How to Detox from Anesthesia

Easy ways to bounce back quickly…

Most adults are familiar with that woozy state that occurs after undergoing anesthesia for surgery or even a screening procedure such as colonoscopy. In most cases, the aftereffects of the anesthetic wear off within a few hours. But not everyone is so lucky. Some people don’t metabolize drugs efficiently. An anesthetic can leave them feeling dizzy, weak, feverish and/or disoriented for days afterward. This can occur with general anesthesia, which causes a temporary loss of bodily sensation and unconsciousness, or with regional or local anesthesia, which prevents you from feeling pain at the affected site while you remain awake. Especially for older patients, general anesthesia increases risk for declines in mental function, including difficulty concentrating and memory loss.

This condition, known as perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND), affects as many as 40% of patients over age 65 for one to three months, while some experience the condition for six months or more.

What you may not know: There are safe, effective ways to prepare for—and recover from—anesthesia. To minimize after effects and get back to normal more quickly, try the following:*

An Anesthesia Recovery Diet

if your body is recovering from anesthesia, steer clear of saturated fats, including meat and dairy, refined sugar, and alcohol—all of which can increase risk for cholestasis (slowed or blocked flow of bile, which makes it harder for the body to eliminate fat-soluble toxins like anesthetics). On the other hand, a diet that is rich in dietary fiber—particularly water-soluble fiber—promotes bile secretion. Good sources of water-soluble fiber: Pears, oat bran, apples and legumes. It’s also beneficial to eat vegetables from the cabbage family—especially broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage—as well as artichokes, beets and carrots. All of these foods contain compounds that aid in detoxification.

There are also herbs and spices that will help you detox and recover from anesthesia—especially cilantro, parsley, black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger. In addition, you should eat foods that are rich in sulfur, which helps the liver clear toxins. Good sulfur-rich foods: Garlic, onions and egg yolks. Add them to your diet whenever possible. 

Boost Hydration

Not getting enough fluids—especially water—makes it difficult for your body to eliminate toxins. A good goal for all times—but especially before and after undergoing anesthesia—is six to eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day. Important: Don’t wait until you are thirsty to take a drink—by that time you will already be mildly dehydrated. Take water breaks throughout the day. Good rule of thumb: Have a glass of water every two waking hours.

A High Potency Multiple Vitamin and Mineral Formula

If you don’t take one already, start taking a high-potency multivitamin and mineral formula that provides all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs EVERY day! Look for a formula that provides at least 100% of the RDA for all of these critical nutrients. 

Vitamins and minerals play an important role in the body’s detoxification mechanisms that are facilitated by the liver. A multivitamin and mineral formula also contains many nutrients that help eliminate heavy metals and other toxic compounds, including anesthetics, from the body. These include all of the B vitamins, but especially thiamine, B-6, folate and B-12…and key minerals such as zinc, magnesium and selenium.

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a highly bioavailable form of the amino acid cysteine and serves as a key precursor for the body's production of glutathione, often referred to as the body's "master antioxidant." Glutathione plays a critical role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting the liver's natural detoxification processes. Periods of increased physiological stress, including surgical procedures and exposure to medications used during anesthesia, can increase the body's demand for glutathione. By helping replenish glutathione stores, NAC helps to support the body's natural recovery processes. It also promote cellular protection and detoxification. Take 600 mg twice daily for at least three months, especially if you are feeling some "brain fog." 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), are essential structural and functional components of the brain. DHA and EPA help to maintain brain cell membrane  fluidity, support neurotransmitter activity, and promote efficient communication between brain cells. Surgical procedures and the associated inflammatory response can place increased demands on the brain's protective mechanisms. Omega-3 fatty acids help support a healthy inflammatory balance and provide important nutritional support for cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health. Maintaining adequate omega-3 status before and after surgery may help support optimal neurological function and recovery during periods of increased physiological stress. Take a minimum of 1,200 mg combined of EPA+DHA daily.

Magnesium + Lithium

Magnesium and lithium work through complementary mechanisms to support healthy brain function, emotional well-being, and neurological resilience.

Magnesium is involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions that regulate nerve transmission, energy production, stress response, and neurotransmitter balance. It helps calm excessive neuronal activity, supports healthy sleep patterns, and promotes relaxation by influencing NMDA and GABA receptor activity. And what this means is that magnesium can help support healthy sleep quality, stress management, and cognitive performance during recovery.

Lithium, even at the low levels naturally found in food and water or provided through low-dose dietary supplementation, has been shown to support neuronal health, cellular signaling, and the production of neuroprotective factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is critical to brain recovery.

Use a combination of Magnesium (100–150 mg elemental magnesium from glycinate and/or Magtein®) with Lithium Orotate (1–5 mg elemental lithium) daily.

*Prior to any surgical procedure, be sure to discuss with your doctor any drugs and/or supplements you take. The recommendations in this article are safe for most people, but some supplements may increase bleeding risk and/or interact with some anesthetics.