The monsoon season comes as much-welcomed relief from the sizzling summer heat, but it also heralds the onset of several waterborne illnesses, of which typhoid fever is one of the most prevalent. In India alone, typhoid has around 4.5 million infected people every year, resulting in nearly 9,000 deaths. The infection is caused by a bacterium called Salmonella Typhi, and it is mainly spread via fecally contaminated food and water.
Typhoid is a very serious disease characterized by symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, headache, and loss of appetite. Subsequently, one can suffer from tremendous weakness and sometimes faintness because the bacteria infect the blood. Medical treatment is indeed important, but a well-thought-out, nutrient-rich diet can do wonders in supporting recovery. Here’s a complete guide on what to eat and what to avoid when recuperating from typhoid fever.
Foods to Eat During Typhoid
1. Energy-Rich Carbohydrates
Typhoid can make one feel lethargic and weak afterwards. Therefore, it is essential to include rich carbohydrates to replenish your body’s energy levels. Gentle on the stomach and providing sustained energy, simple options include porridge, boiled rice, and baked or boiled potatoes.
Boiled potatoes are a source of calories and a variety of essential nutrients, including potassium, iron, and vitamin C, which help strengthen the immune system. Porridge and daliya are excellent sources of carbohydrates with some protein; therefore, they are an ideal choice during recovery.
2. Probiotics for Gut Health
Typhoid typically dysregulates the natural balance of the gut, causing problems such as diarrhea or constipation. Healthy gut meals, rich in probiotics, should include yogurt, buttermilk, kefir, green apples, fermented vegetables, and similar foods.
Among these, yogurt is one of the best options, as it contains bifidobacteria that help improve digestion and relieve bloating. Additionally, it supports overall immune function. Probiotic foods in your diet can help speed up the full recovery of your body from digestive distress caused by typhoid.
3. Hydration is King
One of the most important aspects of recovering from typhoid is maintaining sufficient hydration. A person with typhoid fever typically experiences symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, any of which can lead to dehydration, which in turn slows the recovery process. Drinking plenty of clear fluids, such as bottled water with essential minerals, coconut water, and fresh juices, will help.
Fruits like watermelon and grapes are high in water and help improve hydration, while also balancing electrolytes. Proper hydration helps maintain balanced energy levels and flushes out toxins.
4. Protein-Rich Foods
Proteins are vital for tissue repair and immune support during typhoid. Lean proteins are easy to digest, such as boiled chicken, fish, tofu, eggs, and skim milk. Some vegetarians can also indulge themselves with paneer and legumes.
Thus, these would provide amino acids, which are responsible for building body strength and promoting quicker healing. Avoid fatty or spicy protein dishes as they may irritate your digestive system.
5. Bananas for Instant Energy
Bananas are especially useful in recovery from typhoid. Full of potassium, antioxidants, and vitamin C, they all help maintain strength and boost immunity, with large amounts of dietary fiber that are gentle on the stomach and facilitate proper, healthy digestion.
Its caloric value also helps prevent weight loss and restore energy levels during periods of prolonged illness.
Foods to Avoid During Typhoid
1. Oily and Spicy Foods
Though oily and spicy foods are delicious, they often add trouble rather than relief when recovering from typhoid. Chili, pepper, vinegar, and hot sauces flare up the intestinal inflammation, delay the healing process, and worsen digestive symptoms.
Stick to eating bland, non-spicy foods, which are easier for the body to digest. Steer clear of canned and processed foods, as they often contain preservatives or additives that can irritate the stomach.
2. Raw Fruits and Vegetables
However, during typhoid, raw, unpeeled fruits and vegetables may prove dangerous, as many of these may not be safe because they could have been washed using contaminated water. High-fiber raw foods, such as lettuce and berries, are more difficult to digest and may contribute to gastrointestinal tract issues.
It would therefore be safer to consume cooked vegetables and peeled fruits, as this lowers the risk of secondary infection and improves digestion.
3. Specific Gas-Producing Vegetables
Certain vegetables should be excluded from the diet, such as cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and broccoli. These all contain raffinose, a complex sugar that can cause bloating, gas, and discomfort, which can be counterproductive to recovery.
It would be better to opt for lighter vegetables, such as those soft-steamed or boiled, which are easier to digest.
If you follow these dietary practices, recovery will speed up, your immune system will be boosted, and it will make your health recovery much easier and uncomplicated.