With increasing dengue casualties in India, there is an urgent cause to worry about the rapidly-spreading malady. Dengue fever is considered as a chronic illness and if left untreated or diagnosed lately, can cause a person to lose his life.
But the good thing is that consuming a diet customized for dengue patients, it is possible to overcome the ailment and live a healthy and sustaining life.
What exactly is Dengue Fever?
Dengue is a viral flu fever that is spread by the bite of an Aedes Mosquito. It is a hemorrhagic fever that is spread by the bite of an Aedes mosquito. The fever is commonly known as ‘break bone fever’ as a person experiences severe joint pains that make the condition even worse.
Joint pain, sudden high fever, headaches, vomiting, nausea, and pain behind eyes are common symptoms of dengue fever. Till date, there is no vaccine available for dengue fever but it can be cured with allopathic medicines.
Dengue is a fatal ailment and patients suffering from it must be admitted to hospitals immediately for effective and quick treatment. In addition to medicines, doctors suggest a strict diet for dengue patients for fast recovery.
The treatment for dengue involves heavy doses of medicine and at the same time food consumed is lesser in quantity, which makes a patient extremely weak. Diet for dengue patients usually includes green vegetables, proteins, and lots of fluid intake. Additionally, there are more other food items included, which are mentioned in this post.
Diet of Dengue Patients
1. Papaya Leaves
Patients suffering from dengue, papaya leaves are the finest option to go for. Simply crush papaya leaves and squeeze then to extract its juice. The extract from papaya leaves increases platelet count to a high extent. Also, you can boil papaya leaves in water and drink the solution. It is the best home remedy to cure dengue fever.
2. Broccoli
Another food suggested to dengue patients is Broccoli, which is an excellent source of vitamin K that helps to reproduce blood platelets. If there is an immense decline in platelet count, broccoli must be consumed on a daily basis. Broccoli also contains rich levels of minerals and antioxidants.
3. Spinach
It is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and iron and helps to improve the immune system to a high extent. Consuming spinach on a daily basis is an effective way to increase the platelet count.
4. Pomegranate
It is a rich source of minerals and essential nutrients that offer the body with needed energy. Consumption of pomegranate reduces the feeling of fatigue and exhaustion. It is a rich source of iron and is beneficial for the human blood. Also, it helps to maintain a normal blood platelet count that is essential to recover from dengue fever.
5. Orange
Orange is one of the finest fruits for patients suffering from dengue. It is because the fruit is naturally rich in vitamin C and can help in the fast recovery of antibodies. You can prefer consuming lemons, oranges, sweet limes in a well-processed form.
6. Porridge
Pureed, soft foods are suggested for dengue patients. It is because it is easily digestible. Porridge is an excellent option as it can be digested and swallowed easily and it also contains plenty of rich fluids. The high nutrient value and fiber content found in porridge will aid patients in fighting the disease.
7. Coconut Water
Dengue can also cause dehydration and coconut water is one of the finest ways to regulate fluid levels in the body. It is a natural source of water containing electrolytes and essential minerals. For this reason, it is an important dietary supplement for patients suffering from dengue.
8. Ginger Water
Another excellent source of minerals and fluids to dengue patients is ginger water. Ginger water is great to reduce the effects of nausea and help people to overcome with the ill effects of this disease.
9. Fruit and Vegetable Juices
Cucumber, leafy greens, and carrots are good for curing the symptoms of dengue. These food items contain plenty of essential minerals and vitamins, which can help boost the immunity of dengue patients.
In addition to vegetable juice, one can also consume fruit juices like guava, orange, strawberry, kiwi, and pineapple to boost the production of lymphocytes that fight the viral infection. Hence, these are must dietary supplements for dengue patients.
10. Soups and Boiled Food
Soup is a wonderful and delectable way to combat the symptoms of dengue. Soups are low on spices and excellent for digestion and bowel movements. Dengue patients must consume soup prepared from different vegetables so that protein, minerals, and vitamins are maintained in the body. Moreover, such patients must avoid spicy or oily food completely. If needed, mashed boiled food can be offered with little seasoning.
Dos of Diet for Dengue Patients
- Dengue patients must consume whole grain cereals, thick skin fruits, and green leafy vegetables.
- Large quantities of fluid must be consumed with light
- Patients are suggested to take complete bed rest.
- Repeated blood tests are required to monitor hematocrits and platelet counts.
- Do not consume any medication for symptoms or fever without doctor’s prescription or advice.
- Avoid delaying treatment especially if symptoms such as bleeding, red spots, excessive drowsiness, paleness of skin, breathlessness, and frequent vomiting occurs.
Don’ts of Diet for Dengue Patients
- Processed foods, fried foods, oily, junk, and spicy foods must be avoided completely.
- Dengue patients must avoid consuming excess intake of coffee, tea, cocoa, and caffeinated beverages.
Consuming food items mentioned in the above list can aid speedy recovery of patients from dengue fever. A perfect combination of medicines and these food items can ensure that a patient is able to combat the ailment easily. Most importantly, it is vital to follow doctor’s advice and suggestions completely. If there is need and a patient is too severe then hospitalization may also be needed. In any case, stop the medication only after your doctor’s recommendation, but you can continue consuming the same diet even after a week for complete recovery from the ailment.
