Dengue has become a massive global health challenge in recent times. It is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV). The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified dengue as the most prevalent viral infection that spreads via bites of the infected female Aedes species mosquitoes. It can cause platelet levels to drop and damage blood vessels. There are several types of dengue fever and if not treated promptly, it can be life-threatening.
The infected person may experience joint and muscle aches, high temperature, headaches and rashes within a few days after the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. The symptoms can worsen over a period, but milder types of dengue fever usually settle in a week.
Augmenting the person’s immune system is vital in fighting the dengue virus. Although there is no specific cure for this viral fever. Nevertheless, having a wholesome balanced, nutrient-dense diet may be crucial to speed up the recovery process and an important step in rebounding you back into a healthy state.
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Dive into this article to learn more about foods to eat and avoid during dengue fever.
Dietary Guidelines
Low platelet counts, severe weakness and dehydration are all possible outcomes of dengue fever, and the diet regimen should be planned cautiously to avert that. A well-planned diet is essential for the speedy recovery of patients.
Also Read: Dengue Fever: Drink Papaya Leaf Extract To Increase Platelet Count
Good Hydration
Maintaining hydration is essential to prevent dehydration, mainly if you are having vomiting or diarrhoea. These symptoms can cause the body to deplete fluids. Water, clear soup, tender coconut water and electrolyte drinks can help to correct fluid imbalances. However, avoid sugary drinks and beverages, which may lead to further dehydration.
Eat Small Meals
Eating small frequent meals is preferred rather than having large meals. This can help ensure that your body gets the right amount of nutrients without putting excess strain on the gastrointestinal system.
Add Nutrient-dense Foods
You can trigger the immune system by adding foods abundant in vitamins and minerals to the diet regimen. Fruits, veggies, legumes, and whole grains are all impressive sources of vital nutrition.
Limit High-fat And High-fibre Rich Foods
It is ideal to refrain from foods that are loaded with fat or fibre. These foods can be difficult to digest and could exert a lot of pressure on the digestive system.
Foods To Eat And Drink During Dengue
Power-up with Vitamin C Foods
Vitamin C is one of the essential nutrients that should be part of your diet during dengue. Attributed with potent anti-viral and antioxidative traits, vitamin C helps in building a robust immune system. In addition, it helps in absorbing another powerful nutrient iron from the intestine. Some of the vitamin C-rich foods you should incorporate include oranges, lemon, papaya, guava etc., and vegetables like green leafy vegetables, capsicum, cauliflower, broccoli etc.
Papaya extract is an impressive source of digestive enzymes such as papain and chymopapain. These enzymes are known to promote digestion, ease bloating and treat other digestive problems. Also, fresh papaya leaf juice helps in treating dengue by improving platelet counts.
Add Iron Rich Foods
The platelet counts drop during dengue fever. Your system requires a good amount of iron to maintain your blood haemoglobin levels and produce platelets. Platelets are vital in the blood clotting process of the system and hence it is important to prevent blood loss, which is common during dengue. Thus, having iron-rich foods like lean meat, beans and legumes, green leafy vegetables and dates may help in delivering iron. This will help in boosting platelet counts and speed up the recovery process.
Load Vitamin K Foods
Vitamin K is another essential nutrient that assists in improving the platelet count. In addition, it also helps in blood clotting, which is beneficial in managing dengue fever. Try including foods rich in vitamin K like sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, spinach, kale, kiwi, avocado, and lean meat to recuperate well.
Calorie Dense Foods
Your body becomes weak and exhausted when infected by the dengue virus. Include plenty of energy-dense foods such as rice, milk, and potato, that would help you regain lost strength and convalescence well.
Adequate Fluids
Water is quintessential for the system, particularly when you are recovering from dengue fever. Ensure to drink plenty of fluids including water, tender coconut water, clear soup, and rice porridge as they are packed with electrolytes (like potassium, calcium, sodium and magnesium). Fluids will maintain your electrolyte balance and keep you well-hydrated.
Foods To Avoid
Caffeine
Caffeine is a diuretic that causes the system to lose water via urine. Thus, it is vital to restrict caffeinated beverages when suffering from dengue fever, as the body needs to stay hydrated.
Spicy Foods
Spicy Foods can irritate the stomach and damage the intestinal wall due to excess acid secretion. It is ideal to have a soft and bland diet and avoid species.
Fatty Foods
The digestion of food is usually slow with dengue fever, making it hard for the stomach to break down fatty foods. So, it is essential to restrict foods like fatty meat cuts, butter, and deep-fried foods. This will reduce the strain on your intestine and use that energy to help you regain strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Foods That A Dengue Patient Can Eat?
The best food for a dengue patient includes easily digestible, nutrient-rich options like:
Fruits like papaya, kiwi, pomegranate, and oranges (rich in vitamin C)
Vegetables like spinach, carrots, and beetroot (boost immunity)
Tender coconut water (hydrates the body and replenishes electrolytes)
Protein-rich foods like boiled eggs and lean chicken (speed up recovery)
Soups and broths (nourishment and good hydration)
Papaya leaf juice (increase platelet count)
What Not To Eat In Dengue?
Avoid the following during dengue:
Oily, spicy, and fried foods (hard to digest)
Processed foods (low in nutrition, can weaken immunity)
Beverages high in caffeine (can dehydrate the body)
Foods high in sugar (can cause inflammation and suppress the immune response)
Can I Eat Chicken In Dengue?
Yes, you can eat chicken in dengue, especially lean, boiled, or steamed chicken. It is a good source of protein, which helps in rebuilding tissues and boosting the immune system.
Can I eat Maggi in dengue?
It's best to avoid Maggi or any other instant noodles during dengue as they are processed, low in nutritional value, and hard to digest.
Can I Eat Rice In Dengue?
Yes, you can eat rice in dengue, preferably soft, boiled rice as it is easy to digest and provides energy. Pair it with lentils or light curries for balanced nutrition.
Can I Drink Milk In Dengue?
Yes, you can drink skim milk in dengue if your digestive function is good. However, some people may find milk heavy on the stomach, so you can replace it with lighter options like buttermilk or coconut water for hydration and nutrition.
Can I Eat Curd In Dengue?
Curd is a good option as it contains probiotics that can aid digestion and boost immunity. However, avoid consuming it if you have a sore throat or cold symptoms as it may increase mucus production.
How To Recover Fast From Dengue?
To speed up the recovery from dengue:
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids like coconut water, soups, and ORS solutions.
Eat a wholesome diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Get adequate rest to allow your body to heal.
Monitor your platelet count and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
Can I Take A Bath In Dengue?
Yes, you can take a bath during dengue, but make sure the water is lukewarm, not cold, to avoid any additional strain on the body. It can help you feel fresh and reduce fever.
(This article is reviewed by Soumita Basu, Ayurveda Pharma Expert)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Micronutrients and Dengue
Sundus Ahmed, Julia L. Finkelstein, Anna M. Stewart, John Kenneth, Mark E. Polhemus, Timothy P. Endy, Washington Cardenas, and Saurabh Mehta*
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4228873/
Importance of proper nutrition in dengue infections
Swapan Banerjee 1,*
1Dept. of Nutrition, Seacom Skills University, Kendradangal, West Bengal, India
https://www.jnmhs.com/journal-article-file/17975
