what to eat with mononucleosis

This is rare, and generally only likely if your immune system is weakened by another infection such as HIV, an organ transplant, or pregnancy. 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e, Anderson shares, "The biggest thing that is different in mono vs other "viral illness" is to avoid contact sports and strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks after mono infection to reduce the chances of splenic rupture while the body is healing. The mono diet is one of the most restrictive fad diets, eliminating almost all foods and food groups apart from those that are included in your diet. This gluten free pasta made entirely out of lentil flour was a perfect balance of carbs and protein. Learn about treatment and much more. Fever and pain when swallowing can you put you at risk for dehydration. 2019 Jul;72(1):651-658. Updated May 10, 2018. being very tired. But the claims are not rooted in any science, and there are plenty of science-backed reasons to avoid trying a mono diet. Blood transfusions and organ transplantations can also spread the virus. This is more likely if the person has recently taken the antibiotics ampicillin or amoxicillin. Just because a diet is simple, doesnt mean its healthy. You have trouble swallowing because of the pain. People who are only eating one food are not only cutting back on calories; they're also missing out on important nutrients. Some variations involve sticking to one specific food group, such as meats, fruits, vegetables, or legumes. fever. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. I heard you cant get it a third time but Ive been lied to before, so fingers crossed. EBV is found all over the world. Drink Plenty of Fluids Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and to help relieve a fever and sore throat. One of the most reliable ways to diagnose mononucleosis is the monospot test (or heterophile test). Mono: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis - Healthline Bake kale in the oven and sprinkle with salt, or snack on nuts to get vitamin E and zinc. Treatment at home is aimed at easing your symptoms. Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness. Symptoms of mono are generalized cold symptoms like fever, fatigue, swollen glands, sore throat, and sometimes a rash. Lowering the temperature of your room, taking a lukewarm (not cold) bath, and putting a coldwashclothon your forehead can help keep your fever down. Mono is a viral infection that causes symptoms like fatigue, swollen glands, and a severe sore throat. At Verywell, we believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to a healthy lifestyle. Infectious mononucleosis, also called "mono," is a contagious disease. EBV appears to play a role in the development of these cancers. 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. Kristin Hayes, RN, is a registered nurse specializing in ear, nose, and throat disorders for both adults and children. On top of that, I think of fluids as flushing out the disease. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. This article reviews the benefits and side effects of the mono diet to determine whether you should give it a try. Any child who gets EBV will probably be immune to mono for the rest of their life. Although it may lead to short-term weight loss, its also unsustainable, promotes unhealthy eating habits, and can increase your risk of nutritional deficiencies. 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. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most common cause of mono. Additionally, it can be very difficult to eat at restaurants or enjoy certain social situations while following the mono diet. Age is one of the main factors for diagnosing mono along with the most common symptoms: fever, sore throat, and swollen glands. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Her Campus Media LLC. For example, if youre only eating low calorie foods like vegetables, youre likely to consume fewer calories or even too few calories throughout the day, which may lead to weight loss. People normally get mono only once in their lives. Mono can be spread . After you become infected with EBV, it remains inactive in your body for the rest of your life. In some cases, it is caused by other viruses. EBV spreads from person to person through bodily fluids, particularly saliva. All rights reserved. The majority of people who have mono recover within 2 to 4 weeks. Over the counter pain relievers can help with sore throat and pain from enlarged lymph nodes. Patients experience issues with concentrating at work or holding a conversation due to severe fatigue. