Dengue Foods: What To eat & What to Avoid

Dengue is a fever caused due to viral infection and transmitted by a mosquito bite. The disease could be severe if not interpreted and treated on time. Two critical items to consider while treating this viral disease are the recurrence of dengue and the diet to be maintained and followed. However, proper dengue foods could ensure a faster recovery phase.

The current rise in global warming has led to an increase of 2.0 °C to 4.5 °C in average global temperatures. It has considerably enhanced the vector-borne diseases in India and the globe, which could be controlled with a proper diet when suffering from the illness and during recovery. It is necessary to understand what to eat in dengue and what to not eat during dengue.

This blog will discuss dengue foods that can ensure faster recovery and fight against dengue fever

Below is the list of dengue food that can help you recover faster from dengue

1. Papaya leaves

Papaya leaves extract is the most trusted treatment suggested by doctors and people who have experienced the disease. The papaya leaves are the most precise way to boost your platelet counts and return them to normal levels. You can consume the extract at least two times a day. Moreover, they enhance and help boost immunity for a faster recovery. The average platelet count indeed falls between 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microlitre of blood.

2. Coconut water

Coconut water provides your body with essential minerals and salts.

The mineral contents in coconut water keep your body energized and decline weakness. Once you drink more than two glasses of coconut water every day, your recovery from dengue is much faster than the usual pace needed. Otherwise, drinking coconut water is highly recommended.

3. Fruit juice

Consuming fruit juice helps faster recovery as the essential minerals get quickly absorbed. Fluids are vital for dengue recovery because they get easily absorbed by the body and overpower weakness. Most citrus fruit, which is readily available throughout the year, are the best source of vitamins, and they possess vitamin C, which is known for its immunity-boosting effects. Moreover, it is gut-friendly, and the fibre in the juice will also keep you away from gastric issues. Ensure the citrus fruit you buy is washed thoroughly, and you consume a fresh juice squeezed at home. Avoiding the monsoon season juice from vendors can have hygiene issues.

4. Herbal tea

Herbal tea is widely available throughout the country, and if you add tea concoctions with cardamom, peppermint, ginger, cinnamon etc. It can help you relax your body and mind and also aids in restoring sleep so that the body can rest for the highest time and help you recuperate from dengue. Daily intake of two cups of herbal tea in a day is too good, and avoid mixing too many spices. It can help you in keeping the tea light and easy to digest.

5. Porridge

Dengue foods should also encompass carbohydrates during the recovery phase to get back on track. Talking about porridge, it’s easy to digest. Moreover, you don’t feel heavy and bloated after ingesting too much of it. Even if you are lactose-intolerant, the best feature is that you can finish it in flavorful form. So, it’s a win-win.

Diet Regulations: Dengue Foods to Restrict in Dengue Fever

1. Avoid High fibre foods such as whole-grain cereals, green leafy vegetables, thick skin fruits, etc.
2. Consuming fried foods, processed foods, junk foods, oily and spicy foods, and pickles could be hazardous.
3. Give up the habit of excessive intake of tea, coffee, cocoa and other caffeinated beverages, etc.

What are the Do’s And Don’t for Dengue Diet Plan?

Do’s 

1. Consume immense quantities of fluids with a bland diet.
2. You should take complete bed rest.
3. Consistent blood tests are a must to monitor platelet counts and hematocrit.

Don’ts: 

1. Do not give Aspirin or any NSAIDs for the fever or pain because Aspirin is a blood thinner and NSAIDs exacerbate plasma leakage.
2. Never delay treatment, mainly if symptoms like red spots, bleeding from any site, black stools, excessive drowsiness, breathlessness, paleness of skin, and frequent vomiting occur.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Dengue food

What is the best food for dengue patients?

The best food for dengue patients includes foods rich in

protein and iron like meat and liver. They are recommended to help you recover from dengue fever.

Best Foods for Dengue Fever

• Liver
• Milk and dairy products
• Eggs
• Lean meats
• Chickpeas, lentils, peas
• Coconut water and natural fruit juices

Can we eat normal food in dengue?

Dengue patients need dengue foods high in protein as they ensure a quick recovery. Food items like eggs, chicken, fish, dairy products, and homemade dal are food that could increase protein in the body and help recover the lost nutrients.

Can food cause dengue?

Oily food contains a lot of fat, leading to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It can put a damper on your road to recovery as it weakens the immune system. Spicy Food – This is a big no for dengue patients, and it can cause acid to collect in the stomach and lead to ulcers and damage to the wall.