Dengue fever is a viral infection, the vector of which is the Aedes mosquito. It includes high-temperature fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, rashes-all of which put a great impact on the immune system of the body. Though it requires medical attention for the patients with dengue fever, nutrition also takes an enormous part in recovering from the disease. Proper nutrition can also enhance immunity, keep the body well-hydrated, and increase the healing process.
However, it’s equally important to find out what to exclude from the diet during dengue, as several types of food can trigger aggravation in symptoms or disturb the recovery process. In this article, you will read about the best food for dengue patients, food to avoid during dengue, and answer common questions like “Can we eat rice in dengue?” to make sure that you or your loved one gets the right nourishment.
Nutritional Role in Recovery from Dengue
On being diagnosed with dengue fever, the immunity of the body is at a stress level, and nutrition for recovery should be the priority. A healthy diet will help the body cope with the following:
Improves Immunity: There are certain foods that enhance the immunity levels of the body, which in turn help to fight the virus more effectively.
Maintains Hydration: Dengue fever generally results in dehydration of the body; hence, it is necessary to take a diet that keeps it hydrated.
Speeds up the recovery process by gaining the lost nutrients and energy from the right foods.
Foods to eat during Dengue
For dengue patients, food needs to focus on easily digestible items that have high nutritional value along with hydrating properties to support faster recovery. The followings are perfect options for this purpose:
1. Fruits
The fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which improve immunity and rebuild energy. Here are some highly recommended fruits for the dengue patient:
Papaya: The extract or juice of the papaya leaves is always recommended for treating dengue fever since it increases the count of platelets within the blood. The fruit is also rich in Vitamin C, which is useful in immune support.
Pomegranate: It contains huge amounts of iron in it, which can help to keep the blood count to a healthy level and prevent fatigue associated with dengue.
Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and others belong to this category, which contain a huge amount of Vitamin C, very useful for raising the efficiency of the immune system and fighting against infections effectively.
Coconut Water : It is not technically a fruit but it is rich in essential electrolytes. It helps improve hydration, which is very crucial for the patients suffering from dengue.
2. Herbal Tea
Herbal tea soothes a dengue patient; most of all, it would be ginger tea, peppermint tea, or tulsi tea. The main usefulness of these teas is their antiviral properties, which act to combat the virus. Teas also help the body to hydrate and find comfort during fever and chills.
3. Vegetables
The variation in vegetables ensures a constant intake of vitamins and minerals, highly important in recovery. Cooked or steamed vegetables are easy to digest. Focus on:
Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens have iron in them, which is excellent for battling fatigue.
Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, carrots help boost immunity and may contribute to repairing tissues.
Broccoli : Broccoli is a powerhouse of Vitamin C and antioxidants that improve immunity and repair tissues.
4. Soups and Broths
Dengue patients will do well with clear soups and vegetable broths. Such soups help in hydration without going into the digestive system or disturbing it much, and they contain the nutrients required by the body. Chicken soup is very good protein and reduces inflammation.
5. Protein Foods
While protein is essential in recovery, one needs to ensure that one only selects easily digestible options. Consider the following:
Eggs: Soft-boiled or scrambled eggs will be fine, serving with adequate amounts of protein for your needs of essential amino acids that help mend tissues.
Lentils: Full of protein, just like their cousins in the legume family, these are easily digestible and generally a good option for vegetarians.
Yogurt: Yogurt will serve you with probiotics to help you in digestion; it’s also a great source of protein and calcium.
6. Hydration
Recovery from dengue includes one of the most important things: keeping the body hydrated. Besides water, a patient can be given coconut water, ORS solutions, and fresh fruit juices-without added sugar-to stay hydrated. Electrolyte beverages are also useful because their mineral salt replacement is very important.
While there are foods that help in recovery, there are certain foods to avoid during dengue and food to avoid during fever in general. These can exacerbate symptoms or slow down the healing process. Some foods can also trigger dehydration or inflammation, making the patient’s condition worse.
A list of such foods to avoid:
1. Oily and Fried Foods
Fried and oily foods are not digested easily and create discomfort in the stomach that might result in nausea or indigestion. Such foods will make the immune system weak and prolong the recovery process.
2. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods cause irritation in the stomach lining and create gastric problems. A dengue patient should always go for light and non-spicy food in order not to irritate the stomach.
3. Caffeinated Beverages
These drinks, like coffee, tea-except for herbal teas-and energy drinks, can dehydrate the body and place an extra burden on the heart.
4. Sugary Food
Too much sugar reduces immunity and creates pro-inflammation, which is negative to the recovery process. It is better to avoid high-calorie added sugars like pastries, candies, and sweetened drinks.
5. Non-Plant-Based Proteins
Red meats and processed meats are difficult to digest and cause inflammatory reactions. Hence, plant-based proteins or light animal proteins, such as fish and chicken, can be consumed.
Can We Eat Rice in Dengue?
One of the very frequent questions regarding dengue fever is about rice. Yes, dengue patients can consume rice, but in moderation and preferably its softer version, like rice porridge or plain boiled rice. Since rice is a carbohydrate, it gives energy to the body and is not at all harsh on the digestive system. You can make it healthier with the addition of vegetables or clear broth.
Foods to Avoid During Fever
Dengue fever follows with high temperatures, and similar diet rules apply. Exclude the foods that take more time to digest or can lead to inflammation and dehydration, such as:
Processed foods: These contain preservatives and chemicals that might weaken your immunity.
Dairy products: Some people experience mucus production upon consumption of milk and other related dairy products and can make fever symptoms worse.
How to Get Rid of Dengue Fever with the Correct Diet
Though there is no specific treatment for dengue fever, a proper diet can do wonders in recuperation. Addition of wholesome nutrition full of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and hydration on top would aid and assist the body’s recovery from the virus. A part of medical advice is that good nutrition is apparently the best thing one could do for the body in order to help it be relieved of dengue.
Final Thoughts on Dengue Fever Treatment Through Diet
Thus, the food that the dengue patient consumes should be nutritious, easily digestible, and hydrating, consisting of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and soups. Avoiding specific foods that are considered to be among those not to be taken during dengue, such as oily, fried, or spicy, will help recover more smoothly. Additionally, the intake of fluids and immunity-boosting herbs like herbal teas may speed up recovery. While diet does play an essential role, remember that it is the medical attention that plays a vital role in the effective treatment of dengue fever.
A healthy and balanced diet helps patients overcome debilitating symptoms associated with dengue and regain their strength with more rapid speed.