What to Eat in Typhoid: 10 Best Foods for Faster Recovery & Gut Health

Typhoid weakens the body, making it essential to eat foods that are easy to digest and packed with nutrients. The right diet helps speed up recovery, restore energy, and prevent complications. But with so much conflicting advice, knowing what to eat in typhoid can be confusing.

To make things simple, here we've shared a list of the best foods to eat during typhoid recovery. These foods will help you regain strength, soothe your stomach, and heal faster. Let’s explore the top 10 doctor-recommended foods for typhoid patients!

What to Eat in Typhoid: 10 Best Foods for Recovery

Recovering from typhoid fever means you need to be careful about what you eat. The right foods can help your body fight the infection and heal faster. When you have typhoid, your stomach might be weak, so it's important to choose foods that are easy to digest and full of nutrients. 

Here are 10 of the best foods to eat when you're recovering from typhoid:

1. Bananas

• Mash ripe bananas into a smooth paste. They calm the stomach and replace potassium lost due to frequent loose motions or sweating during fever. Eat 2-3 times daily.

• Avoid adding sugar, milk, or spices. Keep it plain to reduce stomach irritation. Bananas are gentle and easy to digest even with low appetite.

• Ripe bananas provide instant energy. They help reduce acidity and nausea, common during typhoid. 

2. White Rice

• Cook plain rice with extra water to make it soft and mushy. This helps digestion and reduces strain on the intestines. Eat small portions every 2-3 hours.

• Pair rice with thin moong dal (without spices or oil). Dal provides protein without irritating the stomach. Avoid ghee, butter, or heavy tadka.

• White rice gives quick energy. It is low in fiber, making it safe for sensitive digestion. Avoid brown rice or biryani during recovery.

3. Boiled Potatoes

• Peel potatoes and boil until soft. Mash them with a pinch of salt. Potatoes provide calories to fight weakness and fatigue during typhoid.

• Avoid frying, butter, or spices. Boiled potatoes are gentle on the stomach. Eat with rice or as a standalone snack.

• Potatoes replenish energy without causing acidity or bloating. They are easy to digest even when appetite is low.

• For extra nutrition, mix mashed potatoes with boiled carrots. Steam or boil vegetables instead of frying them.

4. Lean Meats (Chicken/Turkey)

• Boil chicken or turkey until tender. Shred into small pieces for easy chewing. Add to soups or mix with plain rice.

• Avoid heavy masalas, oil, or gravy. Use minimal salt. Boiled meat provides protein to repair tissues damaged by typhoid.

• Eat once a day in small portions. Overeating meat can cause indigestion. Remove skin and bones before cooking.

• For vegetarians, replace meat with boiled moong dal or mashed paneer (if lactose-tolerant). Avoid spicy or fried alternatives.

5. Herbal Teas

• Brew weak tulsi or ginger tea. Sip warm to soothe the throat and reduce fever. Avoid milk or sugar.

• Herbal teas keep you hydrated. Drink between meals to flush out toxins. Limit to 2-3 cups daily.

• For nausea, add mint leaves to the tea. Strain properly before drinking. Avoid strong or bitter flavors.

• Do not replace water with tea. Continue drinking ORS or coconut water for electrolyte balance.

6. Oatmeal

• Cook oats in water until soft and creamy. Add a teaspoon of jaggery for natural sweetness. Avoid sugar or milk.

• Oats provide energy without irritating the gut. Eat as breakfast or an evening snack. Keep portions small to prevent heaviness.

• For variety, mix mashed bananas into oatmeal. This adds potassium and makes the meal more filling.

• Avoid flavored or instant oats. They contain preservatives. Stick to plain, unprocessed oats during recovery.

7. Boiled Eggs

• Hard-boil eggs and remove the yolk. Egg whites are rich in protein and easy to digest. Eat 1-2 egg whites daily.

• Avoid runny or half-boiled eggs. Fully cooked eggs reduce infection risks. Do not add spices or salt.

• For vegetarians, replace eggs with boiled moong dal or tofu. Ensure proteins are soft and spice-free.

• If digestion is weak, skip eggs temporarily. Consult a doctor before adding them to your diet.

8. Toast

• Lightly toast white bread until crisp. Eat plain or dip in weak herbal tea. Toast settles nausea and provides quick carbs.

• Avoid butter, jam, or cheese. These can upset the stomach. Stick to plain toast during the first week of recovery.

• For variety, crush toast into small pieces and mix with boiled mashed potatoes. Add a pinch of salt.

• Choose fresh bread. Stale or fibrous bread may cause discomfort. Eat 1-2 slices per serving.

9. Applesauce

• Steam peeled apples until soft. Mash into a smooth puree. Applesauce soothes the throat and provides natural sugars for energy.

• Avoid store-bought versions with added sugar or preservatives. Prepare fresh at home. Eat chilled for a cooling effect.

• Applesauce reduces acidity and improves digestion. Eat 2-3 tablespoons between meals. Do not mix with dairy products.

• For extra nutrition, mix with a pinch of cinnamon (if tolerated). Avoid spices if the stomach feels sensitive.

10. Yogurt (Curd)

• Eat plain, unsweetened curd. It contains probiotics to heal the gut. Add a pinch of salt instead of sugar.

• Avoid if lactose intolerant. For others, curd balances stomach acidity and improves appetite. Eat 1-2 small bowls daily.

• Do not mix yogurt with fruits or spices. Keep it simple. Choose fresh, homemade curd over packaged options.

• For a light meal, mix curd with boiled rice. Add a pinch of salt. This combo is easy to digest.

Foods to Avoid During Typhoid Recovery

Typhoid weakens digestion, so it’s essential to avoid foods that are hard to digest or worsen symptoms:

• Spicy foods: Chilli, pickles, or curries irritate the intestines.

• Street food: Panipuri or chaat carry infection risks.

• Fried items: Pakoras or samosas cause acidity and bloating.

• Raw salads: Onions or cucumbers are tough on the stomach.

• Whole grains: Avoid roti or brown rice. Stick to white rice.

• Sweets: Rasgulla or barfi feed harmful bacteria.

• Cold drinks: Fizzy drinks worsen dehydration.

• Tea/Coffee: These dehydrate. Choose coconut water instead.

Is It Safe to Consume Spicy or Fried Foods During Typhoid Recovery?

No. Spices and oily foods harm healing intestines. Chili powder or fried snacks cause inflammation and slow digestion. They slow digestion and trigger diarrhea. Imagine rubbing salt on a wound—that’s what spices do to your gut. Wait until the doctor confirms full recovery before eating normal foods.

Sample Meal Plan for Typhoid Patients

Following a light and nutritious diet can help you heal faster. Here’s a 3-day recovery meal plan:

Final Thoughts 

Knowing what to eat in typhoid helps you recover without delays. Stick to boiled, bland foods. Share this guide with family—typhoid is common, but good food cuts recovery time.

Visit a doctor if symptoms worsen. Every patient’s needs differ. 

For a diet plan matching your condition, consult a healthcare expert today. Stay safe, and eat wisely!

Read Also: What To Eat In Dengue: Top 8 Foods To Help Recover Faster