JUNE Newsletter HealthyLife.Net Radio Show Archive

FEATURE ARTICLE

Natural Tips for Surgery: The Body
by Linda Mackenzie, C.H.T., Ph.D.(c)

Having surgery, whether elective or unexpected, can be a traumatic experience but there are some natural things that you can do on a body, mind and spirit level that may aid your healing process and boost a positive outcome. Remember every body is different and that positive emotions have been proven to boost the immune system - so stay positive! To help your body always select the ways and methods that feel right for you. Also remember herbs are natural medicine and have to be treated with knowledge and respect - so learn about the herbs you are going to take, before you take them.

FOR THE BODY

BEFORE SURGERY:

At least 2 weeks before surgery:

DO NOT TAKE these herbs/supplements which thin the blood:
Garlic, Feverfew, Kava Kava, Gingko Biloba, Essential Fatty Acids and Vitamin E

DO start a basic "before surgery" vitamin/supplement regimen that includes:

Vitamin/Supplement Name	Activity that aid, help or restore…
Multi vitamin/mineral complex	general body support
Acidolphilus (high potency)	intestinal flora especially when taking antibiotics
CoEnzyme Q10	fight free radicals and oxygenates tissue for healing
Amino Acid Complex that includes: L-Cystine, L-Lysine L-Glutamine	speeds wound healing breaks down mucus, aids muscles tissue repair, collagen formation muscle wasting, tissue damage
Grape Seed Extract or Pau D'Arco	powerful antioxidant to fight free radicals in the body
Vitamin C (6,000-10,000 mgs. daily) w/ bioflavinoids	the immune system, tissue repair and wound healing
Vitamin K	blood clotting
Calcium	tissue repair
Magnesium	tissue repair
Zinc	tissue repair
Silica	tissue repair
Vitamin D	tissue repair
Herb Name	Activity that aid, help or restore…
Bromelain or Tumeric	high potency anti-inflammatory
Green Tea	powerful antioxidant to fight free radicals in the body
Red Clover or Burdock Root	cleanses the liver and blood
Echinacea/Goldenseal	the immune system, natural antibiotic. Works synergistically. Do not take goldenseal for more than 1 week at a time or if you are pregnant or allergic to rag weed.
Reishi Mushroom or Kelp	adverse effects of x-ray radiation
Milk Thistle	cleanses the liver
Chamomile Tea	insomnia, nervousness

Do enhance healing by adopting an immune system "boosting" diet:
Foods to Avoid: wheat, dairy and milk products, yeast, sugar, processed foods, fermented products, alcohol, smoking, carbonated soda and drinks, caffeine, peanuts, tomatoes, potatoes, mushrooms, eggplant, iceberg lettuce.
Good Foods: rye, corn (non-GMO), oat bran, brown rice, wild rice, goat cheese, eggs, butter, yogurt, fish, lamb, venison, chicken, turkey, duck, olive oil, safflower oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil, sweet potatoes, yams, bananas, kiwi, guava, papaya, pineapple, kiwi, avocados, strawberries, blueberries, beets, artichokes, cabbage, walnuts, cashews, almonds, pecans, vegetables, kale and herbal teas.

Nice To Use: Other Options for the Body
Massage, Acupressure, Reflexology: Relaxation, minimize stress, flush out toxins

AFTER SURGERY:

Keep up your basic "before surgery" vitamin/supplement regimen but add these:

Vitamin/Supplement Name	Activity that aid, help or restore…
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)	proper cell growth
Garlic	the immune system as a natural antibiotic
MSM	helps tissue healing and pain
Vitamin E (day after surgery)	tissue repair and circulation. Remember to use real Vitamin E: d-alphatocopherol, not the synthetic dl-alphatocopherol
Vitamin E Oil (after stitches have been removed)	reduce scar tissue and promotes healing. Apply topically several times a day.
Herb Name	Activity that aids or helps…
Nettle	intestinal bleeding
Dandelion	blood purification, kidneys
Homeopathic Remedy	Activity that aids or helps…
Arnica Montana	reduces swelling and aids healing