what to eat with mononucleosis

It is important to seek out a health care provider for a physical exam to assess your spleen and liver. While mono isn't serious for most people, it can deplete you of energy and you'll likely sleep nonstop for a month. BONUS! In children, the virus typically causes no symptoms, and the infection often goes unrecognized. A mono infection typically causes your body to produce more white blood cells as it tries to defend itself. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Get the best food tips and diet Prednisone can shrink tonsils when they have become so swollen that it is hard to breathe. The symptoms of mono rarely last for more than 4 months. It can make you feel poorly during the acute illness phase, but doesn't cause any long lasting effects or chronic illness." Treatments can ease symptoms until the illness goes away on its own. If you are looking for a science backed report, you have come to the wrong place. The most serious sign of mono is a swollen spleen or spleen enlargement. There is no medical cure for mononucleosis. If you have been diagnosed with mononucleosis, contact your doctor immediately if: Your breathing becomes difficult or noisy, You experience intense pain in the upper left side of your abdomen, Your symptoms seem to be getting worse after one to two weeks. Symptoms can include extreme fatigue, sore throat, and swollen tonsils. Everything You Need to Know About a Mono Rash. Therefore, it may be challenging to follow the diet for more than a few days or weeks at a time. How To Tell If Your Child Has Mono - Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials Learn more about treating mono. Wash your hands often. Home remedies How long does it last? Depending on what foods youre consuming and in what amounts, mono diets may lead to short-term weight loss. Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. Prescription drugs are rarely needed. You need to see your doctor to have a test and physical examination for diagnosis. 2023 by The President and Fellows of Harvard College, Do not sell my personal information | Privacy Policy. "If severe, it can impact their ability to be productive at work. ", Dr. Curry-Winchell reminds us that, "It is important to stay hydrated. Talk to your doctor about when you can return to your normal activities. This miracle compound helps to reduce inflammation (which is all you can ask for) and gives your immune system a much needed boost. While mono isn't serious for most people, it can deplete you of energy and you'll likely sleep nonstop for a month. This article covers home remedies, medications, and other strategies to help you manage your mono symptoms and recover as quickly as possible. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat. February 10, 2022 / Pediatrics How To Tell If Your Child Has Mono Fatigue leads a list of telltale signs of the 'kissing disease' Your teen seems sleepier and more tired than usual. Some people follow a mono diet by sticking with one group of foods such as fruit, vegetables, or meats. It also doesnt require dieters to track nutrients, count calories, or measure portion sizes, which could be appealing to some people. Mononucleosis (mono) is a contagious infection caused by a herpes virus called Epstein-Barr. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. The weight loss achieved on a mono diet is simply due to the calorie restriction that comes from cutting out most foods. Corticosteroids can also be used if there are complications, such as very low platelet count or hemolytic anemia, in which your body does not make enough red blood cells fast enough. A common myth about mono is that you can only get it once. 2018;127:126-129. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2018.04.026, Tomiyama AJ, Mann T, Vinas D, Hunger JM, Dejager J, Taylor SE. J Neurosci. Contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if you have intense abdominal pain. Mono is sometimes called the "kissing disease" because it is spread through saliva. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Her Campus Media LLC. 2014;6(3):232-8. doi:10.1177/1941738114521984. NJ Diet Review: How It Works, Cost, and Effectiveness. The mono diet involves eating just one food item or food group for several days or weeks at a time. Read their insightful information below and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID. ", Anderson states, "Anyone can get Mono, although it is more common in teens and young adults. Give your immune system the boost it needs to fight mono with the following tactics. Avoid strenuous activities, especially contact sports, for at least four weeks, and until your doctor finds that your spleen no longer is enlarged. Unlike other fad diets, there are no complicated guidelines to follow. One common side effect to be aware of is an enlarged spleen, which can be vulnerable to rupture during vigorous activities or contact sports. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. How Long Is Mononucleosis (Mono) Contagious? - Healthline The larger cytoplasm may appear to be indented by surrounding red blood cells. However, I knew that I needed it to fuel my recovery, so I went online to find something that would tell me what to push down my infected throat. