Answer:

Eggs are nutritious, containing protein, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial compounds like choline, which is good for the brain. A 2020 meta-analysis of multiple studies published in the US National Library of Medicine indicated that egg consumption does not affect blood pressure. However, eggs are high in cholesterol, so people with cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure should eat only one egg per day and combine it with a diet low in saturated fat, refined carbohydrates, and rich in vegetables, fish, and whole grains.

High blood pressure, often called "the silent killer," is a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. Individuals with high blood pressure also have a higher risk of shingles recurrence. Studies indicate that the risk of shingles recurrence increases by over 30% in those with chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and lipid disorders. This is because these individuals often require regular medication to manage their conditions, which can gradually weaken the immune system, allowing the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) to reactivate and cause shingles.

Studies show that eating eggs does not help control blood pressure or prevent shingles. Illustrative image: Vecteezy

Studies show that eating eggs does not help control blood pressure or prevent shingles. Illustrative image: Vecteezy

To manage blood pressure, in addition to following your doctor's treatment plan, maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and avoid stress, alcohol, smoking, and excessive salt intake.

You should also consider getting the shingles vaccine to prevent recurrence and complications like postherpetic neuralgia, blindness, deafness, facial paralysis, and stroke. The vaccine is up to 97% effective in people 50 and older and 70-87% effective in those 18 and older with compromised immune systems due to illness. It also reduces the risk of postherpetic neuralgia and other complications by over 90%. The vaccine is given in two doses, 1-2 months apart.

Shingles results from the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) after a period of dormancy in the sensory nerve ganglia in individuals who have previously had chickenpox. It can affect people of all ages but is more common in those over 50 and those with weakened immune systems.

Shingles symptoms include itching, burning, or pain in a specific area of skin on one side of the body, sometimes accompanied by fever, fatigue, or headache. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to long-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia), pneumonia, meningitis, facial paralysis, and an increased risk of stroke.

Doctor Doan Thi Khanh Cham

Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System

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