Diagnosed with "mono" . . . Any diet suggestions?

Question

I'm active in athletics and am currently sitting out from participation for four weeks due to my diagnosis of "mono". Are there any certain foods I can add to my diet to help me recover more quickly?

Answer 1

Hi Oscar

Here are some ideas on how to heal your condition.

Symptoms
Symptoms of mono occur four to seven weeks after exposure and include severe fatigue, headache, alternating chills and a high fever, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the neck. Symptoms can vary and be confusing because the mono viruses can affect different organs such as the spleen, liver, eyelids, and sometimes the heart. Ten percent of people with mono also develop rashes and/or darkened bruises in the mouth.

Mono typically occurs between the ages of 14 -18, and only in people who have never before had antibodies to the viruses that cause it.

Note: Mono`s symptoms are very similar to the flu, which must be ruled out. Almost all cases improve without drugs within four to six weeks. Though antibiotics are often prescribed for mono, in actuality they are of little use unless there is an associated bacterial infection. In addition, the antibiotic ampicillin will often make mono worse and should be avoided. Also avoid aspirin as it can create further complications in rare cases.

Proper treatment in the early stages of mono must emphasize appropriate bed rest. If there is enlargement of the spleen or liver, the rest may need to be prolonged and strenuous exercise must be avoided until these organs return to normal size.

Many mono patients suffer from ongoing fatigue, depression, and varied symptoms for months to follow, but those on natural treatments seem to avoid this pitfall or recover from these recurrences more quickly.

Caution: Check for Lyme Disease.


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Natural Cures

Diet: Drink plenty of pure water and avoid excessive animal proteins. Also eat four to six smaller meals throughout the day and avoid overeating at each meal. For best results, eat as many raw foods as possible, especially sprouts, seeds, and nuts. Avoid processed foods, soft drinks, sugar, caffeine, white flour products, and fried foods.

Before retiring, take several bites of complex carbohydrate foods (crackers, potatoes, pasta, etc.) along with several bites of a non-animal protein (nut butter, yogurt, cheese, seeds, etc.) along with a large glass of pure water or warm herbal tea.

Herbs: Combine the tinctures of myrrh, echinacea, wormwood, cleavers, and calendula in equal parts and take 1/2 teaspoon of this mixture four times a day.

Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic remedies include Belladonna, Merc iod., and Phytolacca.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment. We suggest several at-home hydrotherapy treatments. Please seek the advice of your alternative health care practitioner before undergoing these procedures to make sure they are appropriate for you.
Hyperthermia: Hyperthermia involves artificially creating fever in the body for the purpose of boosting immune function. Hyperthermia can be a highly effective method of eliminating toxins and heavy metals, as well as infectious bacteria and viruses that cannot survive in elevated body temperatures. We suggest several at-home hyperthermia treatments. Please seek the advice of your alternative health care practitioner before undergoing these sweat-inducing procedures to make sure they are appropriate for you.

*Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy or hyperthermia treatment. Remedies for Treating Chlorinated Bath Water offers clear instructions and recommendations.

Juice Therapy: Combine the juices of carrot, beet, tomato, green pepper, garlic, and onion. Wheat grass juice or other fresh green juices can also be helpful.

Nutritional Supplementation: Useful nutrients include vitamin C, free-form amino acids (1/4-1/2 teaspoon ten minutes before meals, three to four times daily), vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B complex, acidophilus, glandulars of organs involved (liver, spleen and/or lymph/thymus), chlorophyll, selenium, and a multivitamin/mineral supplement

Best of health to you

Cheers

Answer 2

A high protein, decreased fat diet and vitamin supplements may be recommended.

Cold drinks and frozen desserts are both ways to relieve sore throat symptoms.
Gargling with saltwater (about half a teaspoon salt to 8 ounces of warm water) and sucking on throat lozenges are helpful, too.