Do I Need Protein BEFORE Surgery?
The short answer is YES!
You have probably heard about the benefits of adding protein to your diet after surgery to help preserve lean body mass, boost immune function and promote healing.
What you might not haven’t heard is how important high-quality protein is BEFORE surgery too.
Here’s what we know from recent scientific studies.
Medical research has shown that whey protein supplementation, during the preoperative period—“pre-habilitation”—can improve a patient’s functional capacity before surgery and also speed up recovery after surgery.
In one pilot study, the prehab program included moderate physical exercise, nutritional counseling, protein supplementation and anxiety reducing strategies for 164 patients having colorectal surgery. More than 80% of patients were able to return to their preoperative function by eight weeks, compared to only 40% of a control group.
Another study provided nutrition counseling with whey protein supplementation, exercise, and psychological care— 4 weeks before colorectal surgery for cancer. These study participants experienced improved functional capacity before surgery and faster functional recovery after surgery compared to those who received the typical care plan.
Whey protein isolates (WPI), like UNJURY® Protein, are among the greatest sources of high-quality protein, so it’s no surprise WPI made such a difference for patients who used it before surgery.
So, if you, or someone you love are having surgery, start adding UNJURY® high-quality protein 2 months ahead of time—to encourage a speedy recovery and get back to feeling your best as soon as possible.
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