4 Ways to Prevent Shingles
Updated: Aug. 06, 2019If you’ve had chicken pox, you’re at risk for getting shingles. Here are a few ways you can try to decrease your chances of catching the itch.
Eat well: A healthy diet can help prevent shingles.
Diets that are low in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to shingles-not to mention a host of other infections. Strive for a low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Exercise to prevent stress-a known trigger for shingles.
Stress can trigger shingles-but exercise can help reduce stress. Try walking briskly for half an hour a day or take up running, swimming, biking or yoga.
Prevent shingles by avoiding chicken pox.
The best way to prevent shingles is to avoid chicken pox. If you haven’t already received vaccinations that can help prevent chicken pox, ask your doctor.
Take supplements to prevent shingles.
Taking vitamins regularly will keep your immune system strong and therefore less likely to succumb to shingles. And for relief from PHN (a complication from shingles), ask your doctor about vitamin B12 injections, which can strengthen the tissue that covers your nerves.
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