Top Foods And Drinks To Soothe A Tonsillectomy

February 15, 2022

A tonsillectomy, the removal of infected tonsils, is a common procedure to relieve pain, but the after-effects can lead to an uncomfortable few days. When the tonsils are removed, two scabs form at the back of the mouth, and there may be bleeding. It becomes difficult to eat with pain from the incision, but for children and adults alike, there are some soft food options to maintain health and energy levels. Apart from food, it is important to keep liquid intake in check.

Sports Drinks

Drinks with added vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes can help when solid food is too painful. They will provide nutrients and energy while a patient is in recovery mode. Liquids are an important factor in this phase to help combat dehydration, and the drinks will help heal the back of the throat. They could help any nausea by coating the stomach, but carbonated beverages and acidic juices should be avoided at all costs.

Pudding

Pudding is soft and easy to swallow. It is also neutral-based and will not irritate the throat or new wound. Pudding is easy to make and inexpensive. It comes in a variety of flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, and butterscotch. It can be made quickly and instantly using a shaker or on the stovetop by scratch, using sugar, cornstarch, salt, milk, and vanilla extract. The ingredients are boiled and cooked for two to three minutes. For a quick fix, store-bought works perfectly fine too.

Pasta And Bread

Once a patient is comfortable eating more solid foods, pasta can be added. It should be cooked until soft and used with a mild, not spicy, sauce. Smaller forms are easier to eat than long spaghetti and fettuccine noodles. Soft bread with the crust cut off can be used for sandwiches with soft fillings, including jam, honey, and cream cheese. Soft peanut butter, egg with mayonnaise, and canned tuna and salmon are high protein options and provide lasting energy.

Rice

Rice is another grain that can be added for fiber and nutritional value. These small grains are easy to swallow and should be cooked well, so it is soft. To increase nutritional value, cooked vegetables can be added. Soft ones that can be pureed, including pumpkin, potato, peas, and carrots are also an idea to try. To add protein, tofu is an ideal complement to rice and is easily flavored with mild condiments.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are soft, easy to eat, and highly digestible. They are also considered one of the world's healthiest foods. Available year-round and inexpensive at grocery stores, they are also easy to grow. The health benefits of potatoes are numerous as they are a source of vitamin B6, potassium, copper, vitamin C, manganese, phosphorus, niacin, dietary fiber, and pantothenic acid. They also have antioxidant properties within their carotenoids, flavonoids, and caffeic acid.

Oatmeal Or Cream Of Wheat

Grains, including oatmeal and other hot cereals, are an important addition to the post-tonsillectomy diet. They are full of fiber and help create a feeling of fullness. If medications cause constipation, high fiber cereal, along with plenty of water, will help. It might help to eat oatmeal or traditional hot cereal a little cooler than usual, and a sweetener like honey or syrup can be added for flavor. Fresh fruit, like blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries can also add nutrition and flavor to oatmeal as well.

Applesauce

Applesauce and other soft fruits add nutrients, like vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, folic acid, calcium, and potassium. To soften fruit like apples, pears, and rhubarb, they can be stewed on the stovetop or baked in the oven. Alternately, they can be pureed or blended in a smoothie. They are naturally sweet but agave syrup or honey can be added to apple or pear sauce for a sweeter flavor.

Soup

Soup is a healthy liquid to consume following a tonsillectomy. Not only will a cold or warm soup not cause irritation to the throat, but it will also coat the lining of the stomach to prevent nausea. Soup is a good follow-up to lighter liquids like water and clear fluids, and once tolerated, a patient will be able to add heavier creamed soups and soft cereal. Mild soups, rather than acidic tomato-based ones, are recommended.

Jell-O

Gelatin is typically one of the first things people are given to eat after a tonsillectomy. It is sweet, soft, cool, and soothing on the throat. It can also add to ensuring patients are properly hydrated. It comes in so many different flavors, there should be one to suit every taste. It is easy to make, only requiring a package of crystals, water, and a stovetop to boil the mixture. Once dissolved, Jell-O has to set in the refrigerator.

Flavored Ice

Cold, easy to eat treats like popsicle, Italian ice, and sherbet are ideal foods to introduce right after surgery. The cool sweetness will add comfort during the recovery time and soothe the throat while it remains difficult to eat. Sherbets, gelatos and popsicles can be purchased or homemade options, like flavored ice cubes and ice cream with a frozen banana blended with other fruit, are easy to make as well.

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