Dengue fever is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes that not only results in high fever, body pain, and lethargy but also in a precipitous fall in platelet levels.
Without a specific treatment for dengue, supportive therapy and a healthy diet become very important for recovery. Your diet during dengue can directly affect your energy levels, immunity, and rate of recovery, and hence managing diet becomes an integral part of your recovery process.
Physicians tend to stress that food in the right variety can aid in keeping patients hydrated, enhancing immunity, and aiding platelet production. With vitamin-rich fruits such as kiwi and papaya, iron-enriched greens, and antioxidant-dense vegetables, eating becomes a natural antidote against weakness and recovery. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. Jatin Choudhary, Celebrity fitness expert and physiotherapist, shares foods to eat during dengue fever.
Dengue Food Guide To Boost Platelet And Quick Recovery
Papaya Leaves
Papaya leaves are full of enzymes such as papain and chymopapain, which are platelet-increasing in nature. Papaya leaf extract or juice can improve platelet count to a great extent and improve immunity. Papaya leaves may be taken in the form of juice or may be included in salads and smoothies.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits contain high amounts of vitamin C, which the body needs to enhance its immune system. Vitamin C also plays a critical role in collagen production, which supports tissue repair. Adding citrus fruits to the diet can improve the body’s resilience to the dengue virus.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate contains a lot of iron, which helps maintain an optimal number of healthy blood platelets. Intake of pomegranate helps fight fatigue and lethargy and is a great dietary supplement for a dengue patient
Coconut Water
Coconut water is a natural electrolyte that can fight dehydration. It restores lost fluid and adds vital minerals such as potassium and sodium. Regular consumption of coconut water may support fluid balance and overall well-being.
Leafy Greens
Leafy vegetables such as spinach contain high levels of iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. These elements play a crucial role in the production of red blood cells and in strengthening immunity overall. Adding spinach to salads, smoothies, or soups can be very helpful for dengue patients.
Diet For Dengue Fever (Image Credits: Canva)
Other Tips for Recovery from Dengue Fever
Drink lots of fluids, such as coconut water, herbal teas, and soups.
Consume soft and easily digestible foods such as porridge, broth, boiled vegetables, and rice.
Refrain from oily, spicy, and processed foods that cause irritation to the stomach and impede recovery.
Rest and sleep well to facilitate the healing process of the body.
Example Diet Plan For Dengue Fever Patients
Breakfast: Honey and berry oatmeal, spinach and banana smoothie with almond milk, or boiled eggs with whole-grain toast.
Mid-Morning Snack: Coconut water, fruit salad with citrus fruits and nuts, or herbal tea with ginger and lemon.
Lunch: Chicken soup with vegetables and brown rice, spinach salad with nuts and seeds, or papaya leaf juice.
Afternoon Snack: Whole-grain crackers with hummus or coconut water.
Dinner: Grilled fish with steamed broccoli and quinoa, vegetable stew with lentils and leafy greens, or chamomile tea.