Why should people with shingles not drink milk?

There is no direct contraindication between shingles and drinking milk, and most patients can consume it normally. However, avoiding milk may be related to lactose intolerance, allergic reactions, weakened digestion, drug interactions, or the risk of worsening symptoms. The specific reasons are analyzed as follows:

1. Lactose intolerance: Some patients lack sufficient lactase enzyme to break down lactose in milk, which may lead to indigestion symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea after consumption, indirectly affecting recovery from shingles.

2. Allergic reaction: Individuals allergic to milk proteins may experience itching, rashes, or even breathing difficulties after drinking milk, increasing bodily stress and making disease control more difficult.

3. Weakened digestive function: During a shingles outbreak, patients may have reduced digestive capacity. Drinking milk could increase gastrointestinal burden, leading to loss of appetite or poor nutrient absorption.

4. Drug interactions: Patients taking antiviral medications should note that milk might interact with the drug components, affecting absorption or reducing effectiveness. Consumption timing should be adjusted according to medical advice.

5. Risk of symptom exacerbation: If the condition is in an acute progressive phase, drinking milk might delay recovery due to increased physical strain. It's advisable to prioritize light, easily digestible foods.

Patients with shingles should maintain a light diet in daily life, avoid spicy and greasy foods, and consume moderate amounts of high-quality protein such as eggs and fish as alternatives to milk. If any discomfort occurs, dietary intake should be recorded promptly and medical advice sought for appropriate adjustments.