A diet for typhoid patients should be one that is light and easy to digest. Keep in mind that a patient who has typhoid has a low appetite. It is vital therefore, to ensure that such a patient is given a high calorie and high protein diet. This is essential as it aids the patient’s recovery. A patient’s energy and protein reserves are depleted at this time due to the lack of appetite and subsequent low intake, as well as the typhoid fever. Sufficient fluids should be a part of this diet and these should be given at short intervals. Egg and dairy products are good sources of protein. Meat, while a good source too, should be avoided as it can be rich and fatty and difficult to digest at this time.
Typhoid fever is a common condition that causes abdominal pain and high fever, among other symptoms. A typhoid diet plan plays an important role in treatment as it places less stress on the digestive system of the person who has typhoid. The main points to keep in mind while making such a typhoid diet plan are:-
• The diet should supply enough proteins
• There should be adequate nutrition
• There should be enough fluids to maintain the electrolyte and water balance in the individual.
Any solid foods like rice are not recommended, especially during the initial stages, as they place undue stress on the digestive system.
Progressive Diet Plan:
A progressive diet from a liquid diet to a normal diet depending on the level of tolerance would help the person’s appetite.
- Fluids in the form of tender coconut water, barley water, electrolyte fortified water, fresh fruit juice, vegetable soup, buttermilk and water should be consumed until body temperature comes back to normal.
- To begin with, consume liquid diet for a few days and then gradually take fruits like bananas, cantaloupes, watermelons, grapes, peaches, and apricots. It is better if solid food is avoided unless the person feels very hungry.
- As the person’s appetite gets better, semi-solid foods can be given. Boiled rice, baked potato, soft-boiled or poached eggs, baked apple, yoghurt, vegetable soup can be given.
- When you are free from the fever, fruits, boiled vegetables and unrefined foods like unpolished rice and white bread can be included.
- A typhoid recovery diet plan should include yogurt and eggs, as they are easier to digest than meat and provide adequate protein. For vegetarians, lentils, legumes and cottage cheese, meet the protein needs.
Diet Tips:
- Drink boiled water and keep your body hydrated.
- Consume 3 – 4 liters of fluids in the form of water, fruit juices, tender coconut water and soup.
- Eat small frequent meals rather than large meals to ease digestion and for maximum nutrient utilization by the body.
- Try not to include spices as much as possible till the fever recovers.
Slowly introduce protein in your diet in the form of eggs, yoghurt and boiled fish; depending on your tolerance level, increase the portion size.
Foods to Avoid During Typhoid:
Dietary precautions during treatment of typhoid fever make sure that the disease does not aggravate. It helps you ease from the discomforts of the disease.
- Avoid high fiber foods: Intake of whole grain cereals and their products like oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and raw vegetables in the form of salads, are rich in fiber. It can add on the stress on your digestive system.
- Avoid vegetables like cabbage, capsicum and turnip as these can cause bloating and gas.
- Stay away from oily foods, spices and seasonings like pepper, cayenne and chilli powder to make sure that the digestive tract does not inflame all the more.