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

Introduction

As soon as the monsoon arrives, so does the fear of dengue! With countless lives affected each year, the dangers of this mosquito-borne disease are common throughout the year. 

Did you know that a single bite from the Aedes mosquito can trigger multiple symptoms? High fever, pounding headaches, skin rashes, and unbearable joint and muscle pain – these signs can appear within just a few days, and if left untreated, things can take a serious turn. 

Recovery from dengue requires care, plenty of rest, and, most importantly, the proper food intake. What you eat can play a vital role in boosting immunity, restoring lost nutrients, and aiding speedy recovery. In this article, we’ll explore the best foods to eat and the ones to avoid to help your body fight dengue.

Friendly Reminder: The information shared here is for educational purposes only, and the reader should consult a registered medical practitioner before implementing any changes to their health routine.

Best Foods for Dengue Recovery

When diagnosed with dengue, follow the treatment advised. Diet may differ from patient to patient; talk to your doctor about the dos and don’ts related to the diet for dengue. Here are some common foods that are often helpful during dengue – 

1. Soft and Nutritious Food

Eat small portions of easy-to-digest food. Clear soups, khichdi, daliya, and boiled eggs are easily digestible. If available, choose freshly prepared homemade options. 

Some research suggests that drinking barley-infused water might benefit dengue fever, as it has antipyretic effects. However, as with all other herbal ingredients, a qualified specialist should moderate and monitor its consumption.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, BAMS, MD (Ayu)

2. Buttermilk

Buttermilk is rich in probiotics and helps restore electrolyte balance. A fall in blood pressure can be critical during dengue. Buttermilk is often considered soothing for the gut and allows the patient to feel better.

3. Pomegranate Juice

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, coconut water is immensely beneficial– it contains electrolytes and vital nutrients. In many cases, ginger water is also suggested since it helps combat the nausea 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.

6. Orange

A rich mix of antioxidants, Vitamin C, and orange juice may help boost vitamin C and glucose levels to fight weakness and nausea. Consume homemade fresh juice only. 

A word of caution – Dengue fever can rise rapidly after the onset of the initial symptoms. Thus, one must seek medical help when these symptoms are observed. The remedies mentioned above should be adopted as only supplemental measures in addition to prescribed treatment.

When suffering from Dengue, you must consume plenty of fruits and vegetables. Eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins C and K. Vitamin C-rich foods can provide strength and an immunity boost. However, you should avoid consuming chocolate-based, spicy, and fatty foods.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Foods to Avoid During Dengue Recovery

The path to recovery after a dengue infection may vary for different individuals. While there are no specific dietary restrictions, you can make matters easy by adhering to a less oily and spicy diet, at least for a few days. Also, make it a point to consume food that is easy to digest.

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

1. Non-vegetarian Food

Non-vegetarian foods like red meat, fish, beef, and pork are strictly prohibited. Increase your fluid intake and consume warm water instead of regular water.

2. Oily and Fried Food

Choosing a lighter diet and avoiding oily and fried food is best. 

3. Spicy Food

This is a big no-no for all who are recovering from dengue. 

4. Caffeinated Beverages and Alcohol

Your body needs a lot of liquid during this time, but that does not mean caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. These drinks cause fatigue, increase heartbeat, and overall are not good for you, especially when you are suffering from an illness.

5. Herbal Remedies

Talk to your doctor before consuming any herbal preparations. It can even worsen the nausea and suppress the appetite. 

Essential Tips to Keep Dengue at Bay

• Wear full-sleeved shirts and full trousers covering most 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.
• Be cautious when going outside, as the disease peaks during the monsoon season.
• Constantly apply insect repellant in and around your rooms and house to shoo away mosquitoes.

Conclusion

Dengue can cause a spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Doctors advise monitoring your temperature, blood pressure, and platelet count when diagnosed with dengue. Never rely on home remedies or self-medication. Falling blood pressure and a drop in platelet count are two common causes of fatality in dengue. Always manage this fever under the supervision of a doctor, and do not take any symptoms lightly. Nutrition, hydration, and rest are essential in recovery—do as directed by the treating doctor. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. World Health Organization. Dengue and severe dengue. World Health Organization. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/dengue-and-severe-dengue. Accessed January 17, 2025.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dengue clinical care. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/hcp/clinical-care/index.html. Accessed January 17, 2025.
3. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Do’s and Don’ts for managing dengue fever/dengue haemorrhagic fever cases. Available from: https://ncvbdc.mohfw.gov.in/WriteReadData/l892s/guidelines%20for%20treatment%20of%20Dengue.pdf. Accessed January 17, 2025.
4. Mishra S, Agrahari K, Shah DK. Prevention and control of dengue by diet therapy. Diptera. 2017;4(1):10-484. Available from: https://www.dipterajournal.com/pdf/2017/vol4issue1/PartA/4-1-10-484.pdf. Accessed January 17, 2025.

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