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis, but other viruses can also cause this disease. The results of this test are the most consistent when its done between 2 and 4 weeks after symptoms of mono appear. The symptoms can mirror other viral illnesses such as the flu, covid, strep throat. About Infectious Mononucleosis. The mono diet promotes unhealthy eating habits and may increase your risk of nutritional deficiencies. Lennon P, Crotty M, Fenton JE. Most cases of EBV don't cause symptoms. The U.S. Department of Agriculture 20202025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods including all types of vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, dairy products or lactose-free substitutes, fortified soy products, lean protein, eggs, seafood, nuts, and other healthy fats like oils. Your symptoms get worse, even after treatment. Preventing mono Takeaway Mono ( mononucleosis) is also called infectious mononucleosis. Because it's a viral infection, there are no medications for mononucleosis. DOI: Mayo Clinic Staff. While restricting calories may lead to weight loss, a mono diet does not support overall health and is not a solution for weight management. In some cases, mono symptoms can last for six months or more. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Conversely, if youre eating large amounts of high calorie foods like chocolate, you may gain weight on the diet (1, 2). J Pathol Transl Med. Schaumberg K, Anderson D. Dietary restraint and weight loss as risk factors for eating pathology. In rare instances, mono can lead to whats called chronic active EBV (CAEBV) disease. Prescription medication usually isn't needed, but corticosteroids can help reduce overly swollen tonsils in extreme cases. Magrum B, Pickworth K. Aspirin rechallenge in an adult patient previously diagnosed with Reye syndrome. A mononucleosis spot test will determine if you have the Epstein-Barr virus. Prescription medications Once your doctor has confirmed you. Tonsillitis Myocarditis/Pericarditis Meningitis Ruptured Spleen Chronic Mononucleosis Encephalitis Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Hepatitis Jaundice Pneumonia Bell's Palsy Inflammatory diseases in your mouth Weakened Immune System Removing the spleen Serious skin rash Skin Inflammation on legs According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mono occurs 25 percent of the time when an adolescent or young adult is infected with EBV. Anderson explains, "Mono can last for 4-6 weeks or longer. Just because a diet is simple, doesnt mean its healthy. But the claims are not rooted in any science, and there are plenty of science-backed reasons to avoid trying a mono diet. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { Even nutrient-rich foods may be lacking in specific vitamins or minerals, which can make it difficult to ensure that youre getting all of the nutrients that your body needs. All Rights Reserved. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); You also want to steer clear from caffeine. Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. There are no official or formal rules for how to follow this type of diet; it's open to interpretation. The majority of people who have mono recover within 2 to 4 weeks. Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! However, many doctors recommend that the patient avoid kissing others while he or she is feeling ill. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of mono. Annually, 10% to 20% of EBV-naive persons become infected, and 30% to 50% develop IM . You don't have to count calories, balance macronutrients, follow a program, and/or monitor portion sizes on a mono diet. If your doctor suspects your toddler has mono, they will probably recommend that you make sure your child gets rest and plenty of fluids. Signs of mono usually show up about 1-2 months after someone is infected with the virus. Infectious mononucleosis, often known simply as mono, is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This is important because the virus can cause these organs to become enlarged. It's hard to say exactly how long someone with mono is contagious. Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is a condition caused by either the Epstein-Barr virus or by cytomegalovirus. Call your doctor immediately if you have mono and experience a sharp, sudden pain in the upper left part of your abdomen. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), medications that suppress the immune system, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mononucleosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350328, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic-mononucleosis, Everything You Need to Know About Tonsillitis, Everything You Need to Know About Strep Throat, Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP, What to know about Swollen Lymph Nodes (Lymphadenopathy/Adenopathy), Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Bacterial, Viral, and Fungal Meningitis: Learn the Difference, young people between the ages of 15 and 30, staying hydrated, ideally by drinking water, boosting your immune system by eating foods that are anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants, such as leafy green vegetables, apples, brown rice, and salmon, using OTC pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), complications that involve the nervous system, such as, swollen tonsils that can obstruct breathing. Recovery usually calls for getting plenty of rest and fluids and treating symptoms. You have questions or concerns about your condition or care. Epstein-Barr Virus: What to Know, From Mono to Cancer - Healthline You tryna be tricky? Adults ages 19 and up should avoid using more than one salicylate or aspirin-containing product at a time. EatThis.com is part of the Dotdash Meredith Publishing Family. