Power Healing for Surgery

Power Healing is my term for a nutritional supplement program aimed at fortifying patients before surgery and accelerating their recovery after surgery. I recommend it whenever a patient faces a surgical procedure. Since most of my patients are already taking supplements, they may only have to make some minor adjustments in their program.

Although there are some caveats to keep in mind, the right supplements can make a big difference in your recovery, so before I tell you what supplements to take and when to take them as part of the Power Healing preparation and recuperation for surgery, I want to first cover three important requirements about these and all supplements.

Inform Your Doctor

Most supplements are not only safe for surgical patients but will actually help the healing process. However, some may not be appropriate. Thus, regardless of whether your surgery is major or minor, always tell your doctor what you’re taking well in advance of the day of the surgery. Incredibly, 70 percent of patients don’t disclose all the supplements they use.

A prime example comes from Joe, one of my longtime patients. Years ago, Joe needed to have an aortic valve replacement and bypass surgery. He was a keen supplement advocate and took a number of things that even I didn’t know about—including a great deal of garlic, volumes of vitamin E, and a fair amount of fish oil.

Those supplements were good for him as natural anticoagulants. However, when you go in for surgery, you need your blood to clot—so the incisions won’t bleed after they’re sutured, and so you can heal.

Joe didn’t tell me (or his surgeon) everything he was taking, so he experienced complications from excess bleeding and ended up needing an additional procedure to address the problem. He eventually recovered, but the lesson was learned. What he should have done is told me all the supplements he was using, so I could advise him when to stop taking certain ones.

Before Surgery: Stop Using Certain Supplements

In addition to the garlic, vitamin E, and fish oil that Joe was taking, ginkgo biloba and aspirin should also be stopped because of their blood-thinning effects. However, unwanted bleeding isn’t the only concern. Some supplements can also interfere with anesthesia.

For instance, St. John’s wort may increase sedation when narcotics are administered. Further herbs singled out by anesthesiologists include ephedra (also called Ma Huang), feverfew, goldenseal, garlic, ginseng, ginger, licorice, and valerian.

Because of possible problems, some physicians suggest stopping all supplements a week before surgery. I’m a bit more lenient. In my experience, you’re okay to stop three days before, and then start up again three days after. Additionally, you might choose to consult with a nutrition-oriented physician who can customize a program for you before your surgery. Whatever you do, though, be sure to inform your doctors.

Other Things to Avoid: Alcohol and Certain Painkillers

I always tell my patients who are going in for major surgery involving general anesthesia to stop drinking alcohol a month before the operation. You need your liver operating optimally and, as you no doubt know, alcohol is toxic to the liver.

I also suggest staying away from acetaminophen (Tylenol), which has a toxic effect on the liver. In clinical studies, this over-the-counter painkiller has been associated with unexplained liver failure. If you rely on painkillers, check with your doctor for any pre-operation advice.

My Power Healing Program

My recommended Power Healing supplements can be found at most health food stores. Remember, though, to stop taking the supplements about three days before surgery because of the potential for certain nutrients, particularly herbs, to interact with anesthesia and medication. Except where noted below, start your supplements again three days after surgery.

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