Ensuring optimal nutrition is crucial for bolstering the immune system and expediting recovery from monkeypox. Incorporating specific foods into your diet can aid in fortifying immunity and combating the virus effectively.
To shed light on foods beneficial for enhancing immunity and promoting recovery from monkeypox, Health Shots consulted with Deepti Lokeshappa, Msc Food Science and Nutrition, Senior Consultant-Clinical Nutritionist at Motherhood Hospital, Bengaluru.
Lokeshappa emphasizes, “Based on the cases observed thus far, monkeypox symptoms tend to be mild and typically last for 2-3 weeks. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and backache. The recent outbreak has instilled fear in people, akin to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.”
She further elaborates, “While there are guidelines for recovering from the virus, it is equally important to focus on bolstering immunity against it. A natural health nutritious diet plays a pivotal role in disease prevention, and we recommend certain foods that can aid in prevention or recovery from the virus.”
Here are 6 natural health foods to incorporate into your monkeypox diet:
1. Protein-rich Foods:
Protein serves as the fundamental building blocks of the body. Increasing protein intake is essential to meet the heightened demand caused by reduced immunity. This aids in strengthening immunity and facilitating cell damage repair. Including soy, cottage cheese, sprouts, yogurt, seeds, nuts, lentils, and other protein-rich foods has proven beneficial for individuals afflicted with monkeypox.
2. Eggs:
Eggs are not only abundant in quality protein but also contain a plethora of other nutrients that significantly enhance health. Packed with vitamins A, D, E, choline, iron, and folate, eggs contribute to improved muscle health, energy production, and immune function. Additionally, selenium—an essential nutrient found in eggs—safeguards the body against oxidative damage and infections.
3. Vitamin C-rich Fruits:
Renowned for its powerful antioxidant properties, vitamin C supports the production of white blood cells crucial for a robust immune system and aids the body’s defense against diseases and infections. Consuming fruits rich in vitamin C, such as lemon, orange, kiwi, strawberry, amla, papaya, and cherries, is instrumental in bolstering immunity and preserving cellular functions.
4. Mint:
Abundant in antioxidants, vitamins C, E, and A, as well as other minerals, mint plays a pivotal role in neutralizing free radicals, thereby fortifying immunity. Moreover, its methanol content relaxes muscles and digestive tracts, while also offering relief from common respiratory ailments like coughs and congestion.
5. Basil Leaves:
Possessing anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, basil leaves serve as potent immune boosters. They are particularly effective in alleviating common flu symptoms and supporting overall immune function.
6. Gut-healing Probiotics:
Incorporating gut-healing probiotics like garlic, onion, banana, raisins, curds, and low-fat paneer into your diet can significantly enhance overall health and aid in recovery.
What to Avoid:
It is advisable to steer clear of spicy foods, excessively chili-laden items, and junk food, as these can disrupt digestion and compromise health. By prioritizing the consumption of these immune-boosting foods and adopting a wholesome diet, individuals can effectively strengthen their immunity and expedite recovery from monkeypox, thereby promoting natural health.
