Recurrent Strep Throat and Sugar Intake

3/12/2008

One of my seven year old patients was in recently to report that his strep throats have disappeared since cutting out most processed sugars from the diet.

The child had been treated for a number of strep throat recurrences over the past year. Each episode was accompanied by fever and severe pain. I suggested that his folks try restricting his intake of processed sugars including the all too common high fructose corn syrup ingredients in packaged foods. He made great efforts to restrict these foods with great success. His mom reports to me that he has been strep throat free for the past six months and happily so. While there is little data on this nutritional contribution to infection, it has been my experience that this strategy be attempted in any person with recurrent strep throats.

Mom also reports that his sleep patterns have improved as well as his early morning difficulties getting off to school. She specifically initiated a protein centric breakfast every day which is new. His prior breakfast habits were focused on high sugar cereals and milk.

This is just a small example of a nutritional look at an infectious problem. I suggest any child with recurrent strep throat or ear infections take a look at sugar and resist temptation.

      

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