Food for Dengue – What To Eat And What To Avoid!

Come monsoon and the scare of dengue hits one and all! With the number of lives affected by the deadly malady, the causes, and symptoms that these mosquito-borne diseases show are not unknown to many.

Once bitten by the fatal Aedes mosquito, the symptoms of high fever, headache, rashes, coupled with joint and muscle pain started to show up within 3 or more days, and from there the condition only worsens.

Food To Eat With Dengue

However, there are many ways and means to fight the dengue virus. First and foremost, it’s vital to boost the patient’s immunity. This can be done by giving him/her food items that are loaded with essential nutrients and vitamins that ensure a speedy recovery. Here’s a list of a few of them:

1. Papaya Leaves

Many researchers have found that papaya leaves play a crucial role in fighting this dangerous disease. They help to elevate the platelet counts which fall to dangerously low levels in a dengue patient. Typically, it is advised to consume these leaves in the juice form.

Healthy Drink to Fight Dengue

• Take  ½ papaya, medium in size and chop it into small pieces
• Next transfer the freshly cut pieces to a bowl
• Now add to this,  ½ a cup of orange juice, and two to three tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
• Next, add a tablespoon of honey and sprinkle some black pepper powder and salt to taste
• Transfer the contents to a blender, add a little water, and blend to a smooth juice
• Consume fresh

According to some research, drinking Barley infused water might be beneficial for dengue fever as it has antipyretic effects. As with all other herbal ingredients, its consumption should be moderate and monitored by a qualified specialist.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

2. Mix of Herbs

Many health practitioners recommend regular consumption of Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Ginger, Giloy (an Ayurvedic herb), and Aloe Vera to control the spread of the disease. Many doctors also advise to up the intake of amla, as it is rich in Vitamin C.

3. Pomegranates

Loaded with essential minerals and nutrients, this wonder fruit gives the body an immense rush of energy. Thus, it plays a crucial role in reducing fatigue and tiredness that a typical dengue patient experiences. Since these bright red seeds are also a rich source of iron, they aid in maintaining an average blood platelet count.

4. Coconut Water

Dengue generally results in dehydration. Thus, it is immensely beneficial to consume coconut water – which is loaded with electrolytes and vital nutrients. In many cases, ginger water is also suggested, since it helps to combat nausea that many dengue patients experience.

5. Turmeric

Being an antiseptic and metabolism booster, many doctors also recommend the consumption of turmeric with milk. This helps in faster recovery. Read more about the health benefits of turmeric.

6. Fenugreek

Fenugreek or methi is known to induce sleep and acts as a mild tranquilizer that aids in easing pain. It is also known to stabilizing the high fever that is a common dengue symptom.

7. Orange

A rich mix of antioxidants and Vitamin C, orange and its juice also helps in treating and eliminating the dengue virus.

A word of caution – The dengue fever can rise rapidly after the onset of the initial symptoms. Thus, it is vital that one seeks medical help as soon as these symptoms are observed. The above-mentioned remedies should be adopted as only supplemental forms of treatment.

And What To Avoid

The path to recovery after a dengue attack is not going to be very easy. While there are no specific dietary restrictions, you can make matters easy by adhering to a diet that is less oily and spicy at least for a few days. Also, make it a point to consume food items that are easy to digest.

When suffering from Dengue, you must consume plenty of fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to eat fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins C and K. Vitamin C-rich foods can provide strength and an immunity boost. Similarly, vitamin K can be beneficial for better blood clotting and improving reduced platelet count. However, you should avoid consuming foods which are chocolate based, spicy, fatty, etc.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Here are some of the food items you should avoid if you are suffering from Dengue:

1. Non-Vegetarian Food

Non-vegetarian food is a strict ”No”. Up your fluid intake and consume warm water instead of normal water.

2. Oily and Fried Food

It is best to choose a lighter diet and avoid oily and fried food. It contains a lot of fat which may lead to higher blood pressure. This can hamper your recovery as it weakens the immune system.

3. Spicy Food

This is a big no to all who are recovering from dengue. It leads to acid collecting in the stomach which in turn leads to ulcers. It hampers the recovering process as your body ends up fighting double the illnesses at the same time.

4. Caffeinated Beverages

Your body needs a lot of liquid during this time, but that does not mean caffeinated beverages. These drinks cause fatigue, increase heartbeat, and overall not good for you especially when you are suffering from an illness. Be sure to consume glasses of warm water instead of normal water.

General Tips To Avoid Dengue

Here are some quite general tips as to how you can prevent the disease from being a reality in your life:

• Try to wear full sleeve shirts and full trousers which cover most part of your body.
• Clear off all sources of stagnant water where these mosquitoes breed the most.
• Light up your home as mosquitoes prefer dark and damp places.
• Go out accordingly as the disease is at its zenith during the monsoon season.
• Constantly apply insect repellant in and around your rooms and house to shoo away mosquitoes.

Also Read: 5 Effective Preventive Measure for Dengue

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

203

17