Can Nutrition Help Cure Mono?

Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, mononucleosis affects the throat and lymph nodes. Mono symptoms may include severe fatigue, fever, soar throat, swollen lymph glands and spleen and abnormal liver function. Mono is diagnosed through a blood test.

Mononucleosis is a virus and cannot be treated with antibiotics. Although the virus usually lasts several weeks, following a healthy diet can help speed recovery and help you regain your energy. Holistic nutrition plays a very important role.

Drink plenty of water to help rid the body of toxins. Add some lemon to your water to help dilute the excess mucus. Look for healthy recipes for soups that are soothing and easy to digest. Include lots of ginger and garlic in your soup for their antiviral properties, as well as orange and green vegetables (carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, kale, swiss chard, parsley, etc) for natural sources of beta-carotene, iron and vitamin C.

Follow a healthy, low fat diet

Natural medicine practitioners also advocate for a diet based on whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins (avoid red meat). Avoid fatty foods and eat as many green vegetables as possible to boost your immune system. Nutritional supplements such as Green Magma, spirulina, and chlorella may be useful, especially if your appetite is weak.

Additional helpful vitamins and nutritional supplements include vitamin C (1,000 mg every hour) and a vitamin B-complex for regaining overall strength. Herbal medicine practitioners also recommend echinacea and astralagus for enhancing the immune system. The following herbs also have antiviral properties and can be taken as a tea: lemon balm, elderberry, licorice, hyssop and chrysanthemum flowers.

Make sure to get plenty of rest!