What Should You Eat When You Have Monkey Pox?

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

As seen during recent outbreaks, a proper diet plays a crucial role in supporting recovery from mpox, formerly known as monkey pox. Choosing the right foods can help boost your immune system, repair cell damage, and manage symptoms, while certain foods should be avoided to prevent irritation.

Quick Summary

A balanced diet with ample hydration, protein, and immunity-boosting foods supports recovery from mpox. Soft, non-irritating foods are helpful, especially with mouth sores. Avoiding processed, spicy, and sugary items is recommended.

Key Points

Prioritize Hydration: Drinking plenty of water, coconut water, and soups is essential to combat dehydration and soothe a sore throat.
Increase Protein Intake: Protein-rich foods like chicken, eggs, and legumes are vital for repairing damaged cells and boosting the immune system.
Choose Soft, Easy-to-Swallow Foods: If you have mouth sores, opt for mashed vegetables, oats, and soft fruits like bananas to minimize irritation.
Load Up on Immune-Boosting Nutrients: Incorporate fruits, vegetables, and antiviral spices like ginger and garlic to provide antioxidants and vitamins that support your body's defenses.
Avoid Irritating and Processed Foods: Stay away from spicy, acidic, salty, and sugary foods, as well as alcohol and caffeine, to prevent irritation and dehydration.

The Importance of Nutrition During Mpox Recovery

While mpox symptoms, such as fever and rash, typically resolve within a few weeks, a nutritious diet can aid in faster recovery and manage discomfort. The body needs specific nutrients to fight the viral infection and repair itself, making your food and fluid intake critical. A diet rich in proteins, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals helps rebuild tissues and strengthens the immune response, while proper hydration prevents dehydration and soothes a sore throat. Conversely, consuming processed, spicy, or sugary foods can place additional stress on your system and hinder the healing process.

Key Foods to Prioritize When You Have Monkey Pox

Stay Hydrated with Soothing Fluids

Adequate hydration is paramount, especially if you experience fever, as it helps regulate body temperature and flush toxins. Opt for fluids that are hydrating and gentle on the system.

Water: The most fundamental fluid for staying hydrated.
Coconut Water: Rich in electrolytes, it helps replenish lost minerals.
Fresh Fruit Juices: Juices from oranges, amla, and pomegranate offer vitamin C and antioxidants, though acidic juices like orange may irritate mouth sores.
Herbal Teas: Ginger or mint tea can be soothing and may possess antiviral properties.
Soups and Broths: Warm, clear broths can provide nourishment and are easy to consume, particularly if you have a sore throat.

Incorporate Protein-Rich Foods for Healing

Protein is essential for repairing damaged body tissues and supporting muscle health during recovery. Include a variety of sources to meet your needs.

Lean Meats: Cooked chicken or fish, prepared simply, provides quality protein.
Eggs: A selenium-rich food that helps protect against oxidative damage.
Pulses and Lentils: Easily digestible plant-based protein sources.
Nuts and Seeds: A convenient and nutrient-dense source of protein and minerals.
Dairy Products: Yogurt, buttermilk, and low-fat paneer offer protein and beneficial probiotics.

Choose Soft, Easily Digestible Foods

For those with mouth sores or digestive discomfort, soft foods are less irritating and easier to eat.

Mashed Vegetables: Mashed sweet potatoes or carrots are nutritious and easy to swallow.
Oats: A warm bowl of oats can be a comforting and gentle meal.
Soft Fruits: Bananas, peaches, and papayas are easy to eat and provide vitamins and fiber.

Boost Your Immunity with Antioxidants and Vitamins

Foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins are crucial for strengthening the immune system's response to the virus.

Colorful Fruits and Vegetables: Berries, melons, spinach, and broccoli are packed with phytonutrients.
Spices: Ginger, garlic, and black pepper are known for their anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Zinc-Rich Foods: Shellfish, nuts, and dairy products can help support immune function.

Foods to Avoid When You Have Monkey Pox

Just as important as what to eat is what to avoid. These foods can exacerbate symptoms or delay recovery.

Spicy and Acidic Foods: Can irritate and worsen mouth sores and skin lesions.
Salty and Processed Foods: Excess sodium can lead to dehydration and inflammation.
Sugary Foods and Drinks: Can suppress the immune system and should be limited.
Caffeine and Alcohol: These are dehydrating and can interfere with the healing process.
Uncooked or Wild Meat: To minimize any potential risk of transmission, consume only well-cooked food.

Comparison of Recovery Diet Options


Feature	Soft, Nutritious Diet	Standard Recovery Diet	Foods to Avoid
Primary Focus	Symptom management, especially for mouth sores	General immune support and energy replenishment	Minimizing irritation and dehydration
Key Foods	Mashed potatoes, soups, oats, ripe bananas	Lean protein, fruits, vegetables, probiotics	Spicy foods, acidic juices, processed snacks
Hydration	Cool liquids, coconut water, water	Water, broths, fresh juices	Caffeine, alcohol, sugary sodas
Digestion	Easy to digest, low irritation	Balanced and nutrient-dense	Difficult to digest, inflammatory
Best for	Early stages of illness with fever and mouth sores	General recovery and rebuilding strength	All stages of illness

Conclusion

While a diagnosis of mpox requires professional medical advice and care, supporting your body with the right nutrition is an effective way to manage symptoms and promote healing. A diet focused on hydration, protein, and immune-boosting vitamins is crucial for a strong recovery. By prioritizing nutrient-rich, soft, and easy-to-digest foods while avoiding irritants, you can help your body mend and regain its strength. For the most authoritative information on mpox, including treatment options and prevention, please consult resources like the CDC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Focus on hydrating fluids like water, coconut water, and herbal teas. Warm, clear broths and fresh, non-acidic fruit juices, like amla, can also be beneficial.

Yes, it is recommended to avoid spicy, salty, processed, and sugary foods. Acidic drinks like orange juice can also irritate mouth sores.

Soothing options for a sore throat include warm soups, broth, and herbal teas. Soft, non-irritating foods like mashed potatoes, oats, and bananas are also good choices.

While diet is not a cure, a nutritious and balanced diet rich in protein, antioxidants, and vitamins can help support your immune system and aid in a faster recovery.

Yes, incorporating probiotics through foods like yogurt, buttermilk, and bananas can help support gut health, which is closely linked to the immune system.

Yes, as long as it is well-cooked. Lean meats like chicken and fish provide essential protein. It's crucial to consume only well-cooked food to prevent any potential risks.

Consume a variety of colorful, well-washed fruits and vegetables such as berries, spinach, and broccoli. These provide a good range of phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals.