5 Best Vegetables for Chickenpox Prevention: A Doctor-Recommended Diet

Seasonal change brings with itself a host of diseases. One such disease is chickenpox. It can occur at any time of the year, but are more common during late winter and early spring. Recently, Pune witnessed a rise in chickenpox cases, particularly among children and adults due to seasonal changes. This is a highly contagious infection that causes itchy, blister-like rashes, accompanied with fever and fatigue. Did you know that the right diet can help prevent chickenpox? Yes, nutritious vegetables can act as a shield and help you build immunity against such diseases. Read ahead to know more about this.

The editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Ms Edwina Raj, Head of Services - Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore. The dietician shared her expert opinion on this topic, and named 5 vegetables that can prevent chickenpox.

5 Vegetables That Can Prevent Chickenpox

To set the record straight, Ms Raj explains first that no vegetable can directly prevent chickenpox. “But some vegetables help strengthen immunity and support faster recovery,” she adds. On this note, she lists them down for you:

• Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which supports skin health and helps the body fight infections.
• Spinach contains vitamins A, C, and iron, which boosts immunity and helps the body heal.
• Broccoli is high in vitamin C and antioxidants that support the immune system.
• Bell peppers provide vitamin C, which helps the body fight viral infections.
• Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and fiber, which support skin repair and overall immunity.

“Eating these vegetables helps the body stay strong and better prepared to handle infections,” shares Ms Raj.

Which Other Foods Help Prevent Chickenpox?

Now we know that no food can fully prevent chickenpox, but some foods help strengthen the immune system and reduce its severity. On this note, Ms Raj jots down some other vegetables that can help reduce the risk of chickenpox:

• Fruits like oranges, papaya, and guava provide vitamin C, which helps the body fight infections.
• Yogurt and curd support gut health and improve immunity.
• Nuts and seeds like almonds and sunflower seeds give zinc and healthy fats that help the immune response.
• Whole grains provide energy and support overall health.
• Lentils and beans give protein, which helps the body repair tissues and fight illness.

“Eating a balanced, nutritious diet helps the body handle infections better,” adds the expert.

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Which Indian Foods Are Good For Chickenpox Patients?

Let’s move over prevention, and talk about recovery now. For chickenpox patients also, the right diet is of utmost importance. “During chickenpox, Indian foods that are light and nourishing help the body heal better,” says Ms Raj. She lists them down for us:

• Vegetables like bottle gourd, ridge gourd, pumpkin, carrot, and spinach are easy to digest and support immunity.
• Fruits such as papaya, apple, pomegranate, guava, and sweet lime give vitamins that help recovery.
• Drinks like coconut water, jeera water, coriander water, and plain buttermilk keep the body hydrated and cool.
• Warm soups and soft foods are also helpful.

“Eating simple, home-cooked food helps reduce weakness and supports faster healing during chickenpox,” says Ms Raj.

Which Foods To Avoid During Chickenpox?

A 2023 study stated that it may also be helpful to avoid foods that are high in the amino acid L-arginine. As per the research, L-arginine promotes viral growth of VZV. There is more research needed on L-arginine and active chickenpox infections. Foods high in L-arginine consist of meats and fish, along with nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and dairy products.

We ask our expert whether there are any specific foods that need to be avoided by those suffering from chickenpox. “During chickenpox, some foods can worsen discomfort or slow recovery and should be avoided,” shares Ms Raj. She jots them down for us:

• Spicy and oily foods can increase heat in the body and cause irritation.
• Fried and junk foods are hard to digest and weaken immunity.
• Very salty foods can irritate the mouth and throat.
• Sugary foods and sweets can reduce the body’s ability to fight infection.
• Sour foods may cause discomfort if there are mouth sores.
• Processed foods should be avoided.

“Eating light, simple, and home-cooked meals helps the body heal faster,” concludes Ms Raj.

ALSO READ - Chickenpox Cases Rise in Pune: Doctors Warn of Higher Risk Among Older Children and Adults; Here's What You Need To Know

The Final Word

Chickenpox cannot be ‘prevented’ by any specific food. But the right diet and nutrition can help our body strengthen our immune system. This can further help reduce the risk of contracting chickenpox, and aid in better recovery as well.

(The main image has been created using AI).