Diet For Chicken Pox

Chickenpox is one manifestation of the varicella-zoster virus which is the same virus that causes shingles. Unfortunately, once you are infected with this highly contagious and uncomfortable disease, there are not many pharmaceutical options that you can turn to for treatment.

Therefore, treatment often centres around managing symptoms. In this endeavour, adhering to the recommended food to eat during chickenpox can help curb the severity of the symptoms. With that in mind, here are some of the best foods for chickenpox:

Soft Foods

More often than not, the chickenpox rash is not limited to your external body but it can also affect the inner tongue, throat, and mouth. So, it is advised that your chickenpox diet comprises soft foods that will not irritate these oral lesions.

Your chickenpox food can therefore contain items such as sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, beans and lentils, tofu, boiled chicken, avocado, poached fish, etc.

Cool Foods

As high fever is a common symptom of chickenpox, consuming cool foods can ease some of the discomfort and irritation that the patient is experiencing. Foods such as ice cream, smoothies, milkshakes, cottage cheese, yoghurt, kefir, etc. can help combat the heat internally. These foods can also help ease the discomfort of oral lesions.

Bland Foods

Spicy and salty foods aggravate the oral abrasions and scratches of the patient, the ideal food to eat during chicken pox is not heavily spiced - in other words, bland food.

Spicy foods can also dehydrate the body and stress the digestive system. So, to calm the system, foods such as rice, toast, pasta, and oatmeal, are the best foods for chickenpox.

The gentle nature of these foods eases oral irritation, keeps the discomfort of abrasions from exacerbating, and lowers the risk of dehydration which are all vital for a speedy recovery.

Non-Acidic Veggies and Fruits

A Chickenpox diet for quick recovery must comprise nutrient-rich fruits and veggies. It is advised, however, to only consume non-acidic fruits and vegetables such as bananas, peaches, melons, cucumbers, spinach, broccoli, and kale which would prevent the body from releasing histamines.

Histamines can increase problems of inflammation, infections, and itching which are already common symptoms of chickenpox. By opting for non-acidic alternatives there is reduced risk of infections and the urge to scratch, which subsequently prevents additional skin irritation.

Infusing your chickenpox diet with non-acidic fruits and vegetables is the best way to boost your immune system for a quicker recovery from the illness.

Fluids

Chickenpox can significantly affect your mouth and throat area making it painful and difficult to eat or drink. This can increase the risk of dehydration in patients. So, monitoring your fluid intake and ensuring proper hydration is essential for a speedy recovery.

Your diet for chickenpox must therefore include fluids such as water, coconut water, herbal tea, low-sugar sports drinks, and drinks with plenty of electrolytes.

The aforementioned chickenpox food can help supplement your body with the vital nutrients it needs to overcome the disease while also easing the severity of the symptoms.

To properly care for patients suffering from chickenpox it is just as important to know what not to eat. Certain foods can exacerbate the discomfort and worsen the symptoms of chickenpox. So, for a smoother recovery, here are some foods to avoid during chickenpox:

Spicy and Salty Foods

To prevent irritation of oral abrasions, minimise discomfort, and reduce stress on the digestive system it is imperative to steer clear of salty and spicy foods. Spices will not only slow recovery but also worsen the symptoms of chickenpox.

Ingredients such as chillies or garlic should not be added to the patient’s meals. They must also avoid consuming hot sauces as it can exacerbate oral rashes. Salty foods such as broth, popcorn, salted nuts, vegetable juices, etc., should also be avoided.

Crunchy Food

Hard and crunchy foods have a rough texture that can irritate your oral sores so it is crucial to avoid these when you have chickenpox. These include chips, popcorn, seeds, pretzels, nuts, etc. Eating these foods will only prolong your recovery and add to the discomfort.

Fatty Food

Fatty foods such as cheese, red meat, and butter can stress your digestive system and will need your body to work harder thereby increasing the chances of inflammation. And so, saturated fats and trans fats must be avoided in particular for healing from chickenpox faster.

Acidic Food

The histamines in acidic foods can lead to increased inflammation, infections, and itching which are already common symptoms of chickenpox. Therefore, acidic foods such as grapes, pineapple, tomatoes, citrus fruits and juices, coffee, etc., must be avoided at all costs.

Although vaccines have contributed to a reduced population contracting chickenpox, there are still not many medicines that directly treat the varicella-zoster virus. So, to ensure protection from illnesses such as these, a comprehensive health insurance plan comes in handy.

Medical insurance acts as your financial safety net that ensures you get the best medical treatment without the worry of hospitalisation bills. The benefits of health insurance extend beyond mere financial support by enabling mental peace for the patient so they can focus on recovering instead of worrying about treatment costs.

What are the causes of chickenpox?

The varicella-zoster virus is the cause of chickenpox. It is a highly contagious disease that is transmitted through respiratory droplets or direct contact with someone who is already infected with it.

How to treat chickenpox?

The symptoms of chickenpox can be managed with rest, antiviral medications, and following the chicken pox diet for quick recovery.

How to prevent chickenpox?

There are three essential pillars of prevention from chickenpox: vaccination, avoiding contact with infected persons, and maintaining good hygiene.