Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi. This infection can be passed through contaminated food and water. Its symptoms include a high fever, headache, diarrhoea, chills, etc. Typhoid fever is highly contagious, and people suffering from this ailment may also experience gastrointestinal issues, loss of appetite, or nausea. However, a few changes in your diet may help in easing the symptoms. Read this article to find out what you should eat and avoid if you have typhoid.
Foods to Include in Your Diet
Making the right food choices when you have typhoid fever can help you recuperate better. Find out what should be included in typhoid patient’s diet –
- If you have typhoid, make sure you stay hydrated because typhoid causes fever and diarrhoea. Both these conditions may cause severe water loss or dehydration, which can be fatal for your health. People with this illness should include fluids in their diet. You can drink water, other kinds of fluids or even add foods with high water content.
- You should eat high-calorie foods as eating calorie-dense foods will prevent you from losing excess weight loss which usually happens during typhoid. You can include potatoes, bananas, pasta, etc in your diet.
- Include more dairy products in your diet to overcome the ill-effects of this ailment.
- Eat more semi-solid foods because they are easy to digest. Also, eat foods that are rich in carbohydrates. Food items such as poached eggs and baked or roasted potatoes are some good options.
- Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- If you are a vegetarian, include cottage cheese, legumes, or yoghurt in your diet as they are a good source of protein. Non-vegetarians can include eggs and lean meat.
A Sample Diet Chart for Typhoid Patients
Here’s a sample diet chart for typhoid patients. This is a sample diet chart for your reference. However, it is suggested that you consult a doctor before starting with a diet.
| Days | Breakfast | Mid-morning snack | Lunch | Evening snack | Dinner |
| Monday | 1-2 chapati soaked in 1 ½ cup of milk with sugar | 1 banana and 1 glass of coconut water | ½ cup fish stew with ½ cup parboiled rice | ½ cup spinach soup | ½ cup carrot and potato curry with ½ cup boiled rice |
| Tuesday | 1 cup of cornflakes with milk | 1 apple and 1 glass coconut water | ½ cup chicken stew with ½ cup parboiled rice | ½ cup vegetable soup | 2 mashed potatoes with ½ cup boiled rice and 1 teaspoon ghee |
| Wednesday | ½ cup moong dal soup with 2 chapatis | ½ cup grapes and 1 glass of coconut water | ½ cup yellow matar curry with lemon sprinkled on it | ½ cup carrot soup | ½ cup milk with ½ cup boiled rice and 3 tsp of jaggery |
| Thursday | 1 cup poha with carrots and peas | 1 orange and 1 glass of coconut water | 1 boiled egg, 2 mashed potatoes and 1 cup boiled rice with 1 tsp ghee | ½ cup chicken soup | ½ cup fish stew with ½ cup of boiled rice |
| Friday | 1/2 cup of Bengal gram dal with 2 chapatis | ½ cup black grapes with 1 glass of coconut water | ½ cup yellow matar curry with lemon juice | ½ cup spinach soup | ½ cup boiled rice with 1 boiled egg and 1 tsp ghee |
| Saturday | 2 toast and ½ cup custard | 2 chikoo and 1 glass of coconut water | ½ cup chicken stew with ½ cup of boiled rice | ½ cup mushroom soup | ½ milk with ½ boiled rice and 3 tsp of jaggery |
| Sunday | ½ cup masoor dal soup with 2 chapatis | ½ cup grapes and 1 glass coconut water | 1 boiled egg, 2 mashed potatoes and 1 cup of boiled rice with 1 tsp ghee | ½ cup carrot soup | 2 mashed potatoes with ½ cup of boiled rice and 1 tsp ghee |
Table Source: https://www.lybrate.com/topic/typhoid-diet-chart
Foods to Avoid When You Have Typhoid
Here are some food items that you should refrain from having if you are suffering from typhoid fever.
- You should avoid foods with strong flavours such as onions and garlic as they may lead to inflammation.
- Do not consume foods with high-fibre content because it can fiddle with your digestive system.
- Do not consume vegetables like capsicum, cabbage, etc., because they may lead to bloating or gas.
- Avoid eating high-fat foods as it may be hard on your digestive system. Avoid foods fried in ghee or oil as they are high in fat content.
- Too much spicy and hot food should be strictly avoided such as chillies, spicy gravies, hot sauces, etc.
- Avoid foods with high sugar content too because it may be tough on your stomach.
These are some dietary tips you should follow for a speedy recovery. Consuming food items that are light on your tummy and provide you with ample energy may help you feel better soon. Also, make sure that you take your medicines on time and complete the course of prescribed medicines to recover soon.
Also Read:
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