PT Health Life – Typhus fever has many causes. To be specifically diagnosed, people with typhus need to see a doctor for examination, diagnosis, and necessary tests… However, people with typhus, regardless of their pathologies, need care. Good nutrition to improve resistance and help restore health quickly.
1. The importance of diet for people with typhus
For people with typhus , diet plays an important role in improving physical condition, supporting health recovery and quickly recovering from illness.
Rehydration and nutritional supplements:
Because fever often leads to dehydration through sweat, making the body tired and weak , a nutritious diet and rehydration are needed to provide necessary electrolytes such as sodium, potassium…
In addition, having a fever can also increase the need for some vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc… These vitamins and minerals provide adequate nutrients to help strengthen the immune system. Prevent infection.
Reduce some symptoms:
Some foods have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce pain and fever. Adding easily digestible foods helps reduce the burden on the digestive system.
Replenish energy for recovery:
During the fever phase, pay attention to providing enough protein and calories to help the body have energy to recover. Vitamins and minerals play an important role in repairing damaged tissues and strengthening the immune system.
It should be noted that diet plays an important role in supporting health recovery for people with typhus. A complete, balanced diet, supplemented with foods rich in vitamins and minerals helps patients increase energy and increase resistance. Note, if you have a high fever or other serious symptoms, you need to go to the hospital for advice and treatment from a doctor.
2. Essential nutrients for people with typhus
2.1 The protein
It is important to change your diet when you have a fever. Rest, drinking enough water, and proper nutritional supplementation are the most important things to help patients feel better and recover faster. To fight disease, you should adopt a protein-rich diet, providing 1.25-1.5g protein/kg body weight (100g pork has about 25g protein).
The body needs a lot of protein when having a fever. However, the right healthy protein is what matters. Poultry and fish are good sources of easily digestible protein, so there’s no need to worry about your body burning unnecessary extra calories. In addition, oily fish such as salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help strengthen the immune system.
2.2 Rehydration
Fever increases sweating due to high respiratory rate, secretion of mucus and secretions, leading to rapid loss of water and electrolytes from the body. This causes our cells, muscles and system functions to weaken. Loss of appetite and body weakness when fever further reduces the amount of food and liquid eaten, causing dehydration in the patient.
Studies have found that for every degree increase in body temperature above 37 degrees Celsius, an adult with a fever loses nearly 2.5 ml of body fluid per kilogram of body weight per day. Therefore, people with fever need to drink lots of water, this is a good way to rehydrate when the body has consumed a large amount of water through sweat and breathing. Some recommended drinks for people with fever are filtered water, mineral water, fruit juice…
In case of high fever or diarrhea, you need to supplement electrolytes as prescribed by your doctor and follow the instructions.
2.3 Vitamin A
Vitamin A is very important, making the immune system work effectively so it can fight disease and infection, keeping skin healthy, helping with vision…
There are many different compounds with vitamin A activity in animal and plant foods. Plant foods have an orange/yellow pigment called beta-carotene.
Plant sources include: orange and yellow fruits and vegetables such as carrots, red bell peppers, mangoes, sweet potatoes, apricots, pumpkins and cantaloupes; Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, peas, broccoli…
2.4 Vitamin C
Supplementing vitamin C (from foods and drinks) in the diet, especially for people with fever, is essential, because the human body cannot create this vitamin from other compounds. We also need to take vitamin C supplements as a regular part of our diet because the body cannot store vitamin C for long periods of time.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is important for many metabolic processes, including:
Collagen formation is used in a variety of ways throughout the body. The main role of collagen is to strengthen the skin, blood vessels and bones. The body also relies on collagen to heal wounds.
Antioxidant function – the process of oxygen metabolism in the body releases molecular compounds called “free radicals”, which damage cell membranes. Antioxidants are substances that destroy free radicals, and vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant.
Iron absorption is aided by vitamin C, especially non-heme iron (found in plant foods such as beans and lentils).
Fight infection – the immune system, especially cells called lymphocytes, need vitamin C to function properly. Vitamin C is used to produce other important substances in the body such as brain chemicals (neurotransmitters)…
Adults need about 45mg of vitamin C per day and excess amounts (over 200mg) will be excreted. Vitamin C is sensitive to heat, so some of its nutritional benefits may be lost during cooking. Fresh foods are natural sources of vitamin C, they include: fruits, oranges, lemons, limes, black grapes, mangoes, kiwis, ice melons, tomatoes, strawberries… Vegetables, especially types of Green vegetables (such as cabbage, bell peppers, spinach, Brussels sprouts, lettuce and broccoli), cauliflower and potatoes are also sources of vitamin C.
3. Foods to eat and avoid when you have typhus
3.1. Foods to eat
Drink plenty of water, filtered water is the best choice. In addition, coconut water, diluted fruit juice (orange, lemon…) also provide additional vitamins and minerals. Eat foods that are easy to digest and supplement protein such as white porridge, chicken soup, vegetable soup,…
Chicken soup
Chicken soup broth helps sick people absorb fluids, helps lower body temperature and eliminate toxins, and sodium replenishes electrolytes. In addition, chicken soup contains many vitamins, minerals, calories and protein.
Vegetable
Supplement foods rich in vitamins and minerals: Green vegetables (spinach, broccoli…); Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit,…); Soft fruits like bananas, papayas, pears, etc.
Fruits and vegetables are important to include in your diet, especially when sick. Fruits are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, which is important for a healthy immune system. Eat more vegetables that contain many nutrients such as potassium, fiber, folic acid and vitamin A.
Yogurt
Note, you should divide your meals into 5-6 meals per day instead of 3 main meals as usual.
Eat when you feel hungry, don’t force yourself to eat too much at once. Listen to your body and adjust your diet to suit your condition.
Yogurt is a good source of probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that help support the immune system. When choosing yogurt, look for varieties that contain little or no added sugar.
3.2. Some foods should be avoided when having typhus
People with typhus should avoid the following foods:
Beverages contain caffeine and alcohol
Fever can cause the patient to sweat and become dehydrated. Because caffeine and alcohol can be dehydrating, it’s best to avoid these drinks. Drink only water and electrolyte drinks.
Sugary foods
Most foods that contain a lot of sugar such as doughnuts, cakes, and sweetened dishes do not have many beneficial nutrients.
Note, avoid eating hot, spicy foods, greasy foods, processed foods, canned foods, and foods high in salt. Some people should avoid drinking milk if they have indigestion.