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. However, many doctors recommend that the patient avoid kissing others while he or she is feeling ill. Womack J, Jimenez M. Common questions about infectious mononucleosis. Lymph nodes are found throughout the body. Antioxid Redox Signal. The symptoms can mirror other viral illnesses such as the flu, covid, strep throat. Some symptoms, like sore throat and fever, typically lessen after 1 or 2 weeks. While mono isn't serious for most people, it can deplete you of energy and you'll likely sleep nonstop for a month. After a day or two, you may also have: Swollen lymph nodes and tonsils. "Chrissy Carroll, RD, MPH. Here are some examples of food groups that can fit into a mono diet: Nearly any food can be consumed on the mono diet, including potatoes, apples, eggs, and bananas. In mononucleosis, lymphocyte counts may not only be elevated, but the cells are also atypical in appearance. Infectious mononucleosis. Infectious mononucleosis. Harvard Health. What's the quickest way to recover from mono? The Mono Diet: Pros, Cons, and What You Can Eat - Verywell Fit Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. 2016;23:97-103. doi:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2016.08.009, Linardon J. It's also possible to get mono from a virus other than EBV, even if you already have EBV. All Rights Reserved. Two types of blood tests help to make the diagnosis: Differential white blood cell count. Reye's syndrome. Mono can continue to be contagious for 3 months or more after you experience the symptoms. Everything You Need to Know About a Mono Rash. Eat Behav. What Are the Stages of Mono? How Long Do They Last? - Verywell Health Its possible, but unusual, for EBV to become reactivated and for the symptoms of mono to return months or years later. Psychosom Med. My point is, Im a pro at this infection now and I want to help those out there who are suffering like I was. Supportive care staying well hydrated, self-care, and rest. Common questions about infectious mononucleosis. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. In rare cases, the symptoms can recur due to a reactivation of EBV. Nuts, seeds, fish and avocado all contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. The symptoms can mirror other viral illnesses such as the flu, covid, strep throat. There's no question you're contagious while you have symptoms, which typically last for four weeks or more. 2010;30(48):16399-407. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1955-10.2010, Redman LM, Ravussin E. Caloric restriction in humans: impact on physiological, psychological, and behavioral outcomes. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. If they do have a fever and sore throat, it may be mistaken for a cold or the flu. Last medically reviewed on September 30, 2019. Your doctor also will do blood tests to help make the diagnosis. F-Factor Diet Review: Does It Work for Weight Loss? If you have a fever and are sweating a lot, you may need to drink more. every day. I would opt for softer options such as eggs and tofu. 2015 Apr 21;350. doi:10.1136/bmj.h1825. Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. What is Nutrition and Why Does it Matter? 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. Mononucleosis (Mono) (for Teens) - Nemours KidsHealth Children under 19 years of age should avoid medications that contain aspirin. Conversely, if youre eating large amounts of high calorie foods like chocolate, you may gain weight on the diet (1, 2). Contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if you have intense abdominal pain. NIOSH training for nurses on shift work and long work hours. Hot weather hikes: Staying safe when temperatures spike, IBD and LGBTQ+: How it can affect sexual health, Mud runs: Dirty, challenging, next-level fun, Wildfires: How to cope when smoke affects air quality and health. There are no official or formal rules for how to follow this type of diet; it's open to interpretation. ", According to Dr. Curry-Winchell, "Patients often feel exhausted beyond the usual 'tired.' Do not kiss anyone. Appetite. Hepatitis (liver inflammation) or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) may occasionally occur in people who have mono. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is a condition caused by either the Epstein-Barr virus or by cytomegalovirus. (2015). In some very rare cases, people who carry the virus develop either Burkitts lymphoma or nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which are both rare cancers. Treatment options for primary autoimmune hemolytic anemia: A short comprehensive review. A common myth about mono is that you can only get it once. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic Common Questions About Infectious Mononucleosis | AAFP DOI: Mayo Clinic Staff. ", Now, you'll have the best and latest food and healthy eating news right in your inboxevery In most cases, you'll only get mono once, but as the EBV virus stays in your body for the rest of your life, it is possible that mono could make a comeback. The mono diet, also known as a monotrophic diet is a diet for which you only consume one type of food. Mononucleosis - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic How Mononucleosis Is Treated - Verywell Health 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. Aspirin belongs to a family of compounds called salicylates. Adults ages 19 and up should avoid using more than one salicylate or aspirin-containing product at a time. Loss of appetite. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. This blood test looks for EBV-specific antibodies. If your symptoms. Me. The fatigue may last for 4-6 weeks. