Mononucleosis, which is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, is particularly common among teenagers. According to FamilyDoctor.org, this virus may be contained in your mucus and saliva and is usually passed between people through the act of kissing. Mononucleosis symptoms typically develop 4 to 6 weeks after you contract the virus. Certain dietary approaches may be beneficial in treating your mononucleosis, although you should always review the safety and efficacy of this natural healing method with your primary healthcare provider.
Mononucleosis
Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with mononucleosis, states PubMed Health, include swollen lymph nodes, fever, a general ill feeling, reduced appetite, sore throat, swollen spleen, drowsiness and muscle aches, and stiffness. Less common mononucleosis symptoms may include chest pain, night sweats, shortness of breath, nosebleed and a rapid heart rate. If you have mononucleosis, a blood test may reveal an increased number of leukocytes, or white blood cells.
Dietary Considerations
Certain dietary inclusions and exclusions may be beneficial in treating your mononucleosis. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant, nutrition researcher and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," a diet that includes whole grains, root vegetables, wholesome soups, and at least 50 percent raw foods may be particularly helpful in treating your condition. Consider avoiding processed and refined foods, fried foods, coffee, soft drinks, sugar, white flour products, and most vegetable oils.
A Useful Food
Antioxidant-rich foods, such as tomatoes, may be among the most helpful foods in treating your mononucleosis, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. In his book "The World's Healthiest Foods, nutritionist and biologist George Mateljan states that tomatoes contain numerous health-promoting substances, including beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene, which provide antioxidant protection. In addition to their antioxidant action, tomatoes may be helpful in promoting heart health and building healthy bones and muscles.
Additional Information
Mononucleosis is a health problem that may significantly affect your quality of life and lead to serious health consequences, including death in people with compromised immune system. If you are diagnosed with mononucleosis, discuss all relevant treatment strategies with your primary healthcare provider, including natural therapies such as diet and nutrition. You should always exercise great caution when using nutritional therapy to treat your mononucleosis, as some foods used for this health purpose may not be backed by extensive research evidence.
References
- FamilyDoctor.org: Mononucleosis
- PubMed Health: Mononucleosis
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
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