Supplements and Surgery

The use of supplements is a relatively new topic and there is a wide and diverse spectrum of thought on the combination of supplements and surgery.  Based on the findings from current studies, it is not clear that specific benefits have been shown from supplementation.  There is some thought that some supplements may be beneficial in the postoperative period. If you are considering the use of a supplement it is important to discuss such usage with your doctor.  Doctors differ in their beliefs about the value of supplements and when they allow their patients to use supplements before or after surgery.  The doctor should also be informed about the the use of a class of medications known as homeopathic medications. Some patients use homeopathic medications to prepare for and recover from surgery.

Be sure to let your doctor know if you are taking supplements before you undergo a surgery or a procedure, such as an epidural steroid injection. Having any medication and all supplements you take listed in your downloadable MY Medical Record will make this information clear and help make sure that an error is not made.

In addition to supplements, there is a nutritional approach to recovery from surgery. Some foods are highly beneficial. For some general guidelines on Nutrition and Surgery, please click here.

Post-operative supplements that may be helpful to surgery are described below.

· Vitamin C -- An important immune booster, it improves our resistance to infection. Can be found in plentiful supply in citrus fruits, red, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, and green leafy vegetables.

· Zinc -- Found in shellfish, wheatgerm, nuts and seeds

· Iron -- Found naturally in liver, red meat, beans, chickpeas, spinach and eggs.

· Vitamin E -- a skin vitamin also implicated in keeping the heart healthy, so would be advisable after any heart surgery. Found in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and wholegrains.

· Betacarotene -- found in red and orange fruits and vegetables, dark green vegetables.

· Probiotics -- after an operation, the state of your bowels is normally disrupted - especially if you then have to take antibiotics. Ensure correct bacterial function, by taking probiotics such as Acidophilous found in "live" natural yogurt, which quickly restores bowel ecology.

· Selenium -- this is a powerful antioxidant nutrient found naturally in nuts especially Brazil Nuts. Just 4 nuts a day provides the RDA of 200mcg

· Bromelain -- Found naturally in Pineapples, but can also be taken in natural form as a Bromelain supplement.

· Arnica – Medicinal plant that is available as a supplement and in creams.

· Echinacea – Medicinal plant that is available as a supplement. Said

 

Below is a list of side effects of some supplements and medications. Be sure and discuss your use of all of these with your doctor at least two weeks prior to surgery.

Increased bleeding is of course a concern during a surgical procedure. Some supplements and medications that have been associated with bleeding are listed below.

Supplements associated with bleeding include:

Gingko biloba

Garlic --May also interfere with normal blood clotting

Ginger

Danshen

Bromelain -- May also interact with antibiotics such as amoxicillin or tetracycline.

Dong quai

Feverfew

Ginseng -- May also cause rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure

Vitamin E -- Increases bleeding time and can increase the amount of bruising following surgery.

Aloe vera -- May cause increased intestinal muscle movement to digest food (peristalsis), may decrease effectiveness of water pills (diuretics) given after surgery

Echinacea -- May interfere with immune functioning, may alter effectiveness of immunosuppressant drugs given after transplant surgery

Ephedra --  May cause abnormal heartbeat, may cause extreme high blood pressure and coma if combined with certain antidepressants and anesthesia

Goldenseal -- May cause or worsen swelling and high blood pressure

Kava -- May enhance sedative effects of anesthesia

Licorice (not including licorice candy) -- May increase blood pressure

Omega-3 fatty acids -- May cause bleeding if taken in doses greater than 3 grams a day

Senna -- May cause electrolyte imbalance

St. John's wort -- May increase or decrease the effects of some drugs used during and after surgery

Valerian -- May prolong the effects of anesthesia.

Medications associated with bleeding include:

Aspirin containing products

NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil, Motrin or Alleve)

Blood thinners/anti-clotting medications