Diet Chart For chicken pox

1. Nuts and seeds; these have the worst lysine arginine ratio
2. Grains (including wheat, oats, rice)
3. Tofu
4. Fruits: grapes, blackberries, blueberries, grapefruit and oranges (including juice)
5. Caffeine (not an issue for my 4 year old)
6. Chocolate (an issue for my 4 year old)
7. Onions and garlic – but in view of their strong antiviral and antihistamine properties from eating a low amount of them, I have opted to keep these in my chicken pox diet

Do's & Don'ts:

1. Increased water intake : During chicken pox, there will be dehydration. So try to consume lots of water. One must be sure that the water must be boiled and cooled down.
2. Brat diet : This diet includes banana, rice, apple and toast.
3. Broken wheat/ wheat rava:One can also go for broken wheat which contains necessary micro-nutrients and fiber content. One can also make upma of wheat rava by steaming it and in to it add chopped vegetables like carrot, tomatoes and capsicum.
4. Increased consumption of fruits:During chicken pox, try to consume more fruits. One can go for soft fruits i.e. grapes, bananas; apples, melons etc. frequently consume these fruits in the form of milkshakes and juices.
5. Tender coconut water:It contains vital minerals and vitamins, having zero calories which provides cooling effect to your body and helps in boosting the immunity. It is also helpful in keeping the acidity bay.
6. Boiled vegetables: Try to consume a boiled vegetable which does not include oil in cooking. One can go for carrot, sweet potato, beans, potato and cabbage.
7. Curd : It is very effective in healing the skin. It also contains calcium and probiotics. So try to consume curd throughout the day.

1. Antiviral Foods : Yogurt, Fish, Meat including beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, Organic cheese and milk, Specific fruits: stone fruit (mango, apricots, cherries, avocados, papaya), apples, pears, figs and pineapples
2. Stay Hydrated : It’s important to keep hydrated – water, coconut water or home made ice lollies
3. Vitamin C rich foods: These include kale, broccoli, peppers, papaya, kiwi and strawberries.
4. Skin Health : Brightly coloured fruits and veggies (for Vitamins A, C and E), grass-fed beef and lamb, spinach, mushrooms and asparagus (for skin-healthy zinc) and olive oil, avocado and oily fish (for their healthy fats).