Conjunctivitis Diet

Conjunctivitis is an infection that affects the conjunctiva in the eyes. The conjunctiva is a delicate membrane that covers the front of the eye. Conjunctivitis tends to be very infectious and you can try and prevent it with a conjunctivitis diet and exercise. This infection can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections or even just plain eye strain. Research has also indicated that though the infection is apparently caused by external factors, dietary influences actually cause and aggravate this infection.

The conjunctiva first turns red and itchy. This is because the eyeball and the underside of the eyelids get inflamed. If this infection gets worst, you will see the pus-like secretion which can cause the lashes to stick together.
There are certain conjunctivitis foods as also certain conjunctivitis foods to avoid that should form part of your conjunctivitis diet. A conjunctivitis diet includes foods that will boost your immunity and prevent you from contracting the infection. Some of the foods for preventing conjunctivitis are green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale; fruits and vegetables that are orange in color like pumpkins, squash, oranges, carrots, papaya and mangoes. These fruits and vegetables contain beta carotene that helps improve immunity and prevent you from contracting the infection. The conjunctivitis diet is sometimes called the pink eye diet or the sore eye diet.

Some of the foods you need to avoid include starchy foods, processed and junk foods, spices and condiments, and foods high in sugar. In order to prevent conjunctivitis, the recipes emphasize as much as nutrition as possible through the diet which is like a cure for conjunctivitis. Some amount of regular exercise, along with the fresh air, is also very good and acts as a preventive measure for conjunctivitis. You can even try eye muscle strengthening exercises, which will also allow the eyes to fight the infection on its own. Basic protection measures like maintaining cleanliness, teaching your child to wash and disinfect hands frequently and maintaining infected clothing and linen separately go a long way in reducing chances of getting infected.

There are even fresh fruit diets which advocate a regimented use of fruits, fruit juices and enemas to help your body fight the conjunctivitis infection. For the fresh fruit diet, you can eat all fruits like apples, oranges, pears, pineapples, grapefruits and grapes. The one fruit that needs to be avoided is banana. The fresh fruit diet starts off with seven days of just fresh fruit or fruit juices, with enemas to clear all toxins. Then, slowly healthy and immune building food is introduced and this helps the body fight infections like conjunctivitis.

There are even vegetable juices which can act as nutritional supplements. Juices like carrots and spinach have proved to be very beneficial in the treatment of conjunctivitis. Increase in vitamin A and B2 have also shown great benefits. Rich sources of vitamin A include dairy products, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, mangoes and papayas. You can get vitamin B2 from milk, citrus fruits, almonds and bananas. You can also have some juice of the Indian gooseberry with honey which is also full of vitamin C and has great anti bacterial properties.

While conjunctivitis diet can cure as also prevent the infection, it is also possible that you contract the infection. In such cases, you should take basic precautions in order to get better as it is a very infection disease. Apply cold water compresses on the eyes. Stay indoors and avoid sharing your items with people in order to prevent the spread. Once you have healed through this infection, you can boost your immunity with the conjunctivitis diet tips so that you are less susceptible to the infection.

There are ointments and creams that can be applied topically. These creams are easily available and largely reduce the suffering of the symptoms. You can also apply small amounts of grated raw potato which can relieve the burning and itching.

Submitted on January 16, 2014