Tag: Surgery

Millions of people consume herbal teas like hibiscus for their purported health benefits, but what is considered 'natural' is not always safe, especially before a major medical procedure. Understanding if you can drink hibiscus tea before surgery is crucial, as this popular beverage can pose significant and serious health risks to patients.

Over 3 grams of omega-3 per day can potentially increase the risk of bleeding in some individuals, particularly those on certain medications. While omega-3 fatty acids offer numerous health benefits, they are not universally safe for everyone and require careful consideration in specific circumstances.

Modern surgical guidelines now often permit patients to drink clear liquids, including certain electrolyte beverages, up to two hours before a procedure, a significant departure from older, stricter fasting protocols. This practice is based on extensive research demonstrating improved patient comfort and recovery.

According to a systematic review from the *Cureus* journal, perioperative probiotic or synbiotic interventions have been associated with a significant reduction in post-operative infectious complications, highlighting their potential role in surgical outcomes.

Garlic contains potent sulfur compounds that have antithrombotic properties, meaning they can prevent blood clot formation. While its moderate culinary use is safe for most, consuming large quantities, especially via supplements, may increase the risk of bleeding.

Did you know that despite their culinary uses, concentrated clove products can have serious contraindications? Understanding what not to take cloves with is critical for preventing dangerous interactions, especially when considering the use of clove supplements or high-dose extracts for health purposes.

According to the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), abruptly stopping total parenteral nutrition (TPN) can lead to severe hypoglycemia. This highlights the critical nature of managing TPN during the perioperative period, as the decision to stop TPN prior to surgery is complex and depends on a patient's nutritional status and metabolic stability.

Creatine, a popular supplement for athletic performance, is increasingly being researched for its potential therapeutic benefits, with early studies suggesting it may aid recovery from injury and disease. The question, "Does creatine help with surgery?" is a complex one, involving its role in cellular energy, muscle preservation, and potential interactions with anesthesia.

An estimated 90% of adults in North America consume at least one caffeinated beverage daily, but there are medical situations where coffee must be temporarily paused. The timeline for reintroducing coffee depends on the reason for stopping, from surgical recovery to managing medication interactions.

Multiple studies have shown that garlic contains potent compounds that can inhibit platelet aggregation, an important step in blood clotting. However, while this effect suggests that garlic can increase bleeding risk, especially in concentrated supplement form, it is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate dietary amounts for most healthy individuals. The key lies in understanding the difference between culinary use and high-dose supplementation, particularly for those on blood-thinning medication or preparing for surgery.