What to Eat and Avoid When You Have Chickenpox?

what to eat and avoid during chicken pox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease with uncomfortable symptoms. However, almost every disease is curable with proper medication and diet. Staying hydrated and maintaining an appropriate diet for chicken pox is the best remedy to manage this disease.

A simple idea about the chicken pox diet will help to boost the infected person's immunity and speedy recovery. The following sections will cover which foods to eat and avoid if someone has chicken pox.

Team Digit

What is Chickenpox?
Foods to Include
Foods to Avoid
What are the Causes?
How to Treat?
Key Points to Remember
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a sickness caused by the varicella virus. It causes tiny blisters filled with fluid and an itchy rash. People who have never had the illness or not had the vaccination are susceptible to contracting chickenpox quite quickly.

A safe way to avoid chickenpox and its associated health complications is to vaccinate against it. You cannot contract chickenpox from someone else once you have had it. You can contract chickenpox at any age if you haven't had the vaccination.

Foods to Eat in Chickenpox

what are the foods and vegetables to eat during chicken pox

Here is the list of comforting and bland foods that you should add to your diet for chicken pox:

1. Fruits and Vegetables

fruits and vegetables to eat during chicken pox

Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients that aid in speeding up recovery. However, it is always recommended to consume non-acidic veggies and fruits such as banana, peach, melon, cucumber, spinach, broccoli, and kale when you have chicken pox.

These food items are beneficial in preventing one’s body from secreting histamines, which leads to infection and scratching.

2. Soft Foods

Chickenpox frequently causes oral scratches, which can get inflamed if an individual eats fibrous foods. In such cases eating soft foods is comforting for your mouth and digestion. Different soft foods you may consume when you have this disease include boiled chicken, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, tofu, and poached fish.

3. Liquids

Staying hydrated is a significant aspect of recovery from chickenpox. Consuming different hydrating liquids helps digest the foods easily and prevents dehydration. Some hydrating beverages you can include in a diet for chicken pox are herbal tea, coconut water, plain water, electrolyte-infused drinks, and low sugary drinks.

4. Cool Foods

This viral disease generates a lot of heat in the patient’s body. As a result, an individual is more prone to suffer from high fever during this period. By consuming cool foods like ice cream, cottage cheese, kefir, yoghurt, and shakes, one keeps his/her body from overheating and limits irritation.

5. Bland Foods

Chickenpox causes oral abrasions/scratches on the patient's body. Spicy foods can aggravate such bruises and cause dehydration. Therefore, one should stick to eating bland food items that do not overstress his/her digestive system. Eating soft and bland food items like rice, pasta, oatmeal, etc., is thus recommended.

Soothing Foods for Sore Throat During Chickenpox

Such soothing foods can help with the discomfort and heal a sore throat. Try a variety of the following:

Food	Description
Broth-based Soups	Chicken or vegetable broth can be comforting and help keep you hydrated.
Herbal Teas	Ginger, chamomile, or peppermint teas can soothe and are anti-inflammatory.
Honey	Honey mixed with warm water or herbal tea can coat the throat and reduce irritation.
Yoghurt	Smooth and cooling, it can be easy on a sore throat. Avoid eating it straight from the fridge.
Mashed Potatoes	These are soft and don't hurt much when swallowed; they are comforting and easy on the throat.
Smoothies	A blend of fruits and vegetables can be nutritious and easy to eat. A smoothie will make it easy to swallow.

Foods to Reduce Raised Bumps and Scabs During Chickenpox

When it comes to caretaking against bumps and scabs raised for chickenpox, focus on the intake of foods that help regain skin health and boost immunity. Here are a few helpful ones:

Food	Description
Soft, Non-Irritating Foods	Yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes can be preferred, as these will not create discomfort in the mouth.
Fluids	Fluids like water, herbal teas, and clear broths will be incredibly beneficial in keeping them hydrated and cool down the skin.
Vitamin C Foods	Citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers will help heal skin and enhance the immune system.
Vitamin A Foods	Carrots, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens will aid the skin with health and repair.
Zinc Foods	These include meat, shellfish, and legumes for skin repair and boosting immunity.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Flaxseeds and walnuts help lessen inflammation. These will reduce the bumps and soothe them.

Foods to Avoid For Chicken Pox Infection

foods to avoid during chicken pox infection

Some food items could worsen the symptoms among people who have chicken pox. Here is the list of food items to avoid when you are afflicted with this viral disease:

1. Salty Foods

avoid eating salty foods during chicken pox

When you have this contagious disease, your appetite certainly decreases, and you may feel different symptoms like sore throats and fever. In such cases, you should avoid salty foods like chips, popcorn, salted nuts, and deep-fried foods, as they can worsen such symptoms. Instead, stick to foods that help in battling inflammation and also keep you hydrated.

2. Spicy Foods

avoid eating spicy foods during chicken pox

Foods that contain peppers and chillies may irritate your mouth and should not be added to your diet for chicken pox. Such spicy food will not help you recover, and it also disrupts your digestive system.

On the other hand, accidentally getting a chilli or pepper in contact with your skin may increase inflammation and irritation.

3. Saturated Fats

avoid eating saturated fats during chicken pox

According to many medical professionals, saturated fats can increase the rate of inflammation in a person suffering from chicken pox. Therefore, one must avoid having foods rich in high cholesterol and trans fats. In addition, cheese, red meat, and butter also slow down the healing process after infection of chicken pox.

Therefore, including these kinds of food during this phase creates toxins and reduces good cholesterol.

4. Sugary Foods

avoid eating sugary foods during chicken pox

High sugar consumption directly weakens the body's immune response because blood sugar highs and lows can weaken resistance against infection. Besides, high sugar consumption may lead to inflammation, worsen symptoms, or reduce healing. Reducing the intake of sugary foods may support a stable immune response.

