One of the main concerns of patients after brain tumor surgery is having proper nutrition. Proper nutrition can prevent common problems such as infection, fatigue or impaired cognitive function and help repair damaged tissues. Factors such as the type of tumor, the extent of the surgery and the general state of the patient's health are effective in determining the diet. Knowing the principles of nutrition after brain tumor surgery will help you reduce complications and improve your quality of life. In this article from your doctor, you will learn the principles of nutrition after brain tumor surgery.

What should we eat after brain tumor surgery?

After brain tumor surgery, proper nutrition plays an important role in faster recovery and strengthening the immune system. Consuming foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals helps to regenerate tissues and complete brain tumor treatment. It is also necessary to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration and improve brain function. Choosing light and nutritious foods will help reduce inflammation and increase energy after surgery. After brain tumor surgery, patients should try to have a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients; You can see the suitable food for brain tumor patients in the table below.

Next, we will explain these things in full.

1. Protein consumption for tissue repair

For nutrition after brain tumor surgery, protein consumption is especially important because this food item helps to repair and regenerate the damaged tissues of the body. Protein consumption not only preserves muscle mass and strengthens the immune system, but also plays an important role in building new cells and supports the overall recovery process of the body. Sources rich in protein include:

• Low-fat meats
• Chicken
• fish
• Egg
• Dairy
• beans
Nuts and seeds
• Plant sources of protein such as beans, lentils and tofu

2. Vitamins and minerals for nutrition after brain tumor surgery

Vitamins A, B, C and E play an important role in supporting the immune system and promoting the overall health of the brain and body after brain tumor surgery. Minerals such as zinc, selenium and magnesium also improve the function of the immune system, regenerate cells and maintain energy levels in brain tumor patients.

Rich sources of essential vitamins include:

• Vitamin A: carrots, sweet potatoes and green leafy vegetables
• Vitamin C: citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers and broccoli
• Vitamin E: nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables
• B vitamins: whole grains, dairy products, meat and green leafy vegetables

Resources containing essential minerals also include:

• Zinc: meat, seafood, legumes, seeds and nuts
• Selenium: Brazil nuts, seafood and eggs
• Magnesium: dark chocolate, avocado, nuts, seeds and whole grains

3. Consuming healthy fats to strengthen the nervous system

Healthy fats play an important role in brain function and improving the overall health of the body. These fats help speed up the recovery process after brain tumor surgery by reducing inflammation, protecting the nervous system and providing the body with the energy it needs. To get healthy fats, you can include the following foods in your diet:

• fatty fish such as salmon
• Flax eggs
• Chia seeds
• Walnuts
• Avocado
• olive oil
• brains

4. Adequate hydration or water consumption and its effect on the healing process

You may forget the importance of hydration after brain tumor surgery, but it is better to know that consuming enough water and fluids is more important than ever before. In fact, proper hydration can have the following benefits:

• Improving cognitive performance
• Reduction of treatment complications
• support for cellular repair
• help to improve mental health

5. Foods containing antioxidants Sources rich in antioxidants include berries, green leafy vegetables, nuts and dark chocolate. By reducing inflammation and protecting brain cells against oxidative stress, these foods play an important role in brain health after tumor surgery.

English text:
Dark chocolate, in moderation, contains flavonoids and antioxidants that can enhance blood flow to the brain and improve cognitive function.
Persian translation:
Dark chocolate, if consumed in moderation, contains flavonoids and antioxidants that can increase blood flow to the brain and improve cognitive function.

quoted from the site shareba

6. Foods that strengthen the immune system

Maintaining the health of the immune system after brain tumor surgery is particularly important, as it helps improve the body's healing process and prevent complications of brain tumor surgery. Some useful foods to strengthen the immune system include:

• Broccoli
• Green leafy vegetables such as spinach
• Compounds due to the presence of high amounts of vitamin C

The importance of nutrition after brain tumor surgery

The brain consumes an important part of the body's energy, so proper nutrition is very important to support its function, especially after injury or surgery. In fact, after undergoing major surgery such as brain tumor surgery, certain nutrients can speed up the healing process, reduce inflammation, and support cognitive function. In this situation, it is better to pay attention to getting sufficient amounts of essential nutrients in addition to eating healthy foods.

initial diet after brain surgery

After brain surgery, diet plays an important role in improving brain function, preventing infection and accelerating tissue repair. In the first days after the operation, the patient is usually started with clear liquids such as water, diluted natural fruit juice and strained soup to check swallowing and digestive function. Then, soft and useful foods are gradually added. The consumption of the following nutrients is particularly important:

• Proteins: such as chicken, fish, eggs and yogurt for cell regeneration and wound healing
• Antioxidants: including colored fruits and vegetables to reduce inflammation and protect brain cells
• Omega-3 fatty acids: in fatty fish and walnuts that help improve cognitive function
• Liquids: enough water to prevent dehydration and support cerebral blood flow
  During this period, heavy, high-fat, high-salt, coffee and energy drinks should be avoided so as not to put extra pressure on the body.

Nutrition restrictions after brain tumor surgery

Consumption of certain foods after brain tumor surgery can cause nausea, inflammation, stomach problems or other side effects, so it is better to avoid them. Among these foods, the following can be mentioned:

• Alcohol because it can interfere with medications and slow down the healing process.
• Caffeine in large quantities, because it increases anxiety and disturbs the sleep pattern.
• Spicy or fatty foods that irritate the stomach.

1. Avoiding heavy and processed foods

Heavy foods can put more pressure on the recovering body and slow down the recovery process after brain tumor surgery due to their difficult digestion. Processed foods (such as fast food and convenience foods) also typically contain unhealthy fats, high amounts of sugar, and artificial additives that can lead to inflammation and other health problems. Therefore, it is better to avoid consuming these unhealthy foods until complete recovery.

2. Restrictions on salt and sugar consumption

food supplements after brain tumor surgery

In addition to following a healthy diet after brain tumor surgery, taking some supplements can also accelerate the healing process and strengthen the immune system. Note that all these supplements should be taken after evaluating physical deficiency and under the supervision of a doctor:

• Vitamin and multivitamin supplements
• Antioxidant supplements

Which doctor should we see for brain tumor?

For more information about brain tumor and cost of brain tumor surgery, you can make an appointment with the best neurologists in Iran.
Next you can see a list of the most prominent neurologists in some different cities of Iran:

• Teheran neurologist
• Ahvaz neurologist
• Gorgan neurologist
• Qazvin neurologist

Conclusion

Nutrition after brain tumor surgery plays an important role in a faster return to health and improving the quality of life. Following a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, vitamins and minerals, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and sufficient fluids can strengthen the immune system, accelerate the process of brain cell regeneration, and help the overall recovery of the body. Of course, during this period, you should also avoid eating unhealthy foods and take nutritional supplements if prescribed by your doctor. Finally, if you have any questions or concerns about nutrition, symptoms and complications after brain tumor surgery, be sure to discuss them with your doctor so that your recovery process can proceed in the best possible way.

Your doctor takes care of your health!