A progressive diet from a liquid diet to a normal diet depending on the level of tolerance would help the person’s appetite.
- Fluids in the form of tender coconut water, barley water, electrolyte fortified water, fresh fruit juice, vegetable soup, buttermilk and water should be consumed until body temperature comes back to normal.
- To begin with, consume liquid diet for a few days and then gradually take fruits like bananas, cantaloupes, watermelons, grapes, peaches, and apricots. It is better if solid food is avoided unless the person feels very hungry.
- As the person’s appetite gets better, semi-solid foods can be given. Boiled rice, baked potato, soft-boiled or poached eggs, baked apple, yoghurt, vegetable soup can be given.
- When you are free from the fever, fruits, boiled vegetables and unrefined foods like unpolished rice and white bread can be included.
- A typhoid recovery diet plan should include yogurt and eggs, as they are easier to digest than meat and provide adequate protein. For vegetarians, lentils, legumes and cottage cheese, meet the protein needs.
Diet Tips
- Drink boiled water and keep your body hydrated.
- Consume 3 – 4 liters of fluids in the form of water, fruit juices, tender coconut water and soup.
- Eat small frequent meals rather than large meals to ease digestion and for maximum nutrient utilization by the body.
- Try not to include spices as much as possible till the fever recovers.
- Slowly introduce protein in your diet in the form of eggs, yoghurt and boiled fish; depending on your tolerance level, increase the portion size.