5. Dairy products

don't eat dairy products during chicken pox

Sometimes, with the excess mucus or digestive discomfort it may cause, dairy irritates symptoms more, especially when one has sores in the mouth or throat. Though this isn't the case for everyone, many individuals find that dairy products tend to increase symptom severity or make eating and drinking uncomfortable.

Therefore, including these kinds of food during this phase creates toxins and reduces good cholesterol.

What are the Causes of Chickenpox?

what are the causes and symptoms of chicken pox

Chickenpox is an infection that is caused by the VZV (Varicella-Zoster Virus). This is an extremely contagious virus belonging to the herpesvirus family, which contains over 100 viruses such as herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and more. These pathogens affect the skin, tissues, mucous membranes, etc.

The VZV spreads through contact with an infected person from blisters that appear on their skin. It can also spread through fluids from sneezing and coughing. Chickenpox infections mostly affect children, but adults who contract this disease can become severely ill. Only previously contracting this disease and vaccinations prevent chicken pox.

How to Treat Chickenpox?

Chickenpox has no known cure. However, your pharmacist has medications that can ease your discomfort. In addition to prescribing medication, a doctor may offer guidance on how to minimise itching and suffering as well as how to stop the infection from spreading. Among them are:

Calamine lotion and cooling gels can soothe itching.
Paracetamol can assist in reducing temperature.

Most children's blisters crumble and eventually fall off independently in one to two weeks. Antiviral medication may be helpful if adults with chickenpox are discovered early enough.

What are the Key Points to Remember?

Here are specific points one must keep in mind while planning a diet for a chicken pox patient.

Every chicken pox patient must maintain proper hygiene to avoid spreading the viral infection to their family members. It is necessary to ensure that peelings from dry skin and boils are appropriately disposed of.
Avoid self-medication procedures. According to many doctors, chicken pox patients should not take Paracetamol or Aspirin for fever. Doing so can lead to severe side effects.
Opt for cool baths to relieve itching and uneasiness during this period.
Drink adequate fluid every day. Water helps to lower body temperature and keep toxins away. Further, adding coconut water to your diet boosts your immunity during this period.
Avoid alcohol, energy drinks, and caffeine-rich drinks like coffee, as they lead your body to dehydration.
Refrain from physically exhausting yourself during this period. Stay indoors and take ample rest to restore your immunity and strength. If your locality is prone to mosquitoes, use a mosquito net while sleeping during chicken pox.

Chickenpox is not a deadly disease but may cause significant health concerns in pregnant women, children, or older people. In addition, this disease lowers immunity; therefore, one should maintain a proper diet for chicken pox, as discussed above.

In addition, one should also check the medication prescribed by doctors and homemade remedies that might result in prompt recovery.

FAQs about Foods for Chicken Pox

All

What is the best food for chicken pox patients?

People suffering from chicken pox must keep themselves well hydrated and must intake fresh fruits and vegetables.

Which fruit is best during chicken pox?

Antihistamine fruits such as kiwi, apples, and strawberries are beneficial as they prevent the body from secreting histamine. Thus, it helps in controlling the infection.

Can chicken pox heal in 7 days?

No, not completely. Chickenpox typically lasts about 7 to 10 days, but the duration can vary. Some people may see improvement sooner, while others may take longer.

Can we eat rice in chicken pox?

Yes, rice is generally safe to eat during chickenpox. It is bland and easy on the stomach. It provides the necessary nutrition for recovery.

What is the fastest way to cure chicken pox?

There is no instant cure for chickenpox. Management includes rest, hydration, medications like antihistamines for itching and antiviral drugs in severe cases. Following a proper care routine can help speed up recovery.

What to eat in chicken pox?

Stick to soft, bland foods such as rice, applesauce, toast, and yoghurt. Avoid spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods that irritate mouth sores.

Can I drink milk in chicken pox?

Yes, milk is generally fine to drink, but if you have mouth sores, it might be better to avoid it or opt for less irritating alternatives.

Do and don'ts in chickenpox?

Do: Keep the skin clean, use anti-itch lotions, stay hydrated, and rest.
Don’t: Scratch the spots, share utensils or towels, and expose others to the infection.

What organs does chickenpox infect?

Chickenpox primarily affects the skin and mucous membranes but can cause complications in various organs if severe.

Can I touch my chicken pox?

No, it is best to avoid touching the sores to reduce the risk of spreading the infection and to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

Can we eat Maggi in chicken pox?

Yes, Maggi, like other instant noodles, is generally safe if it doesn’t irritate you. Choose mild flavors and ensure it is not too hot or spicy.

Can I eat curd in chicken pox?

Yes, curd is typically fine to eat. It’s soothing and can help with digestion. However, if taken in large quantities, it can cause bowel discomfort.

Can we eat eggs during chicken pox?

Yes, eggs are generally safe and provide good nutrition during chickenpox. Control your egg intake, and don’t overeat them.

Can we eat chicken during chicken pox?

Yes, chicken is fine to eat if it is cooked well and doesn’t irritate your symptoms. The cooking should be mild and easy to digest.

Should I avoid certain foods during chickenpox?

Yes, avoid spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods that irritate mouth sores and the digestive tract.

Are there any dietary restrictions after recovering from chickenpox?

No, there are no specific dietary restrictions after recovery, but maintaining a balanced diet can help overall health and recovery.

Can I consume dairy products during chickenpox?

Yes, dairy products are generally fine, but if they cause discomfort, you should reduce their intake.

What are the causes of chickenpox?

The varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox. The VZV spreads through contact with an infected person from blisters on their skin.

How to prevent chickenpox?

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent chickenpox. Good hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals also help.