At The Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine, we’ve found that the success of a regenerative medicine procedure doesn’t just start on the day of the procedure. It actually starts days or even weeks before the injection. You may be surprised to learn that a successful regenerative medicine procedure begins in the kitchen and in the daily habits you adopt leading up to it.
Our own Dr. John Santa Ana is not only board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation but also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Food Science. This additional expertise is used daily to provide the best possible outcome for our patients.
Why Patient Health Before a Procedure Matters So Much
Regenerative medicine procedures like PRP and orthobiologics rely on a patient’s own biology, including their platelets, cells and their healing response. The quality of these cells and the body’s ability to respond to them are influenced by an individual’s overall health, including lifestyle, exercise, and especially nutrition. A well-nourished body has stronger regenerative raw material, ready to go to work to heal damaged tissues.
The Role of Protein Before and After a Regenerative Medicine Procedure
Protein is key to effective tissue repair as it’s the literal building blocks for the tendons, ligaments, and cartilage being regenerated after a procedure. It’s important that patients consume adequate protein before and after a procedure to support healing as new tissue forms. If you’re wondering how much protein you need to consume each day, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is around 0.36 grams per pound of body weight. For example, this would mean a 150 lb. woman would need to consume around 54 grams of protein each day. Most Americans do not consume enough protein daily, which makes it even more important to focus on nutrition leading up to a regenerative medicine procedure.
How Supplements Can Fill the Gaps in Your Nutrition
While good nutrition can help improve patient outcomes after a regenerative medicine procedure, supplements can also help fill gaps with certain vitamins and minerals that may not be as prevalent in our diets. Dr. Santa Ana and the team at The Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine recommend a number of supplements, both before and after a procedure, a few of which include:
- Foundational multivitamin – A quality multivitamin before and after a procedure helps fill nutritional gaps that you may not even realize you have. Even if you eat relatively clean, you may still lack certain nutrients that support tissue repair.
- Resveratrol – This vitamin has been shown to boost overall tissue health and longevity which is why our doctors often recommend it to our patients.
- Chondroitin & Glucosamine – These supplements help to boost cartilage protection which in turn strengthens joints and tendons.
- NitricBoost – This supplement contains quercetin, which improves cell quality through a process called senolytic therapy, helping eliminate weak cells and leaving healthier cells, which can help increase the number of healthy cells harvested during a regenerative medicine procedure.
- Collagen – As we age, collagen begins to break down, which is why we often recommend this supplement to help preserve joints, tissue, and cartilage both before and during recovery after a regenerative medicine procedure.
Dr. Santa Ana and the team of doctors at our clinic have worked hard to formulate a supplement regimen for new patients preparing for a regenerative medicine procedure. Feel free to ask one of our doctors about this supplement regimen or browse our website, where you can order these items directly.
Now’s the Time to Put Yourself in the Driver Seat for A More Fulfilling Life
If you’re interested in how regenerative medicine can help you stay active and enjoy your life more fully, regardless of age, remember that these procedures work best when the body is prepared to do the work of healing alongside the treatment. Thanks to our team’s expertise in regenerative medicine, nutrition, and functional medicine, we feel strongly that we can offer the full package. Give our office a call today to schedule your consultation with one of our Board-Certified doctors.