Many patients worry about what they can and cannot eat after a tonsillectomy procedure. During the healing process, you’ll likely experience a sore throat, making it difficult to eat certain foods as you normally would. Pain aside, you’ll also need to make some temporary diet changes to support the tonsillectomy recovery process and prevent discomfort.
While a few of your favourites might be off the table, there are still plenty of foods that you can eat comfortably. The key is to listen to your body and pay attention to your diet.
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What food should you eat immediately after a tonsillectomy?
While you’re still in the hospital after tonsillectomy surgery, you will be offered a choice of foods to start the healing process. Depending on your pain level, you will most likely be able to choose between regular or soft foods such as yoghurt or ice cream.
Getting back to a regular diet as soon as possible is important during your recovery as this can aid healing in the throat muscles. However, during the first day or two after your procedure, it’s often more comfortable to eat soft and cool foods.
What food should you eat during tonsillectomy recovery?
Tonsillectomy recovery usually lasts for around two weeks, although this differs depending on several factors, such as your body’s natural healing ability and how well you look after yourself. Of course, this also includes the food you consume.
While aiming for your regular diet is important, certain foods are more comfortable to eat and can improve recovery. Bland foods and those without too much flavour or salt are typically the easiest to eat after a tonsillectomy.
While your throat is healing and still sore, the following soft foods are a good choice during your recovery:
- Ice cream
- Yoghurt
- Custard
- Apple sauce
- Pasta
- Mashed potatoes
- Moist bread
- Porridge
- Broths and soups
- Scrambled eggs
It’s also important to drink enough fluids after a tonsillectomy procedure. Specifically, you should aim to drink plenty of water. This can help you stay hydrated, manage pain, prevent dehydration, and promote healing.
What food should you avoid after a tonsillectomy?
Just as some foods can support tonsillectomy recovery, several foods can hinder your progress. It’s important to avoid anything overly spicy or acidic during the healing stages, as these can stall recovery and sometimes cause more pain, irritation, or bleeding.
You should also stay away from foods that are hard or sharp, such as nuts and seeds. These foods can lead to irritation or discomfort in the throat area, which can impact healing.
It’s a good idea to avoid the following foods and drinks after a tonsillectomy:
- Spicy foods
- Acidic foods
- Citrus fruits
- Overly crunchy foods
- Tough or chewy foods
- Nuts and seeds
- Certain dairy products
- Fizzy or carbonated drinks
- Very hot beverages
- Fruit juices
You should also avoid red or brown food and drink for the first couple of days after a tonsillectomy. This is because if bleeding occurs in the throat, it may be more difficult to spot.
Choosing your diet carefully after a tonsillectomy is important for supporting recovery and avoiding damage to the throat. For more advice on foods you should and shouldn’t eat after a tonsillectomy, speak to an ENT specialist.
