What foods are good for monkeypox? A guide to supportive nutrition

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

Mpox symptoms, which can last for 2–4 weeks, often come with challenges like appetite loss and oral lesions, making nutrition difficult. Understanding what foods are good for monkeypox is key to providing your body with the necessary support for a strong immune response and a quicker recovery. A balanced diet focusing on specific nutrients can mitigate the severity of the infection and assist in healing.

Quick Summary

A diet rich in protein, antioxidants, and immune-boosting vitamins, alongside sufficient hydration, can significantly support recovery from mpox. Soft foods and probiotics can also help manage symptoms like oral lesions and digestive issues.

Key Points

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, coconut water, and broths to manage fever and prevent dehydration.
Prioritize Protein: Include protein-rich foods such as lean meats, eggs, lentils, and dairy to aid cell repair and support the immune system.
Choose Soft Foods: Opt for easily digestible, soft foods like mashed vegetables, oats, and smoothies, especially if oral lesions cause pain.
Boost Immunity with Vitamins and Minerals: Eat antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and ensure intake of essential nutrients like Zinc and Vitamins C and E.
Support Gut Health with Probiotics: Include foods like yogurt and kefir to promote a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to better immune function.
Avoid Inflammatory Foods: Steer clear of salty, spicy, fried, and heavily processed foods that can cause irritation and hinder recovery.

The Importance of Nutrition During Mpox

While monkeypox is often self-limiting, the course of the infection can present several challenges that impact nutritional intake. Symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and especially oral lesions can lead to loss of appetite and difficulty swallowing, increasing the risk of dehydration and malnutrition. A well-planned diet helps counteract these effects by providing the energy, nutrients, and fluids the body needs to bolster its immune defenses and repair damaged cells. A diet rich in protein, minerals, and antioxidants plays a crucial role in mitigating the infection's severity and supporting a faster recovery.

Prioritize Hydration

Staying hydrated is arguably the most crucial dietary aspect during a viral infection like mpox. It helps regulate body temperature, flush out toxins, and relieve discomfort from symptoms like a sore throat. Dehydration can worsen fatigue and make recovery more difficult. Patients should aim for consistent fluid intake throughout the day, even when their appetite is low.

Best Fluid Choices

Water: The simplest and most important fluid for hydration.
Coconut Water: Provides essential electrolytes and vitamins that help in cooling the body and boosting immunity.
Fresh Juices: Opt for juices like fresh orange or amla juice, which supply vitamins and antioxidants. Avoid juices with added sugars.
Soups and Broths: Nutritious, hydrating, and easy to consume, especially if a sore throat is present.
Herbal Teas: Teas made with ginger, clove, or black pepper have been noted for their anti-viral properties and can provide comfort.

Boost Your Protein Intake

Protein is a fundamental nutrient for tissue repair, muscle building, and synthesizing the antibodies that fight infection. Ensuring an adequate protein intake is vital for patients recovering from mpox, as it helps counteract the cell damage caused by the virus.

Sources of High-Quality Protein

Lean Meats, Chicken, and Fish: These provide a complete set of amino acids necessary for repair.
Eggs: Rich in protein and selenium, an important nutrient for immune function.
Dairy Products: Yogurt, buttermilk, and low-fat paneer offer protein and also aid gut health.
Plant-Based Options: Lentils, pulses, nuts, seeds, soy, and sprouts are excellent sources of protein for those on a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Focus on Soft, Easily Digestible Foods

Oral lesions are a common symptom of monkeypox and can make chewing and swallowing painful. A diet focused on soft, bland, and easy-to-digest foods can help ensure the patient still receives adequate nutrition without causing further irritation.

Soft Food Recommendations

Mashed Vegetables: Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots that have been cooked until very soft are great options.
Smoothies: Combining fruits, yogurt, and a scoop of protein powder can make a nutrient-dense meal that is easy to consume.
Oats or Porridge: A warm, soothing, and easily digestible meal.
Bananas: Naturally soft and rich in potassium, they are gentle on the digestive system.