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Mononucleosis typically occurs when a person first is infected with Epstein-Barr virus. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Mono Treatment: How to Treat Mononucleosis - WebMD We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. If this happens, you may be prescribed an antibiotic. Fever in adults. Patients may experience feelings of isolation and miss out on family gatherings or work events. if( 'moc.sihttae.www' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { Learn about treatment and much more. He or she will want to know about recent exposure to anyone with mononucleosis or mono-like symptoms. Even if you were to eat three different mono meals a day, you would only get three different kinds of food for that day. Infectious Mononucleosis - Harvard Health If it does happen, though, it is a medical emergency. Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness. var payload = 'v=1&tid=UA-53563316-1&cid=7af06231-1ecf-4731-ae94-71117e402eb1&t=event&ec=clone&ea=hostname&el=domain&aip=1&ds=web&z=909253388663719547'.replace( 'domain', location.hostname ); Drop a spoon full of honey and you have your own throat soothing elixir. A headache. Mononucleosis (Mono): Overview and More - Verywell Health People younger than 19 should avoid using oral or topical medications that contain these ingredients as long as they have mono symptoms. Nuts, seeds, fish and avocado all contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation. ", RELATED: I'm a Doctor and These are 5 Supplements to Never Buy Again, Dr. Curry-Winchell reveals, "The most common age group is adolescents, teenagers, and young adults. The virus that causes mono (Epstein-Barr virus) is spread through saliva. Sarah Anderson, a cardiology and functional medicine nurse practitioner with Peak Integrative Wellness tells Eat This, Not That! Symptomatic Epstein-Barr infections are generally in the form of infectious mononucleosis, the treatment for which is over-the-counter fever and pain medications, hydration, and rest. Sore Throat and Cough: Causes and Treatments, A Guide to Viral Rashes in Adults and Children, Common Cold Self-Care: How to Treat Yourself, over-the-counter (OTC) fever and pain relievers, Mononucleosis and EpsteinBarr virus infection: treatment and medication, NIOSH training for nurses on shift work and long work hours, Spontaneous splenic rupture secondary to Epstein-Barr virus-induced infectious mononucleosis, Return to play after infectious mononucleosis, A case of salicylate toxicity presenting with acute focal neurologic deficit in a 61-year old woman with a history of stroke, Aspirin rechallenge in an adult patient previously diagnosed with Reye syndrome, Treatment options for primary autoimmune hemolytic anemia: A short comprehensive review, Amoxicillin rash in patients with infectious mononucleosis: evidence of true drug sensitization, Antiviral agents for infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation and therapeutic inhibitors. For this reason, following a healthy, balanced diet that includes a variety of nutritious ingredients is a better option to promote long-term weight loss and overall health. There's no question you're contagious while you have symptoms, which typically last for four weeks or more. Mono, or infectious mononucleosis, refers to a group of symptoms usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It lasts for 4 to 6 weeks. Symptoms (fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, and extreme fatigue) appear approximately four to eight weeks after exposure. If you are enduring the pain you might as well get some nutrients while youre at it. Mononucleosis is an infectious condition caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Muscle aches Unusual fatigue, such as the need for 12 to 16 hours of sleep daily These symptoms are followed very shortly by: Sore throat Enlarged lymph nodes Chills Joint aches Loss of appetite and slight weight loss Nausea and vomiting (occasionally) A red rash, usually on the chest. Treatment options for primary autoimmune hemolytic anemia: A short comprehensive review. My tonsils were so swollen they were nearly touching, but that wasnt the red flag. } else { If your monospot test comes back negative, your doctor might order an EBV antibody test. (2,4, 5, 6 , 7 . Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Treatment at home is aimed at easing your symptoms. If a high number of WBC are present, it may indicate your body is fighting off an infection. A high WBC count is commonly seen when diagnosing mononucleosis, especially an elevated lymphocyte count (known as lymphocytosis). A deficiency in these nutrients can lead to issues like impaired immune function, anemia, digestive conditions, bone loss, and chronic disease (7, 8, 9, 10, 11). It's also possible to get mono from a virus other than EBV, even if you already have EBV. , a cardiology and functional medicine nurse practitioner with Peak Integrative Wellness tells Eat This, Not That! Trust me, if there was one, I would have taken it. