A tonsillectomy is when surgeons remove your tonsils. You might have this procedure if you get tonsillitis a lot, or if your tonsils are causing sleep apnea.
After the surgery, it’s important to be really careful about what you eat. Eating the wrong foods can hurt your throat, slow down healing, or even cause complications. The right foods, along with staying hydrated, will help you recover smoothly.
In this article, we’ll go over which foods you should eat after a tonsillectomy to promote healing and keep you comfortable, along with the foods you should avoid. We’ll also provide some tips to make eating less painful during your recovery.
The first few days: Clear liquids and hydration
In the first few days after your tonsillectomy, hydration is key. Getting enough fluids is especially important in the first 72 hours, and dehydration can be serious enough to send you to the ER.
Clear liquids are the best choice immediately after surgery because they’re easy to swallow and don’t irritate your throat.
Good options include:
- Water
- Clear broth (chicken or vegetable)
- Ice pops (no dairy or chunks)
- Diluted fruit juices like apple or white grape
Cold or lukewarm drinks are better than hot ones, and if you’re feeling nauseated, you might try sorbet or fruit ice.
It’s best to avoid citrus juices and drinks with high levels of citric acid.
Transitioning to Soft Foods: A Gradual Approach
Once you’re tolerating liquids and can swallow with a minimum of pain, you can start transitioning to soft foods.
When to Introduce Soft Foods
Most people can begin to add soft foods back into their diet about 3 to 5 days after surgery, as the pain starts to subside.
The most important thing is to listen to your body. If it hurts, don’t eat it! Start slowly, and pay attention to any discomfort as you eat.
Recommended Soft Food Options
Some good choices for soft foods include:
- Yogurt
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Pudding
- Scrambled eggs
- Well-cooked pasta
Smoothies made with non-acidic fruits can be a good source of nutrition and can soothe your throat.
Make sure the foods you choose are mashed, pureed, or cut into small pieces so you don’t have to chew much. Moisten them with sauces or gravies to make them easier to swallow.
Dairy Considerations
Dairy products like yogurt and pudding are soothing and nutritious choices after a tonsillectomy.
Many people believe that dairy products increase mucus production, but studies show that dairy doesn’t have much of an impact on recovery for most people. In fact, during a time when you’re not eating much, full-fat dairy products can be a good way to take in more calories.
Foods to avoid after a tonsillectomy
Avoiding certain foods is just as important as eating the right ones. The goal is to prevent pain, irritation, and other complications.
Here’s what to avoid:
- Hard and crunchy foods: Chips, crackers, and granola can scratch your throat.
- Spicy foods: They can cause burning and irritation.
- Acidic foods: Citrus fruits and tomatoes can sting the surgical site.
- Hot foods: These can increase blood flow (vasodilation), which may cause bleeding.
- Tough or chewy foods: Meats and tough breads require a lot of chewing, which can strain your throat.
- Alcohol and caffeine: These can dehydrate you and interfere with healing.
Tips for Comfortable Eating and Recovery
Recovering from a tonsillectomy can be a challenge, but these steps can help:
- Eat small, frequent meals. Smaller portions are easier to swallow and digest.
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Rushing your meal can irritate your throat.
- Rest after meals. Avoid activity that can interfere with healing.
- Use pain medication as prescribed. Pain relievers can ease discomfort and make eating easier.
- Practice good oral hygiene. Rinse your mouth gently with saltwater after eating to prevent infection.
Remember, consistency is key for a smooth recovery.
When should I call my doctor?
It’s important to know what problems you should watch out for after your tonsillectomy. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor’s office if you have any concerns.
Seek medical care for the following:
- Pain that doesn’t go away or gets worse
- Trouble swallowing
- Signs of dehydration (dizziness, infrequent urination)
- Fever
- Bleeding
Also, be sure to go to all of your follow-up appointments. Your surgeon will want to check on your progress and make sure you’re healing well.
Key Takeaways
After a tonsillectomy, what you eat is essential for a smooth and comfortable recovery. To help your throat heal, stick to a soft food diet, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid foods that could irritate the surgical site.
For personalized advice on what to eat and drink, and to address any specific questions or concerns, talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian.