Typhoid Diet: Overview, Foods and Benefits
November 9, 2022 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in Diet, Fever
Typhoid is an infectious with an acute fever of short duration and occurs only in humans. Salmonella typhi causes typhoid , Schottmulleri causes paratyphoid B. Faeces and urine of the patients or carriers of the disease are the source of infection. Drinking water or milk and food contaminated by intestinal contents of the patient or carrier or by flies which often transmit the disease.
Typhoid bacilli do not multiply in water but some may survive for about 7 days. They mat survive for over a month in ice and ice cream. Typhoid bacilli grow rapidly in milk without altering its taste or appearance. Vegetables grown in sewage farms or washed in contaminated water are a positive health hazard.
Incubation period is usually 10 to 14 days. But it may be as short as three days or as long as three weeks depending upon the dose of the bacilli ingested.
The disease begins in small intestine, where the bacteria attach to the epithelium of intestinal wall, penetrate this layer, multiply in the mesentric lymph nodes and eventually reach the blood stream. Here lysis of the bacteria by the action of antibodies and complement results in the liberation of endotoxin which causes generalised symptoms such as fever. Some bacteria pass from liver to the gall bladder and bile ducts and are secreted into the intestine where they establish a secondary infection and may cause diarrhea. Bacterial excretion may occur for weeks and some persons may become chronic carriers.
This article provides information on the diet that should be followed in order to recover from Typhoid.
Typhoid Fever and Diet
Typhoid is a dangerous disease that can be cured by following the right diet.
There are many people who have to follow a specific diet while they are recovering from typhoid. The diet includes foods that are rich in potassium, protein and vitamin C.
The general principles of dietary treatment of fever is followed for typhoid also. A person suffering from typhoid fever should have a diet that is high calorie, high protein, high carbohydrate, low fat, high fluid, low fiber and bland diet is suggested for typhoid patients. Low protein is an important factor for people with typhoid, as it can lead to complications
Dietary Suggestions
At first clear fluid diet is given followed by full fluid and soft diet is suggested. On liquid diets of the patient may not meet high calorie and high protein requirements. As the patient is improving soft diet can be given. The febrile period may upset water balance and liquid diets are helpful in meeting water and electrolyte requirements.
Foods To Be Included:
Typhoid is a disease that can be caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. It can also be passed on through close contact with someone who has the infection.
The following are some foods which should be taken in diet for Typhoid:
- Bananas
- Dates
- Figs
- Pomegranates
- Honey
- Milk, milk puddings and milk shakes if there is no diarrhoea
- Fruit juices with glucose, coconut water, barley water
- Custards
- Thin dhal
- Eggs
- Baked fish
- Minced meat
- Curd
- Cottage cheese
- Cereals
- Gruels
- Steamed vegetable juices
- Vegetable puree
Foods To Be Avoided:
Foods to be avoided for Typhoid:
- Raw vegetables and fruits (eat them cooked) because they may harbor bacteria from soil or animal feces
- Unpasteurized milk and cheese (eat them pasteurized)
- Deli meat, hot dogs, bacon, luncheon meats (eat them cooked)
- Fish that is not fresh or frozen (avoid it)
- Fried or heavily spiced food because it may irritate the digestive system
- Fatty foods because they are difficult for the body to digest.
- Butter, ghee, vegetable oil
- No irritating fiber foods
- Chillies and other spices
- Rich pastries
- Puddings
- Cream soups
Because of the intestinal inflammation, great care must be exercised to eliminate all irritating fibers and spices in the diet. Adequate nutrition reduces convalescence period.
Potential Benefits
A healthy diet can help a person to maintain their weight and prevent the risk of getting Typhoid.
The diet for typhoid is a very specific diet that is only necessary for those who have been diagnosed with typhoid fever. The diet consists of small, frequent meals and lots of fluids.
Although there’s very limited research on the typhoid diet specifically, studies show that diets low in fiber can be beneficial for certain gastrointestinal conditions.
Some people with IBS are advised to follow a low-fiber diet. This type of diet usually works well even though there is no clear understanding of the exact mechanism.
Studies have shown that a diet of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast can help for diarrhea. These foods are low in fiber and bland to digest.
What’s more, research suggests that limiting spicy foods may be beneficial. Based on research, eating chili can worsen stomach pain and burning in some people with gastrointestinal issues.
Summary
A typhoid diet is a diet that is prescribed to manage the symptoms of typhoid fever. It includes plenty of liquids, such as water and fruit juices, and foods that are easy to digest.
The typhoid diet is a short-term eating plan that encourages low fiber, nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest.
The typhoid diet is not intended to treat or prevent typhoid fever and should be followed short term to help reduce symptoms.
If you suspect you have typhoid fever, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.