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Theres no scientific evidence supporting this type of diet. There's no specific treatment for common cases because it is a viral infection. A review of this research found that any benefit was uncertain. Here's What Mononucleosis Feels Like, Say Physicians - Eat This Not That 2015 Apr 21;350. doi:10.1136/bmj.h1825. "People who follow the mono diet eat only one type of food (like bananas or potatoes) to try to lose weight. Theres no specific treatment for infectious mononucleosis. At this point, you would have sufficient amounts of heterophile antibodies to trigger a reliable positive response. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, andmore. They can also become infected by putting toys in their mouths that have been in the mouths of other children with mono. That email doesn't look right. Once a person is infected with Epstein-Barr virus, the virus remains in that person's body for the rest of his life. In this article, find out the risk factors . Verywell Fit's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Fruits & Veggies for Days Photo by Danielle Gervais Mononucleosis, also called mono, is a viral infection that causes extreme fatigue, high fever and swollen lymph nodes. Mono is most common in older children, teenagers, and young adults. Here we are talking specifically about fats like omega-3 fatty acids. The mono diet, also known as a monotrophic diet is a diet for which you only consume one type of food. Updated September 28, 2020. An inflammatory liver condition commonly caused by a viral infection. Most vegetables are probably hard to eat for you at the moment, but blending them is a game changer. This is rare, and generally only likely if your immune system is weakened by another infection such as HIV, an organ transplant, or pregnancy. Successful eating plans need to be individualized and take the whole person into consideration. This blood test looks for EBV-specific antibodies. Antioxid Redox Signal. Green Tea. However, constantly sipping from a bottle can be tedious. This article reviews different soup diets. Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus disease. Diet for Mononucleosis | Healthfully And if you participate in strenuous activity, sustain a fall or accidental low impact injury, you could potentially sustain a serious complication such as a ruptured spleen. Since then, it has become a fast favorite among dieters seeking a simple way to boost weight loss without all of the rules and restrictions of other eating plans. There is also a social stigma associated with the illness. It is important to be cautious with contact sports and intensive activities for 4-6 weeks after infection to prevent spleen rupture. Here are a few of the most common examples of foods included on the mono diet: Some variations of the mono diet also involve consuming just one food group throughout the day. J Clin Pathol. every day. Particularly in the worst of it, meat is pretty much impossible to put down. Once you have an EBV infection, you arent likely to get another one. Read our. In addition to its connection with mono, experts are looking into possible links between EBV and conditions such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. https://www.cdc.gov/. This test isnt always accurate, but its easy to do, and results are usually available within an hour or less. Plus, their skin seems sort of yellow. Don't underestimate the power of rest to help your immune system do its job. Many people recover from mono within two to four weeks. People with mono often have a high fever, swollen lymph glands in the neck and armpits, and a sore throat. ", According to Dr. Curry-Winchell, "Patients often feel exhausted beyond the usual 'tired.' While the CDC no longer recommends using the monospot antibody test to diagnose mono, many still administer this test alongside a symptom assessment to help confirm a diagnosis. The heterophile antibody test is primarily used for diagnosis. What Should I Eat And Avoid With Mono? - Epainassist Because children may only have mild symptoms, such as a sore throat, a mono infection may go undiagnosed. Mono is sometimes called the "kissing disease" because it is spread through saliva. Many people develop EBV infections as children after age 1. These symptoms don't get better with an antibiotic. It is important to seek out a health care provider for a physical exam to assess your spleen and liver. Available for Android and iOS devices. Health, "In general having mono is like having any other viral infection, such as the flu. Instead, the monospot test determines your levels of another group of antibodies your body is likely to produce when youre infected with EBV. When you have mono you need your rest, and caffeine can disrupt your natural sleep cycle. What Are the Stages of Mono? How Long Do They Last? - Verywell Health Some authorities also advise avoiding sharing food, drinks or eating utensils during the first few weeks of the illness. In rare cases, the symptoms can recur due to a reactivation of EBV. Read their insightful information below and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these, l, Urgent Care Medical Director and Physician, Carbon Health, and Saint Mary's Hospital explains, "Mononucleosis is a disease caused by a virus called Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). You may need any of the following: The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and current symptoms. While most cases of mono resolve after a few weeks, in very rare cases, the virus can remain active within the body indefinitely. Read our. Signs and Symptoms of Mono in Kids: What to Look for in - Healthline

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