Incorporate Immune-Boosting Nutrients

A healthy diet full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is your body's best defense against illness. By including specific nutrients, you can give your immune system an extra lift during recovery.

Key Nutrients for Recovery

Vitamin C: Known to bolster the immune system by stimulating white blood cell production. Find it in citrus fruits, bell peppers, berries, and broccoli.
Zinc: Essential for the proper functioning of the immune system and the activation of T-cells. Rich sources include meat, shellfish, seeds, and nuts.
Selenium: Protects against oxidative damage. Eggs and seeds are good sources.
Probiotics and Prebiotics: Probiotics (yogurt, kefir, kimchi) introduce healthy bacteria for a healthy gut, while prebiotics (onions, garlic, bananas, leeks) feed them. A healthy gut biome is closely linked to immune function.
Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts have anti-inflammatory properties that can support immune function.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid

Just as some foods can aid recovery, others can hinder it. Limiting or avoiding certain items can help minimize digestive irritation and ensure your body is focused on healing.

Salty, Fried, and Spicy Foods: These can irritate the mouth and digestive system, especially when oral lesions are present.
Processed and Junk Foods: Often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, they lack the essential nutrients needed for recovery.
Excessive Sugar: A high sugar intake can suppress the immune system. This includes sugary drinks, sodas, and candies.
Alcohol and Caffeine: These can contribute to dehydration and should be limited or avoided.

Comparison Table: Best vs. Worst Foods for Mpox Recovery


Nutritional Aspect	Good for Mpox Recovery	Avoid During Mpox	Effects on Recovery
Hydration	Water, coconut water, broths, fresh juices	Sugary sodas, excessive caffeine, alcohol	Good for managing fever and hydration. Avoid to prevent dehydration and nutrient depletion.
Protein	Lean meats, fish, eggs, lentils, yogurt	Uncooked meat, highly processed meats	Supports cell repair and immune system. Avoid to prevent digestive issues and potential infection risk.
Fruits & Veggies	Soft fruits (bananas, papaya), cooked vegetables (spinach, carrots)	Hard, raw vegetables, citrus if mouth sores are painful	Provides vitamins and antioxidants. Avoid to reduce oral irritation.
Meal Type	Homemade soups, smoothies, soft porridge	Salty snacks, fried foods, fast food	Aids digestion and nutritional intake. Avoid for gastrointestinal comfort and to prevent nutrient void.

Conclusion

Navigating dietary choices during a monkeypox infection is centered on supporting your body's natural healing process. The key principles are staying well-hydrated, consuming enough protein for cell repair, opting for soft foods to manage discomfort from oral lesions, and focusing on immune-boosting vitamins and minerals. Equally important is avoiding foods that could cause irritation or hinder recovery, such as processed, sugary, and spicy items. By making these thoughtful dietary adjustments, individuals can support a faster and more comfortable recovery. It is also important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially if symptoms are severe or appetite loss is persistent. For more information on mpox, visit the World Health Organization (WHO) website: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/mpox.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no specific diet that can cure monkeypox. However, a balanced and nutritious diet focused on immune support, hydration, and easily digestible foods can aid in recovery and help manage symptoms.

Proper hydration is crucial for managing symptoms like fever, preventing dehydration, and soothing a dry or sore throat.

Soft foods are recommended, such as soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, well-cooked vegetables, and yogurt. These require minimal chewing and are gentle on the mouth.

Some spices with antiviral properties, such as ginger, black pepper, and garlic, can be beneficial and are often added to liquid foods or teas to boost immunity.

You should avoid or limit processed foods, salty snacks, excessive sugar, and highly spicy or fried foods, as they can irritate the digestive system and may hinder recovery.

Probiotics introduce good bacteria into your gut, which is closely linked to immune function. A healthy gut can help the body fight off infections and aid recovery.

Yes, fruits and vegetables are important sources of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support the immune system and overall health, even when your appetite is low.

No, diet cannot prevent monkeypox. While a healthy, balanced diet supports overall immune health, avoiding contact with infected individuals and contaminated items is the key to prevention.