Shingles: The foods to avoid compromising immune system and increasing inflammation
Loose Women: Eamonn Holmes discusses his issues with shingles
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
A person normally gets shingles on the chest and stomach, but it can appear on the face, eyes and genitals. The shingles rash appears as red blotches on your skin, on one side of your body only. A rash on both the left and right of your body is unlikely to be shingles. Foods consumed can be critical when the condition strikes.
Shingles typically causes a painful rash on one side of your body or face. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the rash contains blisters that scab over after seven to 10 days.
Avoiding foods that impair your body’s immune system may help you shorten the duration of your shingles outbreak.
High glycaemic carbohydrates are one of the biggest types of foods to avoid if suffering with shingles.
These types of food quickly break down in your body and create a rapid spike in your blood sugar. Spikes in your blood sugar trigger the release of inflammatory molecules and free radicals, which can stress out your body.
“Including too many high glycaemic carbohydrates in your diet can potentially compromise your immune system and increase inflammation,” said Healthline.
“Even a single high glycaemic meal can promote increased inflammation.”
DON’T MISS
‘Ditch!’ The vitamin supplement that raises cancer risk [INSIGHT]
Visceral fat: The drink to shed belly fat ‘quickly’ [TIPS]
The hot drink associated with the development of cancer [ADVICE]
Examples of high glycaemic foods include:
- Candies and sweets
- Cakes and baked goods
- Sugary drinks
- Sugary cereals
- Sugary sauces
- Ice cream
- White bread
- White rice.
Because sugar weakens immune response, it is best to avoid sweetened foods and beverages, said Dr Ronald Hoffman.
“These also include refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta, potatoes, and white rice, which rapidly turn to sugar.
“A clean diet, restful sleep, exercise, and reduced stress are critical in avoiding this condition or hastening its recovery.”
While shingles usually clears up in around a month, one common complication may occur.
This is known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is long-term nerve pain.
Wherever the shingles rash appeared, pain can remain in the area for years afterwards.
“The pain from PHN can be so severe and debilitating that it interferes with daily life,” the CDC warned.
Source: Read Full Article