Dietary Guidelines For Dengue Fever:
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When an Aedes mosquito bites a person infected with the dengue virus, the mosquito becomes the carrier of it. Therefore, anyone who is bitten by this virus-carrying mosquito gets the disease, i.e. dengue. This virus cannot be spread directly from person to person but can be transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes that thrive in and around human dwellings. The patient’s liver is affected badly and it is important to maintain a good diet for easy digestion and quick recovery. Here are the complete dos and don’ts of diet for dengue fever. Also, check out how to prevent dengue.
Dengue Symptoms:
During a mild case of dengue fever many people, especially children and teens, may experience no signs or symptoms, as these usually occur within four to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
- High fever
- Muscle, bone, and joint pain
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Rashes
- Pain behind the eyes
- Swollen glands
Generally, it takes a week or so to recover from this disease. However, in some rare cases, the symptoms can worsen and become life-threatening. Blood vessels often become damaged and leaky and the number of platelets in the bloodstream drops. This can cause a severe form of dengue fever called dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.
In addition to various treatments and preventions, the diet for dengue fever plays a very prominent part in the recovery of the patient. The patient needs to have a sufficient intake of nutrients, including fluids and nourishing foods to overcome fatigue.
Diet For Dengue Fever:
Health Tip Keep yourself adequately hydrated by drinking lots of water and ORS in between your meals.
Papaya Leaves
- Take a couple of papaya leaves and wash them properly under running water
- Add a piece of pineapple and make a juice of these two ingredients by adding some water
- This extract boosts platelets count
Alternatively, boil the papaya leaves in water and drink the solution
Broccoli:
- An excellent source of vitamin K, broccoli helps regenerate blood platelets
- It is also rich in antioxidants and minerals
Pomegranate:
- Rich in essential nutrients and minerals, this fruit provides the body with the required energy and reduces the feeling of exhaustion and fatigue
- High in iron, pomegranate is quite beneficial for the blood and helps maintain a normal blood platelet count, making easy recovery possible
Spinach:
- A rich source of iron and omega-3 fatty acids, spinach improves the immune system to a great extent
- This green leafy vegetable also effectively increases the platelet count
Oranges:
- This tangy fruit is full of essential nutrients and vitamins
- It is also very rich in vitamin C and packed with antioxidants
Cereals:
- Ragi porridge/wheat porridge is high in nutrient value. Check out these easy ragi flour recipes.
- Helps boost immunity levels to fight the disease
Coconut Water:
This is one of the best foods for dengue patients, as it is a natural source of water, essential minerals and electrolytes
High Protein:
Foods Eggs, pulses, soya, paneer, and milk
Fruit Juice:
Fruits like orange, pineapple, strawberries, guava, and kiwi boost the production of lymphocytes that fight the viral infection
Make Sure You Do This To Recover Fast From Dengue:
Fluid replenishment:
Lots of fluids need to be consumed to regain electrolytes and prevent dehydration. For example, fresh juices, coconut water, watermelon juice and oral rehydration solution (ORS)
Include foods with vitamin C:
The antioxidants in these foods promote antibodies for faster healing and recovery. For example, pineapple, amla, papaya, kiwi and orange
Food that increases the platelet count and blood count:
Drink raw papaya leaf juice. Tender papaya leaf juice had twice a day increases the platelet count.
Those suffering from dengue should avoid spicy food, foods with saturated fats, processed food, and aerated drinks.
Foods To Avoid During Dengue:
- Avoid oily food, since the digestive system weakens during dengue fever, it’s best to avoid oily foods and opt for only boiled, bland foods.
- Avoid excess intake of tea, coffee, cocoa, and other caffeinated beverages
- Don’t drink alcohol and completely avoid it, as it dehydrates the body
Don’t exert yourself and make sure you have plenty of rest to replenish your body
Sample Diet For Dengue:
- Breakfast: Oats and milk with fruit or milk and muesli with honey or ragi idli with sambhar
- Mid-morning: Spinach or carrot soup or chicken soup
- Lunch: Ragi rice or wheat daliya or dal khichdi + boiled egg or chicken breast or paneer
- Evening Snack: Tender coconut water/ watermelon juice/ pomegranate juice or a kiwi
- Dinner: Khichdi with vegetables or spinach rice with broccoli /carrot/ paneer curry
