As the dengue outbreak is on the rise in various parts of the country, it is crucial to be prepared for a potential surge in cases compared to the previous year. With the rainy season setting in, there is an increasing number of dengue patients seeking medical attention in hospitals.
While proper medical treatment is essential for a complete recovery from dengue, maintaining a suitable diet can also contribute to a quicker recuperation. A balanced diet can aid in boosting platelet count, which tends to decrease due to the dengue infection, and help prevent severe complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding and dehydration.
Dengue is transmitted to humans through the bite of the Aedes mosquito, carrying the DENV virus. The disease's symptoms typically manifest within 3-14 days after infection and may include high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, and skin rash.
When these symptoms occur, it becomes crucial to strengthen the patient's immune system with foods rich in essential nutrients and vitamins. During the initial phase of dengue, patients may find it challenging to consume solid food, making liquid-based nourishment preferable. Small, frequent meals of liquid food can help regulate the body's temperature and compensate for the water deficiency.
As the patient progresses to the second phase of dengue, easily digestible foods such as khichuri, curd, rice, porridge, boiled potatoes, and boiled vegetables like papaya, pumpkin, and green peas can be incorporated into their diet.
During dengue infection, patients may experience loss of appetite and altered taste perception. To enhance the taste of food, lemon juice can be added. Soft foods and plenty of fluids, including fruit juices, soups, and bottled water, should be consumed to maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance.
As the patient nears full recovery, ripe bananas, ripe papayas, and watermelons can be gradually reintroduced into their diet. In the third phase of recovery, the patient can return to a regular nutritious diet.
Important things to keep in mind
When battling dengue, the body often experiences significant water deficiency, making it crucial to address this issue promptly. To restore proper hydration, individuals can opt for bottled water, lemon water, ginger water, and oral rehydration solution (ORS) – all of which play a vital role in replenishing fluids effectively.
Coconut water proves beneficial in such cases due to its electrolyte and nutrient-rich composition. Additionally, lemon water, aside from being an excellent source of vitamin C, aids in flushing out harmful substances from the body. Meanwhile, ginger water provides relief from nausea experienced by many dengue patients, while ORS supplies essential potassium to the body.
Furthermore, attention should be given to increasing platelet count alongside hydration. Vitamin K plays a pivotal role in this process, and incorporating vitamin K-rich foods like broccoli, abundant in antioxidants and minerals, can help achieve this objective. Similarly, spinach, rich in iron, potassium, and phytonutrients, not only boosts immunity but also aids in increasing platelet count. Pomegranates are highly effective in raising platelet levels due to their nutrient, iron, and mineral content, which provides the necessary energy while alleviating fatigue.
Papaya leaves, although not widely popular locally, are a valuable resource for boosting platelet count and alleviating digestive problems such as bloating, thanks to their papain and chymopapain enzyme content. Opting for goat's milk instead of cow's milk can also be beneficial.
Moreover, incorporating turmeric into the diet proves beneficial, as its antiseptic properties contribute to increased metabolism. Drinking turmeric mixed with milk can expedite recovery from dengue fever. Fenugreek serves as a remedy for sleep issues and pain relief. Additionally, it can help stabilize fever if it becomes excessively high.
For those battling with dengue, consuming black grapes can aid in blood formation due to their antioxidant properties. Similarly, guava is effective in increasing platelet count. Beetroot soup, rich in water, vitamins (B9, vitamin C), and minerals (manganese, potassium, iron), aids in boosting red blood cell production, while tomato soup provides ample vitamin C and potassium.
