Typhoid fever leaves you weak, drained and with no interest in food. But during the recovery phase, what you put in your body can make a difference in how you feel and in digestion. As for a typhoid diet, it is soft, well-cooked, easy-to-digest foods, plenty of fluids, and small meals instead of large ones.
I have always been of the thought that which is at the table for the sick is best left simple, that which is home-cooked. As for typhoid, this approach is particularly useful as the digestive process may be weak and appetite low.
What Is Typhoid?
Typhoid is a result of Salmonella Typhi bacteria. It mostly presents in those who have had contaminated food or water, which in turn causes the symptoms of a protracted fever, weakness, a bad stomach feel, headaches, diarrhoea, or constipation. Antibiotics are the main treatment for typhoid, which also can be managed at home with proper diet, although it won’t cure the infection.
Importance Of Diet During Typhoid
Fever, diarrhoea, vomiting and poor appetite are causes of dehydration and low energy in typhoid, which in turn causes poor food intake. Thus, during recovery from typhoid, foods must be plentiful in terms of fluids and nutrition but at the same time easy on the digestive system.
Eating smaller, more frequent meals may be easier than 3 large ones. As symptoms improve, regular foods can be brought back based on what is tolerated and medical advice.
Foods To Eat During Typhoid
Soft and just prepared foods are what is best. As for grains, we have plain rice, khichdi, moong dal, dal water, porridge, mashed potatoes, well-done veggies, bananas, soups and soft paneer, which may be included based on how your body tolerates them.
Protein is a key element in the recovery process. From eggs, yoghurt, paneer, and well-prepared lentils, we get great protein sources, which are also to include when you can. Also very important is to drink enough safe water and use oral rehydration solution (ORS), which may help to replace what is lost through diarrhoea or vomiting.
During my illness recovery process, I will turn to khichdi first; it is warm, not too heavy but very filling at the same time, and it is very easy to prepare.
Foods To Avoid During Typhoid
It’s better to avoid spicy, oily, fried and very seasoned foods at this time, which tend to aggravate digestive issues. Also during recovery, stay away from raw salads, high-fibre foods, unpasteurized dairy products, street food, which you know isn’t prepared safely, caffeine, and alcohol.
Food and water safety is a must. We recommend that you choose fully prepared food that is served hot and also use safe drinking water to reduce the risk of infection.
Conclusion
A good typhoid diet is in fact very simple. Go for soft, simple, nutritious, and easy-to-digest foods. Stay well hydrated, eat small meals at a time, and as you start to recover, slowly introduce your normal balanced diet back in. Also, do bear in mind that food plays a support role in recovery, but it’s not a substitute for antibiotics and medical care, which you will also require for typhoid fever.
About the Author
