“Last week, something I’ve wanted for 21 years happened: I had my tonsils out.” Account Director, Sonia
For anyone who’s had their tonsils whipped out as a child, you may remember it as a blur of ice cream and daytime TV. For adults, it’s not quite the same – it is apparently a lot more painful. Although it was only day-surgery (that went to plan) and I got to sleep in my own bed the same night, I was warned of the pain that was going to build. Let’s just say the words “razor blades” and “swallowing” have been uncomfortably close companions this past week. Then, throw in my 7-year old daughter who doesn’t quite have the sympathy levels I’d want…well…any sympathy, to be fair!
Still, after two decades of flare-ups, it was very welcomed. Even if it has meant:
* A week of antibiotics
* Two weeks of heavy painkillers and throat sprays
Those who know me well will tell you I’m not one for taking medication unless it’s absolutely necessary. But in this case, short-term meds are just part of the recovery package. Luckily, a tonsillectomy is a quick recovery – around 2 weeks – due to the moist environment of the area healing. However, these days the advice is to eat pretty normally straight away…which, I can tell you, isn’t exactly fun!
What Research Says About Post-Surgery Meds
As I trained in nutrition, I can’t help but geek out on what’s going on under the surface and what it’s doing for my holistic wellbeing.
Antibiotics: While lifesaving, they don’t discriminate. They wipe out the bad bacteria (goodbye, infection!) but also take down the good bacteria that support digestion, immunity, and even mood with it. Studies show it can take months for the microbiome to fully bounce back after a single course of antibiotics.
Painkillers: These can also alter gut permeability, slow digestion, and in some cases irritate the stomach lining. They’re essential in the short term (trust me, I’m not braving this recovery without them!), but they’re not exactly the gut’s best friend.
So… what’s best for my long-term recovery and to get back to ‘normal’ as safely as possible?
My Holistic “Rebuild the Microbiome” Plan
I’m approaching my own recovery, step by step, and it’s something anyone can adapt post-surgery or even after a heavy course of antibiotics:
* Probiotic foods: Think kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso. Small daily servings to gently repopulate the gut.
* Prebiotic fibre: Bananas, onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus – food that feeds the good bacteria.
* Plenty of plants: Ensuring a ‘rainbow on the plate’ across each day gives the microbiome the diversity it craves.
* Gentle hydration: Herbal teas (warm, as hot isn’t allowed for me at the moment!), broths, and plenty of water. Fun fact: Hydration helps healing, so even though it hurts to drink, I get that it is essential to healing.
* Sleep as medicine: I’m giving myself permission to nap without guilt, and early nights are a must – especially to counteract the broken sleep currently having due to pain.
* Movement (but not yet): Movement boosts circulation and helps the gut. I’ve been ordered two weeks of no exercise and not lift anything heavy. As a busy person who enjoys movement, this isn’t fun. But once I’m cleared, I’ll focus on gentle walks and yoga and building resilience back up, before going anywhere near weights.
Keeping It Light
My fridge looks like a bit like a cross between a farmer’s market and a science lab experiment. I’m saying no to the gym and yes to early bedtimes. My social media algorithms have lapped up my Google and ChatGPT searches, serving me all types of gut-health ads with all manner of health claims!
But this is all part of short-term sacrifice for long-term health. Because ultimately, the body is resilient – it just needs the right fuel, rest, and patience to rebuild.
The Takeaway
It’s been a powerful reminder of how amazing the body is at healing – if we give it the right conditions. Whilst I want to jump back into normality, I must be patient.
So, here’s to gut bugs, good food, and gentle recovery. I’ll be back to my normal self soon – and hopefully even stronger for having given my microbiome this reboot. In the meantime, my family, friends and colleagues are probably enjoying the peace of me not talking so much!
Sonia, Account Director
