196: How to Optimize Healing After Surgery – with Daniel Barrett

In today’s world, several options are available to help optimize the healing process after surgery. Something truly works for everyone, from traditional Western medicine to more holistic approaches. However, there is only one thing at the core of optimizing recovery after surgery: proper nutrition.

Dr. Daniel Barrett is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California. His passion is providing natural results with minimal downtime, utilizing holistic approaches. And he has seen firsthand how vital nutrition is for a healthy healing process after surgery.

Dr. Barrett has observed that patients who are well-nourished before surgery tend to heal better and have fewer complications than those who aren’t. This led him to develop detailed protocols for the patients that focus on optimizing their nutrition before and after surgery.

In this podcast, we cover:

• What are some carryovers from performance-based athletics that can help with recovery?
• What are the symptoms of traditional gynecomastia?
• What are the risks of having a mommy makeover surgery?
• What are some things to look for in a good surgeon?
• The experience in completing an Ironman triathlon?
• How does meditation impact work life?

And so much more.

How does nutrition affect surgical outcomes?

Patients who are well-nourished before surgery tend to have less bleeding, less pain, and a quicker recovery. Dr. Barrett tells his patients that they need, “at least 20% more calories to heal after surgery”.. Nutrition is essential for giving your body the extra energy it needs to heal after surgery.

One simple way to improve post-surgical outcomes is to ensure that patients get enough magnesium. Magnesium helps with muscle spasms, pain, and sleep.

Intermittent fasting and gut health

Dr. Barrett is also passionate about intermittent fasting and gut health. He believes that more people should be aware of the benefits of these practices, as they can help with weight loss, anti-aging, and retaining beauty.

Barrett himself actually began practicing intermittent fasting and taking probiotics after struggling with his own food sensitivities. He noticed a dramatic improvement in his allergies and has only two moderate sensitivities remaining.

Episode Resources:

Website
Podcast
Instagram
BarrettBerverlyHills
Barrett Medical Spa
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