Diet for Measles
Measles is an infection of the respiratory system which is caused by a virus of the genus Morbillivirus and species paramyxovirus. This is a single strand RNA virus. Measles is a communicable disease, which spreads through respiration, that is, by contact with the fluids from the infected person. The average incubation span of the infection is fourteen days and infectivity lasts for four to five days. The common symptoms of this ailment are fever, cough, runny nose or coryza and conjunctivitis. The most visible symptom of the affliction is the appearance of characteristic measles spots which initially occur on the face and then spread on the entire body.
The Measles virus is highly contagious and is an airborne pathogen which primarily spreads through the respiratory system. The virus may be transmitted through respiratory secretions. Once the virus invades the body, it replicates in various organs like the urinary tract, lymphatic nodules, blood vessels, and central nervous system.
The ailment may be cured by following a specific diet. The recommended diet for Measles is as follows:
• Freshly extracted juices of fruits like oranges and lemons are important as the patient loses appetite and these juices help to regain it. Oranges are particularly recommended for the treatment of Measles on account of their digestive properties. The agreeable flavor of the fruit helps in the secretion of saliva and enhances appetite.
• The patient may be given an all fruit diet for a few days to enable the cleansing of the body and also to provide the essential vitamins and minerals lost as a result of the illness.
• Turmeric is highly recommended for the treatment of Measles. The patient must be given foods that have turmeric added as a condiment. Also, the patient may consume bitter gourd juice mixed with honey and turmeric to cure the affliction.
• The patient can also consume barley water to relieve the ailment.
• The patient must be given foods rich in Vitamin A so as to enhance the resistance of the body. These foods include carrot, beet root and papaya.
• The patient may also consume parsley for quick healing and recovery.
• The patient must also consume powdered liquorice with honey as it helps relieve the severe cough, which a major symptom of the disease.
• The afflicted individual may also consume seeds of the egg plant which helps in developing an immunity against Measles.
You must make these alterations in your diet for Measles. You are also advised to consult a doctor and follow the prescribed course of medication.
