Alcohol and Other Factors that Affect Recovery from Mononucleosis
What is Mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis (also known as mono) is a disease that usually arises from the Epstein-Barr virus and is spread through a person's saliva and other bodily fluids. The length and severity of this illness both differ from one person to another. Most people suffering from from mono notice their condition through the symptoms of fatigue, sore throat, or swollen glands in the neck area. Some patients experience fever, headache, nausea, muscle aches, and rashes. People that have mononucleosis may also have an enlarged spleen, but this is an internal complication which is not always recognized by patients. Living a healthy and balanced lifestyle is important to prevent contracting mono. Because people that are recovering from colds and the flu are especially susceptible to the mononucleosis virus, it is also recommended to eat a nutritious diet and stay away from those with mononucleosis until full recovery. If a person becomes infected and experiences high fever, sore throat, and swollen glands, eating a proper diet could help speed his/her recovery. Consuming fluids such as soups, tea, and water could also help eradicate the disease.
How Can I Recover Faster from Mononucleosis?
Mononucleosis patients should always consume lots of water and other fluids to remove possible toxins from the body. Adding lemon to water or tea can also help keep patients' mucus diluted and prevent it from thickening. Ginger and garlic are also beneficial to those who have mono because they are natural antivirals. Oranges and vegetables can provide a person's body with iron and vitamin c that are important to help recover from mononucleosis. Chicken soup, miso soup, and herbal tea can help keep the organ's in a mono patient's body moisturized.
It is important to avoid heavy meals with carbohydrates like cereals, bread, pasta, and biscuits that may irritate a sore throat. These types of food may also lead to a rise in a person's blood sugar level which can impair the function of white blood cells. Foods containing caffeine and alcohol should also be avoided, since they eliminate the necessary nutrients for recovery.
Alcohol can be extremely detrimental to those suffering from mononucleosis. Because mononucleosis leads to the inflammation of the liver, consumption of alcohol can worsen this condition by forcing the liver to work harder in filtering bodily fluids. An inflamed liver can lead to other issues that can negatively affect a person's health. Therefore, an ill person should avoid alcohol completely until doctors recommend that they resume consumption and are sure that the person's liver is healthy and functioning properly. Doctors often recommend to cease use of alcohol for anywhere from two months to twelve months after the infection. Some people also develop an intolerance to alcohol once they have been infected with the mono virus.
Anyone that has/had mono recently usually takes longer to return to normal after drinking. Mono patients may also have difficulty returning to their old drinking habits, even after recovery. After taking drugs for mononucleosis, patients are recommended to consume many types of proteins and vegetables to boost their immunity. These lifestyle factors are all important in the health of mononucleosis patients.
