Currently, more than 100,000 patients in our country have received organ transplant surgeries. These patients should pay attention to the following when enjoying delicious food:
Foods that boost immunity should be eaten in moderation
Some foods that replenish vital energy (increase the body's immunity), such as tremella, black fungus, shiitake mushrooms, red dates, honey, royal jelly, and ginseng, can become "fierce beasts" for organ transplant recipients. This is because such supplements can increase the body's immunity, interfere with the effects of immunosuppressants, and even trigger rejection reactions.
Foods more suitable for organ transplant recipients include: animal-based foods such as fish, chicken, lean meat, beef, dairy products, and eggs; and plant-based foods such as Chinese yam, carrots, radishes, watermelon, winter melon, and corn.
Food that is prone to causing allergies should be eaten in moderation
The recovery status of organ transplant recipients varies at different stages after surgery, so dietary adjustments should be made to control energy intake. For example, in the early postoperative period, eating 250 grams of rice per day is sufficient. After entering the maintenance phase, food intake can be moderately increased to 500 grams of rice per day. However, the principle of small, frequent meals must be adhered to; avoid overeating. In particular, be careful to eat less of foods that are prone to causing allergies, such as shrimp, crab, and shellfish.
Calcium-rich foods are recommended
A high proportion of organ transplant recipients develop metabolic disorders, which can affect the survival of the transplanted organ. Therefore, organ transplant recipients must make dietary adjustments for metabolic abnormalities such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hyperuricemia. They should adhere to a low-salt, low-sugar, low-fat, and low-purine diet, supplement with adequate vitamins, fiber, and sufficient water, and consume high-quality protein in small amounts.
Because the use of immunosuppressants can inhibit calcium absorption, it may lead to osteoporosis in organ transplant recipients, causing symptoms such as joint pain and muscle cramps. The best way to supplement calcium is by drinking milk. Other calcium-rich foods include canned fish, fish floss, and dried shrimp.