Chickenpox will occur once in every person’s lifetime. Although it isn’t a life-threatening disease, it still should be treated with high caution and with promptness. Most people will get chickenpox during their childhood, although there are many cases of chickenpox occurring in adults.

Read More:

With that being said, there are many things you need to know and procedures to follow when you have chickenpox. In this article, we will go through the foods you should and shouldn’t eat during chickenpox and the effects of diet during this particular health condition. 

What is Chickenpox?

chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly occurs in children. This disease happens once in every lifetime and is not recurring. Chickenpox is not deadly, and very rarely does it cause any major health concerns. However, the older you are when you get it, the higher the risk of major health complications are to occur. 

The only way to overcome chickenpox is to let it run its course. Treatment and proper aid will help you to get through its symptoms. 

Chickenpox can potentially lead to major health complications for people who are of older ages, pregnant women, or people with a weakened or compromised immune system. Major health complications may be:

  • Scarring 
  • Cellulitis 
  • Fever
  • Pneumonia 
  • Encephalitis 
  • Bleeding disorders 
  • Fatality

Symptoms of chickenpox include:

  • Cold symptoms
  • Low-grade fever
  • Tiredness
  • Fatigue
  • Intense itchiness
  • Skin rashes
  • Patches of inflamed and hot to touch the skin
  • Blisters
  • Bumpy skin texture
  • General discomfort

Foods You Should Eat When You Have Chickenpox

1. Fruit

Any fruits that contain vitamin C are perfect for chickenpox patients. Fruits are packed with nutrients and can help boost the immune system, aiding and speeding up recovery. Just avoid acidic fruits such as lemons and oranges as its acidity can irritate oral sores. 

2. Proteins

Chicken, beef, fish, and eggs are great for helping the body stay strong, keeping you feeling full, as well as speeding up recovery thanks to a compound called lysine. Try to avoid meats that are highly seasoned and processed with lots of additives. 

3. Honey

Manuka honey is one of the best foods you should have when you’re sick. From common colds to chickenpox, honey will help you feel better instantly, and help you recover faster.

Honey is a natural antibacterial and antiviral food source and can lessen the severity of symptoms. Honey can be added to your warm drink or with porridge. 

4. Coconut oil

Also another natural food source with antibacterial and antiviral properties, coconut oil is perfect for combating inflammation and helping you recover faster. 

5. Tea

As loss of appetite is common in people suffering from chickenpox, dehydration is very likely. Drinking tea such as green tea, chamomile, and herbal teas are perfect. They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to boost your immune system, battle inflammation, and help you recover faster. 

Foods to Avoid When You Have Chickenpox

Have Chickenpox

1. Salty foods

During chickenpox, your appetite will certainly decrease as you will feel fever-like symptoms as well as sore throats and mouth. Nothing will aggregate this worse than salty foods.

Salty foods such as chips, snacks, chicken broth, instant noodles, and vegetable blend juices, will not only make symptoms worse but may make your recovery time even longer. Stick to foods that keep you hydrated and help you battle inflammation. 

2. Saturated fats

Fatty foods and saturated fats can increase inflammation and make symptoms worse. Not only are they generally bad for your health, but they also won’t benefit your skin health whatsoever.

Saturated fats can be found in lots of processed, oily, and refined foods. Be sure to also stay away from meat that still has significant attachments of fat. Try sticking to lean protein sources and whole foods that don’t have added ingredients. 

3. Spicy food

Spicy food that contains chili or peppers that pack a lot of heat may irritate your mouth, throat, and disrupt your digestive system. Especially when your skin is feeling very sensitive as well as having blisters and splits, accidentally getting chili in contact with your skin can cause you a world of pain and increase inflammation.

Chickenpox also entails lots of oral sores and ulcers in the mouth. Avoid chili and spicy foods at all costs as it will worsen the condition. 

When to See a Doctor?

Have Chickenpox

As soon as you realize chickenpox has started, speak with your doctor immediately. They will be able to provide you with medication and advice to help you recover sooner as well as manage your symptoms. Oftentimes chickenpox can be mistaken for the common cold, fever, or eczema.

Be mindful that if you notice anything irregular in your health or that normal sickness symptoms become severe, seeking advice from your doctor is crucial as the early intervention will benefit you in the long run. If you or your child has chickenpox, be sure to keep them separated from others and to practice proper hygiene as chickenpox is highly contagious. 

If your child or you have any chickenpox symptoms go to Okadoc.com
or download our Mobile App and book an appointment with: