The Best Drink After Hip Replacement Surgery for a Smooth Recovery

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

According to a study on joint replacement recovery, proper nutrition and hydration are critical factors that can significantly improve surgical outcomes. After hip replacement surgery, your body requires specific nutrients and sufficient fluids to heal efficiently, flush out medications, and minimize complications. The right beverage choices can make a significant difference in your recovery journey, speeding up healing and enhancing overall well-being.

Quick Summary

Post-hip replacement, staying hydrated is crucial for flushing anesthesia, promoting healing, and preventing complications like constipation. Focus on nutrient-rich fluids like water, electrolyte drinks, protein shakes, and herbal teas. Avoid alcohol, excessive caffeine, and sugary beverages, which can hinder recovery.

Key Points

Prioritize Hydration: Water is essential for flushing anesthesia from the system, reducing swelling, and preventing constipation after hip replacement surgery.
Boost Protein Intake: High-quality protein shakes or smoothies are crucial for muscle repair and wound healing, especially when appetite is low post-surgery.
Reduce Inflammation: Herbal teas like ginger and turmeric can help reduce inflammation and discomfort, while bone broth provides anti-inflammatory amino acids.
Strengthen Bones: Fortified milk, including dairy or plant-based alternatives, supplies calcium and vitamin D, which are vital for maintaining bone health and density.
Avoid Harmful Beverages: Steer clear of alcohol, excessive caffeine, and sugary drinks, as they can interfere with medication, promote inflammation, and cause dehydration.
Enhance Digestion: Staying hydrated and sipping herbal teas can help prevent constipation and digestive discomfort often associated with post-surgery medications.

Hydration: The Cornerstone of Post-Surgical Recovery

Water is arguably the best drink after hip replacement surgery for most patients. Anesthesia and medications can cause dehydration, making ample fluid intake essential to flush these substances out of your system. Proper hydration also plays a crucial role in preventing common post-operative issues such as constipation, which is often a side effect of pain medication. Keeping your body well-hydrated ensures tissues receive adequate oxygen and nutrients for repair, helps reduce swelling and inflammation, and maintains blood volume to support circulation.

Nutrient-Dense Beverages for Enhanced Healing

Beyond plain water, several other beverages provide specific nutrients that actively support the healing process. These nutrient-packed drinks can be especially helpful if your appetite is low in the initial days following surgery.

Bone Broth

Bone broth is a powerhouse of nutrients that aids in tissue repair and gut health.

Collagen: Provides the building blocks for new tissue, which is vital for wound healing and scar formation.
Amino Acids: Supports protein synthesis, muscle recovery, and can reduce inflammation.
Minerals: A good source of minerals that are easy for the body to absorb.

Protein Shakes and Smoothies

Protein is non-negotiable for muscle repair and wound healing after surgery. If solid foods are difficult to consume, a protein shake or smoothie can be an excellent way to meet your daily requirements.

Use high-quality protein powder (whey, casein, or plant-based like pea or hemp).
Mix with low-fat milk, almond milk, or coconut water for added hydration and nutrients.
Blend in antioxidant-rich berries, spinach, or kale for extra vitamins.

Herbal Teas

Certain herbal teas offer anti-inflammatory benefits and can be soothing during recovery.

Ginger Tea: Aids digestion and can help settle an upset stomach, a common side effect of medication.
Turmeric Tea: Contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound that can help reduce post-surgical swelling.
Chamomile Tea: Promotes relaxation and can aid in getting restful sleep.

Fortified Milk and Plant-Based Alternatives

Calcium and Vitamin D are essential for strengthening bones after surgery. Fortified milk, including dairy and certain plant-based versions, is a great source.

Dairy Milk: A natural source of calcium and often fortified with Vitamin D.
Almond or Soy Milk: Many brands are fortified with calcium and Vitamin D, making them suitable for those with dairy intolerance.

Drinks to Avoid During Recovery

Just as important as choosing the right drinks is avoiding those that can hinder your recovery. Eliminating these beverages can help prevent complications and support faster healing.

Alcohol: Can interfere with pain medications, increase the risk of bleeding, and dehydrate the body. It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol for at least two weeks post-surgery.
Sugary Drinks and Soda: High sugar intake can lead to inflammation and suppress the immune system, both of which slow down the healing process.
Excessive Caffeine: As a diuretic, caffeine can contribute to dehydration. While small amounts of decaffeinated options are acceptable, it is best to limit consumption.

Comparison of Best Post-Hip Replacement Drinks


Drink Type	Primary Benefit	Key Nutrients	Why It's Recommended
Water	Hydration, Detoxification	H2O	Flushes anesthesia, prevents constipation, reduces swelling.
Bone Broth	Tissue Repair, Gut Health	Collagen, Amino Acids, Minerals	Aids wound healing, provides easy-to-digest protein.
Protein Shakes	Muscle Repair, Strength	Protein, Vitamins, Minerals	Helps rebuild muscle mass, supports healing, especially if appetite is low.
Herbal Teas	Anti-inflammatory, Relaxation	Antioxidants (ginger, turmeric)	Reduces swelling, soothes stomach, promotes sleep.
Fortified Milk	Bone Strength	Calcium, Vitamin D	Essential for bone health and proper calcium absorption.

Conclusion

Selecting the best drink after hip replacement surgery involves prioritizing hydration, and choosing nutrient-rich fluids that promote healing. While water remains the most vital liquid for recovery, supplementing with bone broth, protein shakes, and specific herbal teas can provide essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins that expedite the healing process. A mindful approach to what you drink—avoiding inflammatory and dehydrating beverages—is a simple yet powerful step toward a smoother, faster, and more comfortable recovery. Always follow your surgeon's specific dietary instructions and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Visit OrthoInfo for comprehensive information on activities and recovery after total hip replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aim for at least 8 to 10 glasses (around 64-80 oz) of water or other hydrating fluids per day, unless your doctor advises otherwise. This helps flush medications, prevent dehydration, and aid overall recovery.

Excessive caffeine should be limited or avoided because it is a diuretic and can contribute to dehydration. Check with your doctor about when you can resume limited, non-dehydrating beverages.

Protein is the building block for new tissue and is essential for repairing muscles and healing surgical wounds. Protein shakes or smoothies can be an easy way to get the necessary nutrients, especially if you have a reduced appetite.

No, you should avoid alcohol for at least two weeks post-surgery. Alcohol can interact negatively with pain medication, increase the risk of bleeding, and cause dehydration, all of which hinder healing.

While some juices like orange juice provide Vitamin C, pure water is the best option for hydration. Limit fruit juices and avoid sugary beverages, as high sugar intake can increase inflammation.

For constipation, which can be a side effect of pain medication, increase your intake of water and high-fiber foods. Prune juice is also a natural laxative that can help when combined with increased fluid intake.

Yes, electrolyte drinks like low-sugar coconut water or diluted sports drinks can be beneficial, especially if you feel dehydrated. They help restore the balance of minerals lost during surgery.