Diet for Glandular Fever

Glandular fever is a disease that is also known as infectious mononucleosis or Epstein-Barr virus. It can be caught by coming into contact with saliva from an infected person, which is why it is also known as the kissing disease. The symptoms can include a fever, sore throat, headache, extreme fatigue and swollen glands. It will take four to six weeks to recover from the initial symptoms and up to several months to recover from the fatigue. A healthy diet can help lessen symptoms and speed up recovery.

Water and Fruit Juices

• You should drink plenty of fluids, especially while you have a fever because you are susceptible to dehydration. Fruit juices have the vitamins needed to fight the virus and water is important to help the lymphatic system, which is an important part of the immune system. The fluids also help to flush out toxins. You may want to start with a liquid-only diet while you suffer from a sore throat to ease the pain and soothe the throat.

  Once you're ready to start eating solid foods, start with small meals five to six times a day instead of three big meals. This will make it easier on a still sore throat.

Protein

• Protein is important in helping the body to recover. You can get protein in the diet by eating lean meat like chicken or lean red meat; oily fish such as salmon, sardines or pilchard; cheese; and eggs.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

• Fresh fruit and vegetables contain vitamins A, C and E, which are essential for the body to fight off infections. This should be a large portion of your diet. Drink fresh fruit or vegetable juices to help in this area as well.

What to Avoid

• Glandular fever can affect the liver, so do not drink alcoholic beverages until at least a month after you are recovered.

  Avoid anything containing caffeine, such as black or green tea, coffee or soda. Also chocolate, nuts, seeds, beans and tofu have an amino acid that has been shown to strengthen the glandular fever virus, so they also should be avoided.