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For example, it contains probiotics and L-lysine amino acid, which help manage the condition and symptoms. Share on PinterestNICK VEASEY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty ImagesShingles involve painful skin rashes that may cause headaches, fever, and an upset stomach. The varicella-zoster virus can cause both chickenpox and shingles. Anyone can have shingles if they have had chickenpox. This article explores why yogurt is good for shingles, what shingles are, other beneficial foods for shingles, and foods to avoid when a person has shingles. We also look at recipes and meal ideas for shingles and the outlook for the condition. Why is yogurt good for shingles Yogurt contains probiotics and the amino acid lysine, also known as L-lysine. These ingredients promote several bodily functions and help support the immune system. Probiotics Research from 2021 states that probiotics, such as yogurt, can improve the immune system and may reduce the length and severity of certain illnesses such as shingles. Although they cannot cure diseases, they may make them more manageable. The gastrointestinal microbiome plays an important role in regulating immunity and defending the body against viruses. When something disrupts the balance between the microbiome and the immune system, the body may not be able to defend against viruses effectively. Probiotics are live bacteria that may help improve the balance of the microbiome. The researchers from the 2021 study do not fully understand the other ways that probiotics cause antiviral activity. They suggest probiotics may affect viral immunity in various ways, including improving the mucosal barrier function, which stops viral particles from crossing the barrier. Lysine Lysine is an amino acid, which many people refer to as the building block of protein, as a person’s body requires them to form this important macronutrient. Although more research is necessary to determine whether lysine helps treat shingles, it may help strengthen the immune system in general, which can help the body protect itself against viruses, such as the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles. Overview of shingles Shingles is a common disease, and about 1 in 3 people will get it. Individuals over the age of 50 years should speak with their doctor to receive a shingles vaccine, as their risk of shingles increases with age. Symptoms of shingles include:a blistering rash that develops on one side of the body, usually around the waist and on the faceitchingchillsa feverheadachesa shooting or burning painan upset stomach Shingles are not typically contagious, although people can spread the disease while their rash is in the blister phase. The rash usually scabs over in 7–10 days, and the disease typically clears within 4 weeks. The blisters in a shingles rash rarely spread across the entire body — this is more likely in people with weaker immune systems. If this happens, a person should seek emergency medical attention, as the shingles can be life threatening. Other foods to help with shingles Certain foods may be beneficial for people with shingles. These may include complex carbohydrates, which can reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Complex carbohydrate foods include:whole grain versions of pasta, couscous, and breadbrown ricewhole oatsquinoasweet potato To support the immune system, a person may also benefit from foods or supplements rich in the following nutrients:zincvitamin Cvitamin Avitamin Evitamin B12vitamin D Read on for other remedies for shingles. Foods to avoid A person with shingles should avoid foods that impair the functioning of the immune system. These may include highly processed foods that are high in sugar and salt, including:deep-fried foodschipscakes and cookiessugary sodas and energy drinkslow fiber, high fat white bread Additionally, high glycemic index foods can increase inflammation. These foods include:white bread and ricebaked goodssweetssugary cerealsice creamsugary drinks Keep reading what other foods are a high glycemic index. What to consume during a shingles attack A mixture of the following foods may help improve the symptoms of shingles, such as:nutrient-rich foods, such as yogurt and mixed fruitvitamin-rich meats, fish, and leafy green vegetableshealthy fats such as avocadoprotein-rich foods such as eggs During a shingles attack, a person should avoid sugary and fatty foods. Examples of recipes include the below. Vitamin-rich smoothie Ingredients:1/4 cup of orange juice1 orange, peeled, sliced1 mango, peeled, sliced3 large carrots, peeled and shredded225 grams (g) of ice Method:Place the orange juice, orange, mango, and carrots in a blender or food processor.Blend the ingredients.Add in the ice and blend until the mixture is smooth. Kale with chana & coconut Ingredients:1 tablespoon (tbsp) of butter1 onion, finely choppeda thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated2 heaped teaspoons (tsp) of cumin seeds1 tsp of turmeric1 tsp of ground coriander2 tbsp of tomato purée200 g kale, large stalks removed, leaves finely shredded400 g can of chickpeas, drained250 milliliters of vegetable stock50 g of fresh coconut, grated4 heaped tbsp of Greek-style yogurt1 tbsp of mango chutney To serve1 tbsp of vegetable oil3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced2 tbsp of freeze-dried curry leaves (optional) Method:Heat the butter and the onion in a deep frying pan, then soften gently for 5 minutes. Turn up the heat, add the ginger and spices, and then fry for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the tomato purée.Add the kale, chickpeas, stock, and two-thirds of the coconut, stir well, then cover the pan. Bring to a simmer and let the kale steam for 10 minutes until the vegetable becomes well wilted.Mix in the yogurt and chutney, then season. Remove the pan from the heat and cover it to stay warm.Heat the oil in a small saucepan. Add the garlic, and curry leaves, if applicable, and sizzle for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic begins to turn golden. Spoon the oil, garlic, and curry leaves over the chickpeas and kale, then finish with the remaining coconut. Egg-fried rice and salmon Ingredients:1 tsp of brown sugar3 tbsp of soy sauce1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil2/3 cup of diced red onion2/3 cup of diced red bell pepper2 cloves garlic, mincedone 1-inch piece of ginger, grated3 large eggs, well beaten4 cups of day-old cooked white rice (see recipe note)1 cup of frozen peas, thawed2 cups of cooked salmon, in large chunks2 green onions, thinly sliced, including the greenscilantro or parsley for garnish Method:Dissolve the brown sugar in the soy sauce in a small bowl. Set aside.Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan or wok on medium-high heat. Add the diced red onion and bell pepper and saute for about 5 minutes until lightly browned about 5 minutes. Lower the heat to medium and stir in the garlic and grated ginger.Cook for another minute.Add the beaten eggs and stir until just cooked. Add the cooked rice and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook for around 2 more minutes, stirring often.Add the peas, salmon, and green onions. Stir in the soy sauce mixture and remove from heat. Outlook Shingles typically go away after 2–4 weeks. Young people and children generally experience milder cases of shingles, while most adults only have shingles once in their lives. Summary Shingles are a skin rash that may cause other symptoms such as headaches, upset stomach, and fever. The same virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles. Eating yogurt may help a person with shingles, as it contains probiotics and lysine, which may help support the immune system to better fight the virus. Vitamin-rich foods and complex carbohydrates may also improve the immune system, and a nutritious diet can be beneficial against shingles. Last medically reviewed on May 12, 2022ShinglesNutrition / Diet 10 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.5 things you need to know about shingles. (n.d.).https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/infographics/5-things-you-need-know-about-shinglesHarper, A., et al. (2021). Viral infections, the microbiome, and probiotics.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2020.596166/fullIddir, M., et al. (2020). Strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress through diet and nutrition: Considerations during the COVID-19 crisis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7352291/Kanauchi, O., et al. (2018). Probiotics and paraprobiotics in viral infection: Clinical application and effects on the innate and acquired immune systems.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6006794/Lopez-Santamarina, A., et al. (2021). Probiotic effects against virus infections: New weapons for an old war.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7827890/Lysine. (2022).https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/LysineShingles: Overview. (2019).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279624/Signs & symptoms. (2019).https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/symptoms.htmlSingh, M., et al. (2011). Medicinal uses of L-lysine: Past and future.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267817166_Medicinal_Uses_of_L-Lysine_Past_and_FutureYi, B., et al. (2015). Effects of dietary salt levels on monocytic cells and immune responses in healthy human subjects: A longitudinal study.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5538905/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Jerlyn Jones, MS MPA RDN LD CLT, Nutrition — By Caitlin Geng on May 12, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageIs it shingles? Pictures and symptomsMedically reviewed by Nancy Choi, MD Shingles is a painful rash that usually appears on one side of a person's body. 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