Diet in Dengue Fever: What to Eat and What to Avoid for Faster Recovery

What to eat while suffering from dengue fever is a challenge. Dengue is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes, and managing dietary needs is difficult during the fever phase. Proper nutrition is needed to support your body’s immune response, maintain energy levels, and promote recovery. A well-planned dengue diet can help decrease symptoms, prevent dehydration, and accelerate the healing process. It focuses on staying hydrated, consuming easily digestible foods, and avoiding items that may worsen symptoms or hinder recovery. By making informed dietary choices, you can support your body’s fight against the virus and facilitate a faster return to health. Let’s explore the specific nutritional requirements during dengue fever.

Nutritional Needs During Dengue Fever

When battling dengue fever, your body requires adequate hydration, electrolytes, and nutrients to combat the virus and support immune function. Key nutritional needs include:

• Consuming plenty of hydrating fluids such as water, coconut water, and oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration
• Focusing on easily digestible foods that are gentle on the stomach
• Incorporating energy-dense options like khichdi and daliya to maintain strength
• Including foods rich in vitamin C, iron, and other essential nutrients to boost immunity and support tissue repair

By prioritising these nutritional aspects, you can provide your body with the necessary tools to fight the infection and promote a faster recovery.

Foods to Eat for Dengue Patients

When recovering from dengue fever, consume a well-balanced and nourishing diet. Soft, easily digestible fruits like bananas, papayas, and watermelons are excellent choices as they provide essential vitamins and electrolytes. Cooked vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, spinach, and kale are also beneficial. Lean proteins like boiled eggs, tofu, and well-cooked lean meats are recommended, along with healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and seeds in moderation. To maintain hydration, include fluids like coconut water, herbal teas, and electrolyte solutions in your diet. Some of the beneficial foods are mentioned here.

1) Papaya Leaves

Papaya leaves are well-known for their ability to increase platelet count, making them highly beneficial for dengue patients. The leaves contain enzymes like papain and chymopapain, which aid in digestion and support the production of platelets. Consuming fresh papaya leaf juice can help elevate platelet counts, proving to be a valuable home remedy in dengue treatment. It is often recommended to drink 30 ml of papaya juice mixed with water twice daily.

2) Mix of Herbs

Incorporating a mix of herbs into your diet can offer significant relief and support during the recovery process from dengue. Herbal teas made with ingredients like ginger, peppermint, and chamomile can help you relax and promote restful sleep, which is essential for recovery. These teas also provide hydration and can help alleviate symptoms. Additionally, boiling neem leaves, known for their antiviral properties, in water and consuming the cooled liquid can aid in purifying the blood and eliminating toxins from the body.

3) Pomegranates

Pomegranates are strongly recommended for dengue patients due to their rich nutritional profile. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds that help combat fatigue and exhaustion. Consuming pomegranates also contributes to maintaining a normal blood platelet count and promoting overall recovery. For optimal results, drink a cup of pomegranate juice with a squeeze of fresh lemon twice a day.

4) Coconut Water

Coconut water serves as an excellent source of electrolytes and essential nutrients, making it an ideal choice for maintaining hydration during dengue fever. It helps replenish lost fluids and minerals, which is particularly important considering the high fever, vomiting, and sweating associated with the illness. Coconut water is easy on the digestive system and can be consumed regularly to ensure adequate hydration levels. While turmeric is not specifically highlighted as a primary food for dengue recovery, it does offer some general health benefits.

5) Oranges

Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in boosting the immune system and supporting recovery from dengue fever. Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells, helping the body combat infections more effectively. Incorporating oranges or other citrus fruits like lemons and grapefruits into your diet can provide essential nutrients and contribute to overall health.

6) Spinach

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green that offers essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and iron. When cooked, spinach is gentle on the stomach and easily digestible for dengue patients. It helps maintain nutrient levels and supports the immune system, which is crucial for recovery.

7) Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is a soothing and nourishing option for dengue patients. It is easy to digest and provides lean protein, which is essential for maintaining strength and supporting the immune system. The broth in chicken soup also helps replenish fluids and electrolytes, making it a beneficial choice during the recovery process.

8) Yoghurt

Plain, unflavored yoghurt can be beneficial for dengue patients due to its probiotic properties. Probiotics help maintain gut health and restore the balance of beneficial gut bacteria, which can be disrupted during illness. However, if dairy products are difficult to digest, it is advisable to avoid them.

9) Bananas

Bananas are highly recommended for dengue patients due to their high potassium content and easy digestibility. Potassium helps combat fever and maintain electrolyte balance, which is essential during dengue fever. Bananas are also a good source of energy and contribute to maintaining overall nutritional balance.

Foods to Avoid During Dengue Fever

When you are suffering from dengue fever, it is essential to avoid certain foods that can hinder your recovery process. These foods can worsen your symptoms, cause digestive issues, and make it more difficult for your body to fight off the infection. Some of these foods are given below.