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. Fruits & Veggies for Days Photo by Danielle Gervais Like most viruses, it needs to run its course and you will develop antibodies that protect you from future infections. Can You Treat Mono, and How Long Does It Last? - Healthline It's not feasible to get a suitable number of calories from a single food, and this unconventional eating plan does not meet expert guidelines for healthy nutrition. These include: fever. It can take around four to six weeks for symptoms of mononucleosis to appear after you have been infected. Talk to your doctor about when you can return to your normal activities. Wash your hands often. ", Anderson states, "Anyone can get Mono, although it is more common in teens and young adults. Top it off with some sauce and voila! The results of these blood tests may not be abnormal until the person has been ill for a week. The most serious sign of mono is a swollen spleen or spleen enlargement. 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. Malia Frey is a weight loss expert, certified health coach, weight management specialist, personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. A headache. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. About 75% of young adults who have an EBV infection will get mono. You got this, my mono friends, and if you need someone to come cuddle and watch movies with, Im your girl. The first symptoms of mononucleosis typically include: Unusual fatigue, such as the need for 12 to 16 hours of sleep daily. However, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid medication to reduce throat and tonsil swelling. Caloric restriction experience reprograms stress and orexigenic pathways and promotes binge eating. A sore throat, which can be severe. Your energy levels will take a nosedive without proper nutrition. Hall KD, Kahan S. Maintenance of lost weight and long-term management of obesity. The risk of developing Reye's is higher when a child takes aspirin during or shortly after a viral illness, such as mono. Severe fatigue. Cochrane Rev. This virus belongs to the herpes family and targets lymphocytes and epithelial cells. One out of 4 teens or young adults who get infected with EBV will develop mono.. How Long Is Mononucleosis (Mono) Contagious? - Healthline Most importantly, smoothies are great for sneaking in some greens. There is no medical cure for mononucleosis. Adding these foods to your diet will also improve your immunity and keep your cell membranes functioning well, which is what we're going for. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Getting plenty of rest, drinking ample fluids, and taking over . Mononucleosis - What You Need to Know - Drugs.com You need to see your doctor to have a test and physical examination for diagnosis." J Pediatr Surg Case Rep. 2020 Dec;63(1):101680. doi:10.1016/j.epsc.2020.101680, Becker JA, Smith JA. Sports Health. About Infectious Mononucleosis. It is also called the 'kissing disease' because it is spread through saliva. 2011;14(2):275-287. doi:10.1089/ars.2010.3253. Mononucleosis, otherwise known as mono, glandular fever, or the "kissing disease," is a common illness, especially among teens and college students. Other symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and an enlarged spleen may last a few weeks longer. About Mono (Infectious Mononucleosis) | CDC Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Mono is contagious, although experts arent really sure how long this period lasts. While many salicylates share the same properties as aspirin, their effects on the body can vary. This helps to help prevent the spread of the infection. The Pollotarian Diet Explained. advice every day. Due to the long incubation period, you may not even be aware you have mono. Someone with mononucleosis does not need to be kept isolated from others. Infectious mononucleosis, often known simply as mono, is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). While it is uncertain whether dairy makes you produce more mucus, it certainly thickens your saliva. Sometimes steroid medications are used to shrink the tonsils if they have become too enlarged. Things to Know About Infectious Mononucleosis | AAFP When someone is first infected with EBV in childhood, they usually have no symptoms. This test can detect mono as early as the first week you have symptoms, but it takes longer to get the results. There's a small chance it could become active again and could be transmissible via saliva. Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is a condition caused by either the Epstein-Barr virus or by cytomegalovirus. 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. Mono rash is one symptom of the viral infection, mononucleosis. You. Cold drinks, frozen desserts and gargling with salt water can help to relieve minor sore throat pain. As with older children, toddlers can become infected with mono by sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses. Mononucleosis ( mono) is a viral illness most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), though it can be caused by other viruses. 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). The virus is spread mostly through saliva and body fluids including semen, blood and sharing personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes. Berries are a great way to get these immune system supporters into your system. 