Chickenpox is an unpleasant and irritating disease, causing itchy rashes and lesions to appear all over the body. The best thing to do is to allow the virus to run its course. The infected person should take adequate rest and be careful not to scratch the pustules. Simple dietary strategies will help boost your immune system and speed up recovery. Here are some diet tips:
A healthy and nutritious diet can greatly help a patient suffering from chickenpox in speeding up the recovery process. Building a robust immune system is key to avert the risk of seasonal diseases. Mother Nature has bestowed upon us a whole lot of natural foods and herbs that have tremendous potential to trigger the immune response. Brew a cup of turmeric root tea and consume it early in the morning on an empty stomach, which confers immunity to the cells to combat seasonal infections. Adding a rich array of gut-healing prebiotics like onion, garlic, bananas, and leeks promotes overall health. Including antihistamine foods such as broccoli, spinach, kiwi, apples, and strawberries is beneficial to prevent the body from secreting histamine, which leads to scratching and infection. In addition, patients suffering from chickenpox can take ½ tsp. of powdered peppercorns with honey to ease inflammation and body aches.
Foods To Include:
Some foods that are safe and tolerable to consume with chickenpox include:
Soft Foods
Mashed potatoes
Avocado
Scrambled eggs
Boiled beans and lentils
Tofu
Boiled chicken
Poached fish
Cool Foods
Yoghurt
Kefir
Cottage cheese
Milkshakes
Smoothies
Bland foods
Rice
Toast
Non-Acidic Fruits And Vegetables
Applesauce
Bananas
Melon
Berries
Peaches
Broccoli
Cucumbers
Foods To Avoid
Some of the foods may irritate or aggravate symptoms of chickenpox in people who have blisters in or around the mouth.
Spicy Foods
Chilli peppers
Hot sauce
Acidic foods
Grapes
Pineapple
Tomatoes
Citrus fruits and juices
Foods pickled in vinegar
Coffee
Salty foods
Chips
Soup broths
Hard, crunchy foods
Popcorn
Salted nuts
Deep-fried foods
Foods for a recovering patient:
- Adding a lot of raw fruit and vegetables to your diet can boost immunity. Including a rainbow diet with different colours of fruit and vegetables provides you with valuable phytonutrients that can trigger the immune system and keep infections at bay. If there are mouth sores, it is best to avoid citrus fruits, which are acidic and can lead to irritation.
- Get adequate fluids to prevent dehydration, which can cause loss of appetite. Vegetable juices, tender coconut water, fresh juices, soups and plenty of water are amazing options. Boost your immune system by drinking decaffeinated herbal teas like chamomile, cinnamon, and basil tea, which will help to rehydrate and boost your immune system.
- Include foods rich in the amino acid lysine to help speed up the healing of lesions. Some of the best sources are yoghurt, milk, and cheese.
- Coconut oil is taken orally or used in cooking, and is beneficial because of its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Chilled yoghurt is the best choice to relieve painful mouth sores.
- Raw garlic is an amazing natural antibiotic with incredible healing power. Eat it raw, crushed or added to soups.
Stay away from these foods:
- Avoid salty, spicy, and acidic foods. These foods can irritate if you have sores in the mouth.
- Hard and crunchy foods may cause discomfort and can lead to inflammation, which slows down the healing of the sores. Opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods.
- Avoid processed, junk foods, sugary foods, and trans fats as these foods cause inflammation and slow down the healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Get Infected with Chicken Pox?
You would get it through direct contact or airborne transmission from someone who was infected. It spreads via coughing, sneezing, or touching fluid from blisters of an infected person.
Why Do We Say "Chicken Pox"?
The exact origin is not clearly understood, but:
Some believe the blisters looked like chickpeas or were the size of peck marks from chickens. Others say it was to distinguish it from smallpox, which is more severe.
Does Chicken Pox Leave Scars?
It can, especially if you scratch the blisters.
Deep scratching or secondary infections increase the risk of permanent scarring.
Keeping skin clean and not picking at scabs helps minimize scars.
How To Cure Chicken Pox Fast?
There's no instant cure for this infection, but you can manage symptoms:
Apply calamine lotion or oatmeal baths to ease itching.
Staying well hydrated, getting good rest, and maintaining a cool environment may be helpful to mitigate irritation and discomfort.
The physician will prescribe antihistamines and antiviral medications if needed.
Can Chicken Pox Heal In 7 Days?
Yes, for mild cases, healing can begin within a week.
Full recovery, including scab falling off, may take 10–14 days.
You are highly contagious until all blisters crust over.
What Foods To Eat And Avoid During Chicken Pox?
Spicy, salty, and acidic foods should be avoided as they can irritate mouth sores.
All deep-fried or junk foods should be restricted as they slow healing.
Also, hard foods if you have blisters in your mouth and it would be difficult to chew.
Go for soft, bland foods, fruits like bananas or melons, rice, soups, and plenty of fluids.
How To Get Rid Of Chicken Pox Holes On Face?
Natural remedies may be beneficial, but it would be a slow process:
Aloe vera, vitamin E, coconut oil, and honey may help to moisturize and repair skin.
If scars persist, consult a dermatologist, who suggests dermatological treatments for deeper scars, such as
Microneedling, chemical peels, laser therapy, and derma fillers.
Always wait until skin is fully healed before trying strong treatments.
(This article is reviewed by Preeti Sharma, Wellness Expert)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics, including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Infection and Nutritional Status: I. The Effect of Chicken Pox on Nitrogen Metabolism in Children
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WILSON DOROTHY M.D. (Medical Assistant) 1 *
, BRESSANI RICARDO PH.D. (Chief) , SCRIMSHAW NEVIN S. M.D., PH.D. (Director)
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002916523154116
https://journals.lww.com/jpdt/fulltext/2023/02030/a_review_article_of_chickenpox_management_via.2.aspx
