You’re probably familiar with the traditional forms of recovery advice. For example, be sure to rest, and don’t try too much too soon, and our personal favorite - follow the doctor's orders. 

Often what gets overlooked when talking about recovering from surgery is the role that nutrition, hydration, and electrolytes play. By replenishing your electrolytes, you will remain hydrated and expedite the healing process. 

What are electrolytes, and why are they so important for recovery following a surgical procedure? Great question! Let’s explore.

What Are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are electrically charged atoms and molecules that are important for ensuring the proper function of your body’s cells, tissues, and organs. A few common examples of electrolytes in your body include sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus, magnesium, and bicarbonate. All of these electrolytes are important for regulating the function of your nerves and muscles. Electrolytes also balance the blood’s pH, handle pressure, hydrate your body, and rebuild the damaged tissue. For example, electrolytes are also crucial for regulating your blood's ability to clot as well as constructing new tissue. In order for you to recover following a surgical procedure, you need to avoid a possible electrolyte imbalance.

Electrolytes Are Important After Surgery

In particular, fluids and electrolytes are essential during and after surgery. Electrolytes are important because they maintain proper water balance both inside and outside your body's cells. During a surgical procedure, electrolytes in water are going to be moving quickly from place to place. After the procedure is finished, you have to provide your body with enough fluid and electrolytes to restore appropriate balance. For example, water constitutes between 50 and 60 percent of total body weight in a healthy adult. Therefore, you have to make sure your body has enough water and electrolytes to function well. Electrolytes play an important role in helping your body heal after surgery, which is why you have to stay properly hydrated and avoid electrolyte imbalance.

The Best Ways To Get Electrolytes

So, if you are looking for electrolytes after a surgical procedure, what are a few possible sources you might want to consider? Examples include:

• Try to eat a few bananas, as they contain plenty of potassium, which is one of the most essential electrolytes in your body.
• Avocados are also vital because they not only contain healthy fats but also contain plenty of potassium.
• Coconut water is a refreshing, hydrating drink that is packed with a variety of electrolytes, containing more electrolytes in numerous sports beverages.
• Dairy products are also an excellent way for you to consume electrolytes because they contain a lot of calcium.
• Of course, you should also drink plenty of water because this will help your body better balance its water content and electrolytes.

Keep these tips in mind, and make sure you consume plenty of electrolytes during the recovery process.

Recovery After Surgery

Your surgeon will let you know what to expect during the recovery process, including how long it will take. In general, outpatient surgery recovery times are faster than inpatient surgery recovery times. Patients who consume plenty of water and electrolytes recover quicker and more smoothly than those who do not. 

Trust Prime

Primes Surgical Suites offers an experienced surgical team and staff that is here to help restore your active lifestyle. We are based in Lenoir, North Carolina, and specialize in repairing knees, shoulders, ankles, feet, spine, and joints.

At Prime Surgical Suites, we provide state-of-the-art, cost-effective musculoskeletal surgical care in a convenient and comfortable outpatient setting for patients of all ages. Located in RiverCrest Medical Park, we are the region's first outpatient center focused exclusively on orthopedics. Our physician-led center will help restore your active lifestyle and well-being with compassion and orthopedic excellence.