Typhoid Diet

Typhoid and jaundice, both these conditions take some time to recover. So be patient and follow the medications prescribed by your specialist. Along with those follow these diet tips for faster recovery –

1. Usually a patient suffering from jaundice and typhoid has a low appetite and feels nauseous. So it is important to prescribe a high calorie high protein diet to these patients. See also jaundice diet
   
2. Energy and protein needs are increased due to the fever (typhoid) and low intake.
   Include meals at short intervals, as this will not only help prevent nausea but also help to increase the calorie intake in the day. Thus liberal intake of carbohydrates that are well cooked and easily digestible (starches, glucose, cane and honey) should be included in the diet for easy digestion and absorption.
   Proteins can be derived from eggs and dairy products. Proteins can also be derived from meat, organ meats, fish, and poultry but these foods will also be high in fat and difficult to digest; so for this reason these should be avoided for a few weeks till the symptoms subside.
3. Fever can cause a lot of fluid loss from the body in the form of sweating (if vomiting is also present then fluid losses are more). So to recoup these water and electrolyte losses it is important to provide sufficient fluids at short intervals. Lime juice, glucose water, coconut water, sugarcane juice and other fruit juices when given can provide some calories along with fluids and electrolytes.
4. As the symptoms subside, bland semi-solid foods can be given like rice with yogurt, cereal grovels or porridge or fruit custards. Spicy foods, fried foods and other fats and oils should be completely avoided till the symptoms subside (for at least 2 weeks) as they will cause hindrance in the digestion process. Gradually spices and simple fats like cream and butter (monounsaturated fatty acid) can be added in the diet.
5. Certain foods that can cause any dietary disturbances and load the compromised liver; should be avoided. Some of these foods include fermented foods, semi-cooked pulses, and raw vegetables. There is some injury to the digestive tract too in case of typhoid, so it is better to avoid insoluble fiber found in certain foods like skins and seeds of fruits and vegetables.

If the fever increases or the bilirubin levels don't go down even after following the medications and dietary modifications then consult a specialist for immediate medical care.

As typhoid is an intestinal disorder, a typhoid diet chart or plan is a must as it plays an important role in replenishing the health and nutrition of the immune system. An ideal typhoid diet is one which has small and frequent meals in it. Such a diet should also contain foods that are soft, bland, digestible and low in fiber as well. It is important to remember that such a diet should not irritate the patient’s weak intestinal system. There should be plenty of fluids included in this diet – these include milk, broth, salty juices, diluted fruit juices and so on. Typhoid is an illness that is associated with fever caused by the Salmonellae Typhi bacteria. This bacterium is found in either food or water that is infected by a person already suffering from typhoid. Children are susceptible to typhoid and then pass it onto other children as well. Some children remain carriers even after getting treatment. Symptoms of typhoid in children are high fever, sore throat, weakness and fatigue, diarrhea or constipation, rash, headache. As time goes on, considerable weight loss occurs along with and extremely distended abdomen and continued diarrhea. Following a typhoid diet for children, like the one give above will help the child to recover quicker.

Diet for Typhoid Patients

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 Recovery Time

Once diagnosed and medication started (usually a course of antibiotics), typhoid recovery time is rapid. Most people recover within only a few days. However, one should continue the course of medicine even if the symptoms disappear to ensure that the bacteria is completely eliminated from the body. Many persons, who have typhoid fever, recover and are symptomless, still carry the bacteria and are at risk for infecting others with the disease. It is therefore important to still avoid cooking or serving food and observe personal hygiene as well. A follow up test should be carried out to determine if the person is free from infection.

Typhoid Diet Plan

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.

Diet for Typhoid Patient

A diet for a typhoid patient should be one that contains enough high calorie and high protein. This is necessary for the patient to recover quickly. There should also be enough fluids in the diet to keep up the water balance and electrolyte balance in the body. Meals should be easy digestible and not hard on the intestine. As the symptoms subside, semi solid foods can be incorporated into this diet, for instance, custards, porridge, rice with yogurt and so on. Milk, fruit juices and barley are good options as well. The emphasis in this diet should be on raw or lightly cooked vegetables and fresh fruits. The main motive behind a typhoid patient’s diet is to supply proper nutrition, and to balance the water and electrolyte proportion in the patient’s body. Certain foods can cause dietary problems and overwork the already compromised liver in such a patient. Foods that should be avoided while being treated for typhoid include semi cooked pulses, fermented foods. Remember that typhoid causes slight injury to the digestive tract as well. It is advisable to avoid the skins and seeds of fruits and vegetables at this time, for this very reason. Insoluble fibers like these are hard to digest at this time. Ensure that there is plenty of Vitamin A, B and C in the diet as well as these vitamins help the patient recover the loss of vitality during this period.

Typhoid and Jaundice

Jaundice can sometimes be confused for typhoid as the symptoms of both diseases are similar. Jaundice symptoms include fever, headache, pain in the muscles, and delirium (in the later stages) and so on. It is important to seek medical attention if you think you are suffering from either jaundice or typhoid as both are serious medical ailments. Treatment should be started right away. A diet for either typhoid or jaundice should be on the same lines – light, easy to digest foods along with plenty of fluids. There have been cases when people suffer from both these diseases at the same time. Some people unfortunately contract typhoid along with jaundice. Both these conditions take some time to recover from. A specific diet can help at this time as well. Usually a patient who is suffering from both jaundice and typhoid feel nauseous and have a lack of appetite as well. Therefore the diet should consist of light foods, sufficient fluids and be a high protein high calorie diet as well. As mentioned above following a diet in typhoid is most beneficial as it will help to recover quicker and also help one to gain back the strength lost during this illness. Keep the above points in mind while making a typhoid diet plan.