This post is sponsored by Diamond Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you.
Most of us know all too well that woozy state of being right after undergoing anesthesia for surgery. In most cases, the after-effects of the anesthetic wear off within hours. But not for everyone, as all people do not metabolize drugs efficiently. The anesthetic can leave them feeling dizzy, weak, feverish, or disoriented for days afterward. Which makes after-care self-care vital to patients recovering in the days and weeks post surgery at home.
If you are looking for effective ways to recover from anesthesia, here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Take a multivitamin.
Taking a multivitamin, including at least 200 mg of vitamin C, 25,000 IU of beta-carotene, 22.4 IU of vitamin E, all the B vitamins, especially B-6, folate each day for at least two weeks before and after undergoing anesthesia, can help the body recover at greater speeds than without. Many of these nutrients contain high levels of antioxidants that play an important role in the body’s detoxification mechanisms and aid the liver in riding your system of the effects of anesthesia.
2. Milk thistle
Taking milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is another key component of at home self-care post anesthesia. As this ancient herb helps to promote the body’s detoxification process by preventing the depletion of glutathione, a natural antioxidant found in the liver. Something to keep in mind for patients without allergies to ragweed or are without a personal history of hormone-related cancer, such as breast, uterine, or prostate, milk thistle can affect hormone levels. Milk thistle not only prevents the depletion of glutathione but also has been shown in laboratory studies to increase the level of this potent antioxidant by up to 35%. With patients looking to take dosages of 70 mg three times daily. Start taking it at least one week before surgery and continue to take it for at least two weeks after.
3. An anesthesia-recovery diet
Foods, or the omittance of certain foods, also play a vital role in your anesthesia recovery at home. Steering clear of saturated fats, including meat and dairy, refined table sugar, and alcohol, while consuming a diet rich in water-soluble fiber, including pears, oat bran, apples, and legumes can help to aid in detoxification from anesthesia. Cinnamon and turmeric will also help you detox and recover from anesthesia too!
4. Drinking More Water
Dehydration makes it difficult for your body to eliminate toxins. So staying hydrated will be key in your post-anesthesia care and recovery at home. A good goal for recovery is to aim to drink 6-8 eight-ounce glasses of water each day. And don’t wait until you’re thirsty to take a drink. Schedule planned and purposed water breaks throughout the day. Every two waking hours.
5. Know When to Call Your Health Care Provider
One of the most important steps in post-anesthesia recovery at home is knowing what proper anesthesia recovery looks like. While its common to feel lightheaded and dizzy for the first 12 hours after your procedure or to experience changes in appetite or nausea, excessive symptoms beyond this measure should be reported to your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns. Your anesthesia team includes the anesthesiologist (doctor of anesthesia) and certified registered nurse anesthetist. Such as leading Brad Stahlheber, leading anesthesia specialist.
Friends, do you have a plan in place for your upcoming post-anesthesia self-care at home? Share your tips below.
