You might have experienced rashes due to various reasons but if you have painful rashes with itchy sensation sometimes due to infection then it can be an outbreak of shingles. Many people who have had chickenpox can experience this problem as it caused by similar virus, varicella zoster. This virus stays in the nervous tissues of patient’s body and can be activated later on anytime.
Looks of shingles outbreak
The shingles causing virus travels through the nerves of patient’s body and appears on the skin in the form of chickenpox like rashes. Though the reasons of reactivation of the virus of chickenpox are not known to date but some of the health experts consider stress or age as the main reason behind the entire process. Shingles rashes are more painful than itchy. These painful rashes first appear as blisters then they form an outer layer which can be cleared out after few days.
People at risk of shingles
Anyone can experience shingles as according to various reports about 20% people all over the world have it anytime during their lifetime. People over 50 years of age are more prone to this condition but that does not mean that it spares the youngsters. People having chickenpox or with weak immune system due to chemotherapy, cancer, HIV or radiation therapy are also at risk to have shingles.
When to see a doctor
Though the condition of shingles can be improved by using certain alternative treatments and making some dietary changes but you should see your doctor immediately as soon as you notice its appearance. It can cause some lasting damages especially in your hearing or vision if it outbreaks on your face.
Foods to avoid during Shingles
Arginine rich foods: According to the reports submitted by various health experts the growth of the virus of shingles increases by consuming foods with high amount of arginine, an amino acid. The problem becomes more challenging when you eat foods with low lysine, another amino acid that balances arginine in your body, but high arginine. So you should avoid eating seeds and nuts, chocolate, soy, wheat germ, oats, carob, coconut, white floor, gelatin and whole wheat during the outbreak of shingles.
Processed foods: According to various studies, the condition of shingles can be controlled by strengthening your immune system as it is viral by nature. You can eat foods rich in minerals like zinc and iron, folate and vitamins including A, B-6, E and C. According to them, the risk of shingles increases if you consume sugary beverages and processed foods containing refined carbohydrates and lesser amount of vegetables and fruits.
Saturated fats: You should avoid consuming foods with high saturated fats.
Caffeine and alcohol: Both of these products deteriorate the ability of your body to fight various diseases including shingles. So you should avoid using them if you are suffering from this health condition.
Thus, if you are having shingles then you should avoid the foods discussed in this write-up and include healthy, whole and unprocessed foods in your routine diet to control the situation effectively.
References
http://www.insidershealth.com/article/everything_you_need_to_know_about_shingles/1378
http://www.livestrong.com/article/491377-what-foods-to-avoid-during-a-shingles-outbreak
http://www.diethealthclub.com/health-issues-and-diet/shingles-diet.html
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