An estimated one out of three people in the United States develops shingles, also called herpes zoster, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anyone who has had from chickenpox can get shingles -- and your risk for contracting it increases with age. If you are over age 60, you are more likely to contract shingles than a younger person. A suppressed immune system also increases your risk. The varicella zoster virus causes shingles and may stay dormant in your body after you recover from chickenpox. Eating a healthy diet and avoiding foods that weaken your immune system can help prevent complications from the virus.
Refined Grains
Refined grains, such as white bread and white rice, are carbohydrates that contain fewer nutrients than whole grains. During the milling process, manufacturers remove much of the nutritional content of the grain, including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Manufacturers prefer refining grains to extend shelf life. They may enrich or fortify these foods with added nutrients. Nonetheless, refined grains are high glycemic foods that contain sugars that your body readily absorbs, increasing your risk of blood sugar spikes. High blood sugar may be associated with fluid and electrolyte disturbances and increased risk of infections, according to research by scientists at the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers and published in "Pharmacotherapy" in July 2005.
Trans Fats
Eating trans fats may exacerbate inflammation associated with herpes zoster virus infection.
Herpes zoster can cause inflammation surrounding the eye, affecting the cornea and iris and increasing the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. Trans fats are industrially produced fats found in processed and fried foods. A study published in the "Journal of Lipid Research" in July 2011 indicates that increasing your intake of trans fats may induce cardiovascular inflammation.
Seeds and Nuts
Arginine is an amino acid that may stimulate herpes virus replication. According to research published in the "Journal of Biological Chemistry" in October 2000, the varicella zoster virus has arginine-rich domains for gene expression. Emily Kane, a doctor of naturopathy, writes in Better Nutrition in 2009 that you should try to avoid or reduce your intake of foods high arginine when you have shingles. These foods include seeds, nuts, peanuts and chocolate.
Alcohol
Foods and beverages that contain alcohol can suppress your immune system and potentially enable the spread of the herpes zoster virus. Research by scientists at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and published in "Alcohol" in February 2006 indicates that alcohol suppresses immune response and increases inflammation. The scientists also report that alcohol impairs immune cell activity.
References
- Centers For Disease Control and Prevention; Shingles (Herpes Zoster); January 2011
- Harvard School of Public Health; Health Gains from Whole Grains; 2010
- "Pharmacotherapy"; Relationship between Hyperglycemia and Infection in Critically Ill Patients; Simona Butler, et al.; July 2005
- "Journal of Lipid Research"; Effect of Industrially Produced Trans Fat on Markers of Endothelial Dysfunction and Systemic Inflammation: Evidence from a Randomized Trial in Overweight Women; N.T. Bendsen, et al.; July 2011
- "Journal of Biological Chemistry"; Gene Activation by Varicella-Zoster Virus Ie4 Protein Requires Its Dimerization and Involves Both the Arginine-Rich Sequence, the Central Part, and the Carboxyl-Terminal Cysteine-Rich Region; L. Baudoux, et al.; October 2000
- Better Nutrition; Shingles; Emily Kane; 2009
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