions or Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) | Supports muscle protein synthesis, reduces muscle breakdown | Potential gastrointestinal distress at high doses | Ideal for muscle repair and preventing muscle loss | Should be balanced with overall protein intake to avoid imbalances in amino acids |
| Glutamine | Enhances immunity and supports gut health | Can cause bloating or stomach upset | Useful in recovery post-surgery or intense exercise | May be beneficial for patients with compromised immunity but should be used cautiously in kidney issues |
| Fish Oil Omega-3s | Reduces inflammation and supports cardiovascular health | Fishy aftertaste, potential for bleeding in high doses | Best for reducing inflammation after surgery | Monitor with anticoagulant medications to avoid bleeding risks |
| Vitamin C | Promotes collagen production and wound healing | High doses can cause digestive issues like diarrhea | For faster recovery of wounds and boosting immunity | Large doses can interfere with the absorption of some medications |
| Zinc | Supports immune function and aids in wound healing | Nausea or vomiting at high doses | Critical for patients with healing wounds or undergoing surgery | Prolonged high dosage can lead to copper deficiency |
Nutrition in post-surgical recovery depends on the type of surgery, the patient's overall health, and their rehabilitation goals. Individuals with medical conditions such as type two diabetes or the kidney may be on a restricted protein intake, for instance. Consulting a nurse or a dietitian can help ensure that individual conditions regarding protein supplementation or dieting are taken into account.
In that light, even patients who do not consume any animal products – or do not eat certain proteinaceous foods for any number of reasons – will need protein alternatives that meet their recommended amino acid intake. Among which include:
- Branched-Chain Amino Acids: help promote muscle protein while inhibiting muscle degradation.
- Glutamine: helps preserve and enhance immunity and gut health.
- Fish Oil Omega-3s: dietary supplements made from fish oil help to lower inflammation and enhance muscle recovery post-exercise.
- Vitamin C and Zinc: play an important role in collagen formation and fast wound healing and are available through food and or warranted supplementation.
It should be noted that protein supplementation and dietary interventions must be controlled to ensure their effectiveness. Measures like ensuring sufficient is consumed without going overboard, observing and quantifying increases in strength and/or range of movement, and adjusting protein intake as necessary are all but imperative.
Conclusion
Adding protein supplements to a regular diet is a great way to optimize your post-surgery nutrition intake. It's even better to consume the right amount of protein at the appropriate times, as this helps with rebuilding of muscle tissues and improving immune function. It is, however, essential to recognize that protein alone is not a cure-all. The body also needs other vital nutrients, including healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, among others, for an efficient healing process.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15324310/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234922/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11023716/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5568273/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6204628/
General Disclaimer: All information here is for educational purposes only and is not meant to cure, heal, diagnose nor treat. This information must not be used as a replacement for medical advice, nor can the writer take any responsibility for anyone using the information instead of consulting a healthcare professional. All serious disease needs a physician.
