We all know that monsoons bring a refreshing change from the scorching heat, but they also bring a host of illnesses, with typhoid fever being one of the most common. In India alone, typhoid affects approximately 4.5 million people each year, leading to around 9,000 deaths. Typhoid fever, caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, is a severe and potentially life-threatening infection that spreads through contaminated food and water.
The symptoms can be intense, including high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, headache, and loss of appetite. Given that the bacteria quickly enter the bloodstream, leading to significant weakness and fatigue, recovery can be challenging. However, alongside prescribed medications, proper dietary choices can play a crucial role in managing symptoms and speeding up recovery. Here’s what you should eat and avoid during typhoid fever for a faster recovery.
If you are wondering which foods you must eat and which you must not, Delhi’s leading general surgeon, Dr Amita Jain, is here to guide the best dietary practices for typhoid recovery. When battling typhoid fever, your body needs a combination of easy-to-digest, nutrient-rich foods that can boost your immune system, replenish lost nutrients, and support overall recovery.
Which foods to eat during typhoid?
Some of the foods you may eat are:
Energy-rich Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate-rich foods are essential for energy during typhoid fever, as the illness often leaves you feeling weak and fatigued. For instance, porridge, baked potatoes, and boiled rice provide a steady source of energy while being gentle on your stomach.
Boiled potatoes with their high calorfic value help prevent sudden weight loss. Potatoes also provide iron, potassium, and vitamin C that boost immunity. Porridge and daliya not only offer dense carbohydrates but also provide proteins that aid digestion and help restore strength, making them ideal for those recovering from typhoid.
Probiotics
Since typhoid disrupts the gut’s natural balance, leading to digestive issues like constipation or diarrhea, incorporating probiotic-rich foods is essential for recovery. Probiotics, such as those found in green apples, fermented vegetables, kefir, buttermilk, and yogurt, help replenish beneficial gut bacteria.
Yogurt, in particular, contains bifidobacteria that aid in relieving symptoms like bloating and irregular bowel movements, improving digestion, and supporting the immune system for faster recovery.
Hydration
Typhoid fever can cause dehydration from fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, making hydration essential for recovery. Drinking clear liquids like bottled water with essential minerals, fresh fruit juices,fruits rich in water content like grapes and watermelon, and coconut water helps maintain electrolyte balance, rehydrates the body, and reduces the risk of bacterial infections. Staying hydrated supports energy levels and aids in a faster recovery from typhoid fever.
Protein-rich Diet
Add protein-rich foods to your diet for faster recovery from typhoid. Proteins, essential for tissue repair and immune support, should come from lean sources like chicken, fish, tofu, and eggs. Opt for easily digestible options such as skim milk and yogurt over fatty or heavily seasoned foods. Vegetarians can choose legumes and paneer.
Banana
Having bananas during typhoid can boost recovery by providing essential nutrients and energy. They are rich in potassium, Vitamin C, and antioxidants, which help strengthen the body. Bananas also offer beneficial fibers and calories, aiding in weight gain and maintaining energy levels, crucial for overcoming typhoid symptoms.
Which foods to avoid in typhoid?
Try to stay away from these foods if suffering from typhoid:
Oily and Spicy Food
No matter how much you enjoy oily and spicy foods, it’s important to avoid them during typhoid. Spices, seasonings, and oil can aggravate intestinal inflammation and hinder recovery. Foods like chili, pepper, vinegar, hot sauce, and canned goods irritate the digestive system and increase inflammation, delaying healing. Stick to a bland, easy-to-digest diet till you recover.
Say NO to Raw Foods
Stay away from raw, unpeeled fruits and vegetables during typhoid, as they may be washed with contaminated water, increasing infection risk. Fiber-rich foods, like lettuce and berries, are hard to digest and can exacerbate an upset stomach. Avoid having raw and uncooked varieties of meat or fish too.
Certain Vegetables
Avoid vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, and cauliflower during typhoid recovery. These vegetables contain raffinose, a complex sugar that can cause excess gas and bloating. This can exacerbate discomfort and hinder your recovery process.
There is no need to worry about managing typhoid fever if you stick to the right diet. Focus on easy-to-digest carbohydrates, probiotics, protein-rich foods, and bananas while staying hydrated. Avoid oily, spicy foods, raw items, and certain vegetables. These choices will aid your recovery and help you get back to health faster.
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi