What To Eat When Down With Typhoid?

Typhoid is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria named, Salmonella. This bacterial infectious disease is extremely prevalent during monsoons. Though the occurrence of this disease is rare in developed countries, it is still a major problem across the globe and accounts for more than 215,000 deaths globally every year.⁽¹⁾

One can experience various symptoms if you have typhoid. Some of these symptoms include fatigue, stomach, diarrhea, and pain.^{(2, 3)}

Though changing your diet during typhoid might not cure the disease, since it needs proper medical treatment, making specific modifications in your diet might help in relieving certain symptoms of typhoid.

Certain foods should be consumed and some must be avoided while you are down with typhoid. Read further and take a closer look at what to eat when you are down with typhoid and also know about the foods that should be avoided during this time.

There is limited research on specific typhoid diets. However, research shows that consuming low-fiber-containing foods might be beneficial for some symptoms of gastrointestinal issues that might occur when you have typhoid.

Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or IBS and symptoms like bloating, stomach pain, gas, and diarrhea can be treated with low-fiber diets.⁽⁴⁾

Studies have also shown that symptoms of diarrhea can be improved by following a bland diet containing foods with low fiber and foods which can be digested easily, such as white rice, and bananas.^{(5, 6)}

Moreover, research also suggests that avoiding or limiting spicy foods can also be beneficial. For instance, specific studies have indicated that consuming more chili could worsen stomach pain in patients with gastrointestinal problems.^{(7, 8)}

It is thus, essential to choose low-fiber-containing and easily digestible foods and also foods that are rich in nutrients when you are down with typhoid.

A proper typhoid diet includes foods that help in alleviating digestive distress caused during typhoid fever and also ignoring the foods that might be causing various symptoms of digestive issues. The diet should also focus on the intake of foods that give your body enough energy when you are suffering from the disease.

Let us know more about the foods that you should eat if down with typhoid.

Porridge: Porridge is a solid food that is rich in carbohydrates, contains fair amounts of proteins, and thus should be included in the diet if you are suffering from typhoid. Moreover, it is also easy to digest. Taking porridge when you are down with typhoid fever could help you cope with the weakness that you might be having. You can also get enough strength from this carbohydrate-rich food.

White Rice: Another food that is dense in carbohydrates and should be added to the list of food to be consumed when you are down with fever, is white rice. It is not only rich in carbohydrates but also helps in easy digestion. Moreover, you also get enough energy from white rice. It also helps in a faster recovery from the disease.

Boiled Potatoes: Being rich in carbohydrates, boiled potatoes are also beneficial for typhoid patients, as doctors, advise people to consume carbohydrate-rich foods when they have typhoid.

Bananas: Bananas are listed among the top foods that are high in calories, and thus are essential for people suffering from typhoid. They help in gaining weight in typhoid patients. Moreover, being extremely nutritious and packed with essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin C, bananas are also helpful in providing you with enough energy and antioxidants that your body requires, especially to overcome symptoms of typhoid.

Boiled Potato: Boiled potatoes have high-calorific value and thus help you to overcome sudden weight loss issues that you might be facing when you are down with typhoid. Moreover, potatoes contain a lot of carbohydrates, and also are great sources o potassium, iron, and vitamin C, and thus can help in enhancing the function of your immune system and in faster recovery from the disease.

Typhoid patients are also advised to eat foods that are packed with omega-3 fatty acids since they help in reducing bloating and also inflammation in the body, which occur during typhoid fever. Some of these foods are nuts, soya beans, and eggs. Moreover, these foods are also extremely nutritious and help in coping with the weakness that you might feel when down with typhoid.

Watermelon And Grapes: These fruits are good to eat when down with typhoid because they contain a high amount of water and can also be easily digested. Typhoid patients might suffer from dehydration and taking foods that are rich in water can help in restoring the water content in their bodies. So, watermelon and grapes can be beneficial when you suffer from this disease. Moreover, these fruits are also loaded with fair amounts of nutrients like Vitamin A, C, and B6, and all of these help in lowering the body temperature when you have typhoid fever.

Coconut Water: You will be advised to drink coconut water when you have typhoid. This is because it contains hygienic minerals and boosts electrolytes, such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium in the body and also helps to replenish the lost nutrients.

Plenty Of Other Fluids And Water: Liquid intake is recommended for typhoid patients. You should intake more of lime juice, buttermilk, or other juices if you have typhoid. You will gain energy and nutrients through these fluids. Apart from all these, you should also drink plenty of water.

If you are down with typhoid you should take enough quantity of milk and other dairy products like yogurt, curd, and paneer, as they compensate for the protein deficiency that occurs in your body during typhoid. They help to speed up the recovery process.

Yogurt: Yogurt contains Bifidobacteria that help in improving the condition of typhoid patients as they prevent or reduce bloating and disturbed bowel movements, that occur in these patients. Yogurt can also help in improving your overall health and overcoming the disease.

Herbal Tea: Herbal tea contains a blend of various herbs, spices, fruits, and tea leaves. This tea enhances your immune system and aids in detoxification. Thus, you can add this to your typhoid diet plan.

Soups: You can also have soups if you have typhoid since they contain a dense amount of nutrients in them and can also be easily digested.

Below is a progressive diet plan for patients with typhoid. The diet plan includes a liquid diet first and then progressively adds semi-solid foods and finally solid and normal foods.

Fluids Or Liquid Diet: Tender coconut water, lime juice, barley water, fresh fruit juice, buttermilk, electrolyte-fortified water, and normal water should be given to typhoid patients. These should be consumed until their body temperature comes down to normal.

Fruits Rich In Water: Then gradually start taking water-containing fruits like watermelon, grapes, peaches, and apricots. You must try to avoid solid foods at first.

Semi-Solid Diet: Gradually, try eating a semi-solid diet, which might include boiled rice, baked or boiled potatoes, baked apples, poached or boiled eggs, yogurt, and vegetable soup.

Solid Or Normal Diet: When your temperature comes down and you are free from fever, you can eat unpolished rice, and white bread, along with boiled vegetables and fruits. Gradually, a normal diet can be taken.

Avoid foods that contain high levels of fiber, since they are difficult to digest and might put extra pressure on your digestive system when you have typhoid. Some foods that are high in fiber include dry fruits like almonds, pistachios, and walnuts, and they should be avoided when you have typhoid.

You should also restrict spicy foods and fried food items since these foods can irritate your intestine and other parts of the digestive system.

Some vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, asparagus, and cauliflower can cause bloating and gas problems. So, avoid such food items when you are down with typhoid.

Do not take excess fatty foods like ghee and butter which are difficult to digest and cause result in several complications in typhoid patients.

You should also avoid legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, and kidney beans as they might cause a gassy stomach when you have typhoid.

A proper diet is quite essential for typhoid patients and one must pay utmost attention to what they are eating during the disease. Adopting a proper diet plan could be one of the best ways to fight against various symptoms of the disease. However, it is important to keep in mind that typhoid is a serious medical condition and requires strict medical attention.

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