Shingles diet is prescribed to people affected with, or extremely prone to, shingles, also known as herpes zoster or simply zoster. The condition, which is also sometimes referred to as zona, is a viral disease marked by a skin rash which is very painful and accompanied with blisters in a limited area. The rash generally appears on only one side of the body and is mostly in the form of a stripe. The core virus responsible for shingles is the same which initially causes chickenpox. If it continues to linger in the body, it goes on to cause herpes zoster.
Shingles is a condition which is completely treatable and the sooner medical attention is received, the earlier a patient gets rid of the painful rashes. The regime followed for treatment depends on the severity of the condition and pain. To combat the problem, doctors generally prescribe a routine of diet control and oral medication. Diet forms a very important part of the treatment process.
Main Features of the Shingles Diet
Although there are some schools of thought that believe that diet has very little or no effect on shingles, it is a widely acknowledged view that healing is faster if a proper diet plan is followed. A zona diet plan is mostly custom-designed by the doctor and dietitian based on a patient's individual requirements, severity of the condition, age, limitation and other similar factors. The main aim of a diet for shingles is to strengthen the immune system so that it can fight the virus in a better way. Some of the most common inclusions in the diet plan are:
Milk and dairy products: Consumption of toned milk and fresh, low-fat dairy products, preferably home-made, is greatly encouraged. These products not only help fight the shingles virus but also strengthen the immune system.
Fruits: Fresh fruits which are high in nutrients like vitamins and zinc are an important part of the shingles diet. Canned and frozen fruits are generally not favored. Apple, pear, melon and watermelon are among the most favored fruits.
Vegetables: Green, leafy vegetables like cabbage and spinach are high in essential nutrients and are replete with disease fighting properties. Their regular consumption is greatly encouraged. It is, however, important to note that frozen and canned vegetables are not favored.
Some of the most favored foods when following a zoster diet are eggs, fish, yellow vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lima beans, yeast, sprouts, shrimp, poultry, wheat germ and pumpkin seeds, to name a few.
To know more about what constitutes a shingles diet, foods that should be avoided and tips on controlling the condition, visit: