Diet Planning After Total Joint Replacement: Key Considerations for Recovery

February 14, 2025

Undergoing total joint replacement surgery is a significant step toward restoring mobility and improving quality of life. While physical therapy and movement are essential components of recovery, nutrition also plays a critical role. A well-planned diet can support healing, reduce inflammation, and help regain strength after surgery.

Below are key nutritional recommendations for optimizing recovery following total joint replacement, including the importance of protein, hydration, and practical solutions for meeting nutritional needs when solid foods may not be well tolerated.

1. Prioritize Protein for Healing and Strength

Protein is essential for muscle repair, wound healing, and immune function after surgery. Since the body undergoes significant tissue remodeling following joint replacement, adequate protein intake can help speed up recovery, maintain muscle mass, and prevent excessive weakness.

How Much Protein Do You Need?

• Aim for 1.2 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day during recovery.
• For a 150-pound individual, this equates to approximately 82 to 136 grams of protein per day.

Best Protein Sources for Recovery:

• Lean meats & poultry (chicken, turkey, lean beef)
• Fish (salmon, tuna, cod – also rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s)
• Eggs (high in bioavailable protein and essential nutrients
• Dairy (Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese)
• Plant-based proteins (lentils, beans, tofu, quinoa, nuts, and seeds)

2. Consider High-Protein, Low-Sugar Shakes if Solid Foods Are Hard to Tolerate

Immediately after surgery, appetite may be reduced due to anesthesia, medications, and discomfort. If chewing or tolerating solid food is difficult, high-protein shakes or smoothies can be a great alternative to ensure adequate nutrition.

What to Look for in a Protein Shake:

• ✅ At least 20-30g of protein per serving to support healing
• ✅ Low in added sugars (less than 5-7g per serving to prevent inflammation and excess calorie intake)
• ✅ Contains beneficial nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber
• ✅ Includes healthy fats (such as omega-3s from flaxseed or chia seeds)

Recommended Options:

• Whey or Collagen Protein Shakes – Easily digestible and great for muscle repair
• Plant-Based Protein Shakes – Pea or hemp protein for those with dairy intolerance
• Homemade Smoothies – Blend Greek yogurt, protein powder, milk/almond milk, berries, and a handful of spinach for extra nutrients

3. Prioritize Hydration to Support Recovery

Proper hydration is often overlooked in recovery but is essential for reducing swelling, flushing out anesthesia, and preventing constipation (a common side effect of pain medications).

Hydration Tips Post-Surgery:

• Aim for at least 64-80 oz (8-10 cups) of water per day
• Include electrolyte-rich fluids like coconut water, bone broth, or diluted sports drinks if feeling dehydrated
• Avoid excessive caffeine and sugary drinks, as they can contribute to dehydration
• Sip fluids regularly throughout the day instead of drinking large amounts at once

💡 Tip: If plain water is unappealing, try flavored waters with lemon, lime, cucumber, or a splash of 100% fruit juice to encourage fluid intake.

4. Limit Comfort Foods That Can Hinder Healing

After surgery, it’s common to crave comfort foods, but many processed foods high in sugar and refined carbs can slow healing, increase inflammation, and worsen pain. While a treat here and there is fine, focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods will help optimize recovery.

Why Avoid Processed and Sugary Foods?

• ❌ High sugar intake can increase inflammation and delay wound healing
• ❌ Processed foods can contribute to bloating and digestive discomfort
• ❌ Refined carbohydrates can lead to energy crashes, making recovery more difficult

💡 Tip: Instead of sugary snacks, opt for Greek yogurt with fruit, a handful of nuts, or a smoothie with protein and fiber to satisfy cravings while still fueling recovery.

Other Key Nutritional Considerations for Recovery

• ✔️ Reduce Inflammation with Anti-Inflammatory Foods – Incorporate berries, turmeric, ginger, leafy greens, olive oil, and fatty fish to help with pain and swelling.
• ✔️ Support Bone & Joint Health – Get enough calcium and vitamin D from dairy, fortified foods, or supplements to maintain strong bones and healing tissues.
• ✔️ Manage Digestive Discomfort – If post-surgery medications cause bloating or constipation, increase fiber intake gradually (whole grains, fruits, and veggies) and consider probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or fermented foods.

Final Thoughts

A well-balanced diet is a powerful tool for promoting healing, reducing complications, and optimizing recovery after total joint replacement surgery. By prioritizing protein intake, considering high-protein shakes if solid foods aren’t well tolerated, staying hydrated, and limiting processed comfort foods, individuals can support their body’s healing process and return to daily activities more quickly.

💡 Looking for More Support?

At New Life Physical Therapy, we take a comprehensive approach to recovery, integrating nutrition, movement, and lifestyle strategies to help you heal faster and regain strength.

👉 Schedule a discovery consultation today to learn more about how we can support your post-surgery recovery!

🔗 Explore more free health resources on post-surgery recovery, nutrition, and movement at New Life Physical Therapy Free Resources.