Hip replacement surgery involves removing the damaged bone and cartilage from your hip joint and replacing it with an artificial implant – a femoral head prosthesis (ball) and an acetabular cup (socket).

Hip replacement surgery is done when deformation/injury/arthritis in your hip joint causes pain and reduced movement. The goal of the procedure is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and help check any future bone loss. After hip replacement surgery, eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of recommended exercise are essential. Your doctor may advise avoiding certain foods and drinks while you are recovering. 

Here are a few tips that may speed up your recovery after hip replacement surgery:

• Eat small, frequent meals
• Eat nutritious foods
• Drink plenty of water and other healthy fluids
• Eat meals that are easy to digest
• Avoid food that can cause weight gain

10 Food items that help in recovering from hip replacement surgery

1. Green tea

Green tea has many benefits and can help with pain management. It contains antioxidants called catechins that help decrease joint inflammation, which may help relieve pain after hip replacement surgery.

2. Broccoli

Broccoli contains vitamin K, which helps the body absorb calcium and does not allow bone loss during the healing process. It also contains vitamins A and C, antioxidants that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals in your body.

3. Salmon

Salmon contains high omega-3 fatty acids, which help improve circulation, stop blood clots from forming, and keep inflammation in check. Eating salmon daily can also boost your energy levels, so you don’t feel tired during recovery.

4. Spinach

This leafy green vegetable contains vitamins K1 and K2, promoting bone health while reducing joint inflammation following hip replacement surgery.

5. Bone broth

Bone broth contains minerals, collagen and amino acids that can be beneficial for your body after surgery. It also helps in managing inflammation and pain.

6. Sweet potatoes

These are full of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which will help keep your immune system strong while you recover from surgery. They’re also high in fibre, which will help keep your digestive system healthy.

7. Blueberries

These tiny little blue gems are loaded with antioxidants like anthocyanins and flavonoids that work together to fight free radicals, which cause oxidative stress in our bodies.

8. Bananas

Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps to strengthen muscles and bones. They also contain iron and fibres, essential for your body after surgery.

9. Almonds and walnuts

Almonds and walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease (which is common among those who have had hip replacement surgery). They also contain magnesium and calcium—these nutrients help keep bones healthy by ensuring proper bone mineralization.

10. Yoghurt

Yogurt contains probiotics that help digestion and reduce inflammation after surgery. It also contains calcium and vitamin D, which aid bone repair following a hip replacement procedure. It also helps restore balance in your digestive system after surgery—which means less bloating and gas for you.

In short, eat a balanced amount of healthy proteins, carbs, fibre, nuts and berries. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lentils etc., can be taken every day unless advised otherwise by a doctor.

Food items to avoid while recovering from hip replacement surgery

1. Fried and oily foods

Fried foods are high in fat and calories. The extra weight on your body can cause increased pressure on your hip joint, making it more challenging to walk and move.

2. Carbonated beverages

These drinks can cause gas and bloat, making you feel uncomfortable during your recovery.

3. Alcoholic beverages

Alcohol is generally toxic to the body and even more so when it’s broken down by a new joint replacement device like a hip implant or knee implant, for example.

4. Caffeine drinks

Caffeine can cause dehydration due to its diuretic properties, which you want to avoid while recovering from a recent surgery like this one.

Easy post-surgery recipes to help speed up recovery

1. Pumpkin soup

Ingredients:

– 1 cup of pumpkin puree (or to taste)

– 1 cup of water (or to taste)

– 2 cups of vegetable broth (or to taste)

– 2 cloves of garlic, minced (or to taste)

– 1/2 cup of heavy cream or whole milk (or to taste)

– 1 tsp. of fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, add all ingredients except for the heavy cream/milk and parsley. Cook until heated through, about 10 minutes. If you like a thicker consistency, add half an ounce of cornstarch dissolved in water and whisk it into the soup. Stir well and then remove from heat.

2. Add heavy cream/milk and stir well until combined throughout the mixture before serving hot with some fresh parsley sprinkled on top!

2. Mashed potatoes

Ingredients:

-500 gms of potatoes, peeled and quartered

-2 cups of milk

-1 cup of butter, softened

-1/4 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Place the potatoes in a large pan, cover them with water and bring them to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and boil until fork tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well.

2. Mix the butter and milk with the potatoes and mash until smooth, adding more milk if necessary. Season with salt and serve hot!

3. Savoury porridge

Ingredients:

-2 cups of water

-1/4 cup of brown rice, uncooked

-1/4 cup of red lentils, uncooked

-2 teaspoons of olive oil

-A pinch of salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil/ghee in a saucepan or wok for about 2 minutes over medium heat.
2. Then add the rice and lentils, stirring them with a wooden spoon until they are coated with oil.
3. Add water, salt and pepper. Simmer on high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice and lentils are tender but not mushy.
4. Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom of your pan. Remove from heat once done cooking. Serve hot!
5. You can add vegetables of your choice and proteins if you wish to.

Also Read: Soft Foods to Eat: A Comprehensive Health and Recovery Guide

Conclusion

When you’re recovering from hip replacement surgery, it’s crucial to eat the right foods. A proper diet can enable your body to recover faster, so you’ll return to doing what you love sooner. People with underlying conditions like- diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease etc., should also follow the dietary restrictions advised by their doctor. ,

The right diet can also help ease your pain and discomfort, so you’ll get through those long days of recovery without feeling uneasy. Talk with your doctor or nurse if you have questions about the foods to eat and foods to avoid after hip replacement surgery.

Also Read: Exercises for Hip Pain: A Research-Based Guide to Relief

FAQs

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.