What to Eat After Tonsillectomy: Full 2024 Guide 

Tonsillectomy is the surgical procedure to remove your tonsil and possibly adenoid glands situated in the back of your throat¹. This is usually done during childhood, but adults can also have this done if it’s necessary.

The main reason for a tonsillectomy is a chronic throat infection or sleep apnea, but it depends on each person’s circumstances. Recovery can take up to 2 weeks, and you may experience side effects such as a sore throat or difficulty swallowing.

But with good nutrition and hydration, you should be able to return to your routine quickly. For this, I consulted with our in-house nutritionist and compiled a list of foods to help you speed up recovery and minimize discomfort as much as possible.

What to Eat After Tonsillectomy

In the days immediately following your tonsillectomy, it’s normal to go through a range of symptoms, including swelling of the uvula, ear pain, nose stiffness, and even bad breath. You should learn about all these from your doctor, so make sure to pay attention during consultations prior to the surgery.

While most studies² show that a special diet or cold fluids and foods don’t have a direct impact on recovery, it’s still advisable to switch to softer foods packed with vitamins and nutrients that promote healing. Overall, it’s best to follow your surgeon’s recommendations.

Hydration is essential. Proper hydration helps support the production of new cells and tissues, speeds up wound healing, and reduces inflammation, which is crucial for tissue regeneration after surgery or injury.

Adults should drink at least 4 to 6 eight-ounce glasses of liquid per day, while children should drink 2 to 3 ounces of liquid each hour.

Besides water and clear liquids, here are some foods that’ll help you stay hydrated during recovery:

• Most fruit juices, such as apple, peach, and pear are great

• Milk, shakes, and yogurt drinks

• Strained or cream soups

• Ice cream, pudding, custard, and other soft sweets are great

After the surgery, food will most likely be the last thing on your mind, so it’s best to do some meal planning and meal prep ahead of time. If you don’t know how to do it, check out our meal planning tips and tricks to get you started.

What to Eat During the First 4 Days

On the first day after surgery, you may have to follow a clear liquids diet. This often includes broths (clear chicken, beef, or vegetable), clear juices (apple, white grape, cranberry), popsicles (without fruit or cream), tea (without milk), ice chips, or clear electrolyte drinks.

If everything goes well, you should continue with soft foods and plenty of hydration for the following 2 to 3 days. 

Here are some of the foods you can enjoy between days 2 and 4 after the surgery:

Tips to Make Swallowing Easier

You may be one of the lucky people not to experience too many symptoms after your tonsillectomy. But you will inevitably experience swallowing issues and a sore throat, particularly in the early postoperative days.

You must eat and stay hydrated, so here are a few tips to make swallowing easier:

• Sip water: Sip water frequently to keep your throat moist.

• Small pieces of food: Break food into small, manageable pieces and chew thoroughly before swallowing.

• Head position: Slightly tilt your head forward while swallowing to help food or liquid go down more easily.

• Rest your voice: Avoid talking too much, as resting your throat can aid in faster healing, making swallowing easier.

• Ease pain: Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed to ease throat discomfort, making swallowing less painful.

What to Eat for a Swift Recovery

Once the first 4 days have passed, you can pretty much return to your regular way of eating. However, it’s best to focus on nutritious foods that promote a healthy and well-balanced diet.

Here are a few items that should remain present in your diet during recovery:

• Eggs – scrambled and poached eggs are a wonderful source of protein and are easy to eat. Omelets with veg are also a great way to add in other veggies and dairy.

• Ground chicken, beef, or pork – these can be mixed with a sauce and added to well-cooked pasta. 

• Fish – baked, steamed, or poached fish can be prepared in various ways so that it is very soft and easy to swallow. Fish is rich in Omega-3s, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

• Beans, legumes, and tofu – a great source of protein, especially for vegetarians and vegans, and can be mashed to make a smooth paste.

• Yogurt and pudding – can be great options because they’re cold and usually quite filling.

• Oatmeal or other cooked grains – Cooked oatmeal can be a soothing food. There are lots of ways to add protein to oatmeal and other cooked grains. 

While most of the foods I listed here are quite easy to make, you may not be in the right mindset to cook after just having your tonsils removed. If this is the case, I strongly recommend choosing a meal delivery service that fits your needs.

Foods to Avoid After Tonsillectomy

During the first week after surgery, you must avoid foods and beverages that are too hot or too cold. Also, stay away from spicy foods and citrus juices of fruits like lemons, oranges, limes, or grapefruits. These are more acidic and may irritate your throat.

To avoid scratching the throat and making swallowing even more difficult, do not eat foods with a crunchy texture, such as crackers, chips, pizza crust, peanuts, and so on. I know it’s difficult to stay away, but you should give your throat a break.

Lastly, leave munching on raw veggies and fruits like carrots, tomatoes, and apples for after you’ve made a full recovery.

FAQ

What are the best foods to eat right after a tonsillectomy?  

Right after surgery, you may be put on a clear-liquid diet for about 1 day. During the following 4 days, you can eat soft, cool foods like ice cream, yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies. These are soothing to the throat and easy to swallow.

When can I start eating solid foods after a tonsillectomy?  

Most people can begin introducing soft, solid foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, or pasta around day 3-5, depending on their comfort level and doctor's advice.

Are there foods I should avoid after a tonsillectomy?  

Yes, there are some foods you should avoid, as they can irritate the throat and delay healing. Hot foods and drinks should also be avoided in the initial recovery phase.

Can I drink juice after a tonsillectomy?  

Yes, you can, and you should drink juice to stay hydrated. However, try to avoid acidic juices like orange or grapefruit juice, as they can cause a burning sensation in the throat.  

References

1. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000155.htm

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6449532/