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. So a common treatment plan for mono is rest . Treatment involves managing symptoms while your body fights the infection. 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. The mono diet is a simple eating pattern that involves eating just one food item or food group for all meals throughout the day. (2,4, 5, 6 , 7 . "It can vary, symptoms often last two to four weeks however, it can last several months or longer which can impact your ability to return to your daily activities," says Dr. Curry-Winchell. Almost all adults have been infected with EBV and have built up antibodies to fight the infection. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Add some chia seeds and flax seeds to your smoothie for some extra nutrition. The incubation period may be shorter in young children. Setting up a healthy weight loss program may take time and effort, but it is a worthwhile investment. If this happens, you may be prescribed an antibiotic. Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative disorders: Review and update on 2016 WHO classification. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); Heterophil tests measure levels of heterophil antibody. Remember, following a long-term or short-term diet may not be necessary for you and many diets out there simply dont work, especially long-term. When tonsils become infected, the condition is called tonsillitis. This blood test will help determine how severe your illness is by looking at your levels of various blood cells. Mono is an infection caused by a virus. Theres no specific treatment for infectious mononucleosis. Once you have an EBV infection, you arent likely to get another one. The ability to self-diagnosis (i.e., know you have it) can be difficult because there is a wide spectrum of symptoms such as-extreme fatigue fever, body aches, swelling in your neck called (lymphadenopathy) and sore throat. You can also drink cold beverages, eat frozen yogurt or ice cream, or have a popsicle. Symptoms (fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, and extreme fatigue) appear approximately four to eight weeks after exposure. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); Kofteridis D, Valachis A. Mononucleosis and EpsteinBarr virus infection: treatment and medication. The liver is often mildly affected in cases of EBV/mono, but sometimes this results in acute hepatitis with or without jaundice. This occurs mostly in older adults, but it may rarely occur in younger people. You can also find throat lozenges and sprays to soothe a sore throat. 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. Mono is almost impossible to prevent. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill for mono. Plus when it hurts to swallow, you want to get as much as you can out of each gulp. And, beyond that? Mononucleosis causes white blood cells to make an unusual kind of antibody called heterophil antibody. Furthermore, some studies have found that restricting calories too much could even lead to bone loss and negatively affect fertility in women (19, 20, 21). You'll especially need to get lots of rest in the first week or two that you are sick. Unusual looking white blood cells. Mono Treatment: How to Treat Mononucleosis - WebMD Epstein-Barr Laboratory Testing. Prevent dehydration by drinking at least four to six cups of water per day. Prior to starting a new diet plan, consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian, especially if you have an underlying health condition. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. A mononucleosis spot test will determine if you have the Epstein-Barr virus. EBV spreads most commonly through bodily fluids, primarily saliva. Mono Diet Review: Purpose, Benefits, and Side Effects - Healthline The symptoms usually resolve on their own in 1 to 2 months. In adolescents and adults, the infection sometimes doesnt cause noticeable symptoms. What Is Mononucleosis? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Keep in mind that theres no research on whether mono diets can be effective for weight loss. https://www.cdc.gov/. BMJ. 1. Mononucleosis. I am living proof that you can (and will) survive. Because it's a viral infection, there are no medications for mononucleosis. We talked to experts about what to know about mono and what it feels like to experience it. Similarly, meat, fish, and poultry are lacking in important nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants (4, 5, 6). Once you visit your doctor, theyll normally ask how long youve had symptoms. 2017;51(4):352-358. doi:10.4132/jptm.2017.03.15. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and examine you. EBV is often associated with the phrase 'who have, or did you kiss?' Epstein-Barr Virus and Infectious Mononucleosis. Some people with the illness develop strep throat. Avoid anything that will interfere with you getting quality sleep, which your immune system needs to stay strong. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records.

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what to eat with mononucleosis