1) Non-Vegetarian Food

During dengue fever, your digestive system may be working slower than usual, making it difficult to process non-vegetarian foods. Consuming meat, fish, or poultry can lead to indigestion or even hepatitis, further complicating your recovery. To support your body’s healing process, it is best to stick to a vegetarian diet that is easier on your digestive system.

2) Oily and Fried Food

Oily and fried foods are high in fat, which can be challenging for your body to digest, especially when you are battling dengue fever. These foods can worsen symptoms such as nausea and digestive discomfort, making it harder for you to recover. Moreover, consuming oily and fried foods can lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol, putting additional strain on your already compromised health.

3) Spicy Food

Spicy foods can be particularly irritating to your stomach during dengue fever, potentially causing ulcers and damaging the stomach lining. Consuming spicy dishes can also drain your energy, making it more difficult for your body to fight off the infection and prolonging your recovery process. By steering clear of spicy foods, you can better manage your symptoms and support your immune system’s response to the virus.

4) Caffeinated Beverages

Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks, can contribute to dehydration, a rapid heart rate, fatigue, and muscle breakdown, all of which can exacerbate your dengue fever symptoms. Since staying hydrated is crucial for your recovery, it is best to avoid these beverages altogether. Instead, focus on drinking plenty of water and other hydrating fluids to support your body’s healing process.

5) Processed foods

Processed foods, including fast food, packaged snacks, and ready-made meals, are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt. These ingredients can make digestion more difficult, cause excess gas, and increase dehydration, all of which can hinder your recovery from dengue fever.

6) Dairy Products

High-fat dairy products, such as whole milk, yellow cheeses, butter, and cream, can be difficult to digest and may worsen digestive issues like nausea and vomiting when you have dengue fever.

7) Sugary Foods

Sugary foods, such as sweets, processed juices, and dried fruits, can contribute to dehydration and worsen dengue fever symptoms. These foods provide empty calories and can disrupt your body’s ability to recover efficiently. Instead of relying on sugary foods for energy, choose natural sources of sugar, like fresh fruits, to support your body’s needs.

8) Alcohol

Alcohol consumption is strictly advised against when you have dengue fever, as it can dehydrate your body and interfere with your immune system’s ability to fight off the infection. Drinking alcohol can exacerbate your symptoms, prolong your recovery, and increase the risk of complications. To support your body’s healing process, it is essential to abstain from alcohol entirely.

Dengue Fever Home Remedies and Treatment

In addition to avoiding certain foods, there are several home remedies and treatments that can help you manage your dengue fever symptoms and support your recovery:

• Rest: Get plenty of rest to allow your body to focus on fighting off the infection and healing.
• Hydration: Drink ample amounts of water, coconut water, and other hydrating fluids to replace lost fluids and prevent dehydration.
• Papaya leaf extract: Consuming papaya leaf extract has been shown to increase platelet count, which can be beneficial for dengue patients.
• Giloy juice: Giloy, also known as Tinospora cordifolia, is an herb that can help boost immunity and support recovery from dengue fever.
• Tulsi leaves: Chewing on tulsi leaves or consuming tulsi tea can help reduce fever and strengthen your immune system.
• Neem leaves: Neem leaves have antiviral properties and can be consumed as a tea or used in a bath to help manage dengue fever symptoms.

If your symptoms worsen or you experience severe pain, bleeding, or persistent vomiting, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage your symptoms and ensure a safe and speedy recovery.

Diet Plan for Dengue Patients

A well-planned diet is essential for dengue patients to support their recovery. A sample diet plan for dengue patients is provided below:

By following a nutritious and balanced diet plan, dengue patients can effectively manage their symptoms and support their body’s recovery process.

A well-planned diet is crucial for managing symptoms and supporting the body’s immune response. Focus on consuming plenty of fluids, easy-to-digest foods, and nutrient-rich items such as vitamin C, iron, and vitamin K-rich foods. Avoid spicy, fatty, and caffeinated beverages, as well as high-fibre and processed foods, to prevent exacerbation of symptoms. Proper hydration, frequent small meals, and adequate rest are key to a speedy recovery. Consulting a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can provide personalised dietary advice tailored to individual needs. Remember, a healthy diet, along with proper medical care and rest, is essential for a full recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue#
2. https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/resources/Caring-for-a-Family_Dengue-P.pdf
3. https://rfppl.co.in/subscription/upload_pdf/E.%20Lakshmi_7367.pdf
4. https://www.dipterajournal.com/pdf/2017/vol4issue1/PartA/4-1-10-484.pdf
5. https://ncvbdc.mohfw.gov.in/WriteReadData/l892s/guidelines%20for%20treatment%20of%20Dengue.pdf
6. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346629046_Have_All_Fruits_in_Diet_with_Curative_Properties_during_Dengue_Fever_Treatment
7. https://www.wbhealth.gov.in/uploaded_files/IDSP/10DengueNursingManagement_.pdf
8. https://health.delhi.gov.in/sites/default/files/Health/generic_multiple_files/faq-dengue.pdf