The chicken pox is a highly contagious illness characterized by an itchy rash, high fever, headache and a dry cough. Because the chicken pox is a fairly serious illness with symptoms that, to a certain degree, can be affected by diet, it's important to steer clear of certain foods when you have the chicken pox. Some foods will irritate the sores, slow healing or make the patient feel even sicker. Stick to mild, soft foods such as vegetable broth, mashed potatoes and rice pudding.
Saturated Fat-Rich Foods
Meat, and other foods that are high in saturated fat such as full-fat dairy products, should be avoided when you have the chicken pox. According to the book, "What to Eat for What Ails You," foods that are high in saturated fat can promote inflammation. This may make the rash worse and slower to heal. Many patients do eat frozen products such as ice cream and milkshakes while they have the chicken pox because they are easy to consume. If you do eat ice cream, choose low-fat frozen yogurt or low-fat ice cream instead. Ice pops are also a good alternative to saturated fat-rich ice cream.
Citrus Fruits
It is common for blisters to develop in the mouth and throat when you have the chicken pox. Do not consume citrus fruits or juices if this is the case. The high acid content in citrus fruit can greatly irritate these sores, making them slower to heal and causing intense pain. You'll also want to be on the lookout for foods that contain citric acid, as that can also have the same effect.
Spicy and Salty Foods
Spicy and salty foods can also irritate sores in the mouth and throat, and are best avoided when you have the chicken pox. This included salty chicken broth, vegetable-blend juices like V-8 or any type of soup that contains peppers or other spicy seasoning. If you'd like to sip something hot, try low-sodium vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. It is less likely to irritate the blisters in your mouth.
Sources of Arginine
Arginine, an amino acid, can help promote the replication of the virus. This replication can spur a more serious and long-lasting case of the chicken pox than you may have originally had. Do not eat foods that contain large amounts of arginine, including chocolate, peanuts, tree nuts, seeds, peanut butter and raisins.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Chickenpox
- "What to Eat for What Ails You"; Winnie Yu; 2007
- "Doctor's Guide to Natural Medicine"; Paul Barney; 1998
- "The Portable Pediatrician"; William Sears, Martha Sears, Robert Sears and James Sears; 2011
