Diet Treatment for Viral Encephalitis

When you are diagnosed with viral encephalitis, it means you are suffering from an inflammation of the brain caused by a strain of virus. For some, this viral infection originates in the brain itself (or the spinal cord), causing it to swell. For others, it's an infection that actually starts somewhere else within the body and later spreads to the brain, causing the same reaction. Regardless of its origin, treatment of the condition is very important, especially in more severe infections.

Symptoms

• With most cases of viral encephalitis, you will never be aware of your condition. Mild infections can produce no symptoms at all or symptoms that mimic a bout with the flu, causing frequent headaches, joint pain and a fever ranging from 99 to 101 degrees F. It can also trigger some exhaustion or sluggishness as well as a stiff neck, nausea and vomiting. In more severe cases, you could begin to suffer from double vision, confusion, tremors, muscle pain and weakness, hallucinations, loss of consciousness or even seizures.

Diet

• Since the majority of viral encephalitis cases are mild, treatment commonly focuses on diet. This is largely due to the nature of the condition, as the response to prescription medications varies greatly from person to person. Increasing the amount of healthy foods you eat can aid in bolstering the immune system, allowing the body itself to better treat the infection. However, there isn't an actual diet expressly created for this condition.

Foods

• Though there aren't any specific foods that are said to treat viral encephalitis, many fruits, vegetables, meats and grains can boost the immune system and may aid in treating this particular viral infection. Increasing the amount of foods rich in Vitamins C and E as well as beta-carotene, such as spinach, cabbage, kale, green peppers, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, pineapples and whole grains, can often help strengthen the immune system. Legumes, yogurt, liver, turkey, pork, lean beefs, salmon, tuna and flax seed are also important for a healthy immune response, as these products are all great sources of either zinc or omega-3 fatty acids. Even garlic, which contains allicin and sulfides, can help fight off an infection.

Treatment

• As changes are made to the diet, it is also very important to make sure you are getting enough water--at least 64 oz. a day--as well as an appropriate amount of rest. Both factors are purported to put a person on the road to recovery. And much like any other viral infection, the headaches and fevers that commonly accompany encephalitis respond quite favorably to the pain reliever acetaminophen, though your doctor may recommend another form of medication.

Medications

• In severe cases of viral encephalitis, your doctor may prescribe acyclovir or ganciclovir, both antiviral medications commonly used for this type of infection, as well as an anticonvulsant or a corticosteroid to treat any seizures or severe inflammation you experience. If you suspect you are suffering from viral encephalitis, it is important that you seek medical attention.