Dengue fever- Best and effective foods which cut down the risk of infection

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease and there is no such cure yet for the disease, the only option is to tackle the symptoms and stop the platelet count from falling further. National Dengue Day is observed on May 16. Here, we tell you some of the best and effective foods which cut down on the risk of infection and help keep you healthy.

Come monsoons and infection cases for Dengue go up. According to WHO statistics, there are close two 50-75 million infections happening globally. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms typically begins three to fourteen days after infection. This may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash. When a mosquito bites a person infected with a dengue virus, the virus enters the mosquito. When the infected mosquito then bites another person, the virus enters that person’s bloodstream.

While there is no such cure yet for the disease, the only option is to tackle the symptoms and stop the platelet count from falling further. Having a good diet can also help stabilize your health and keep the platelet count from dipping further. Certain foods have also been used alongside traditional healing medicines to prevent and treat the mosquito-borne disease.

Best foods to recover from dengue fever

Having foods rich in antioxidants, rich in nutrients, which help boost immunity can get your health back on track after a dengue infection.

1. Papaya leaf: Papaya extract is rich in enzymes like papain and chymopapain, which aid digestion, prevent bloating and other digestive disorders.30ml of fresh papaya leaf juice helps in increasing the platelet count and, therefore, in the treatment of dengue.

Also watch: Papaya – Health Benefits and Properties

2. Pomegranate: Pomegranate is rich in essential nutrients and minerals that provides the body with required energy. Consumption of pomegranate reduces the feeling of exhaustion and fatigue. Being a rich source of iron, pomegranate stands out to be quite beneficial for the blood. It also helps in maintaining a normal blood platelet count which is essential to recover from dengue. Pomegranate has been used since the ancient times for its healthy and medicinal properties.

3. Garlic: Garlic is one of the best anti-viral foods you will find today. Because of its soothing properties, it’s often added in heaps while cooking traditional meals. It’s also an immunity enhancing food which helps deal with symptoms like inflammation, fever, sore throat. The antimicrobial and antifungal properties root out bad germs and toxins as well, speeding up recovery.

4. Yoghurt: Yoghurt is not just good for your digestion but also to keep your immune system functioning well. It works as a probiotic which stimulates the production of essential gut bacteria, eliminates toxins and provides many more health benefits. Since it’s also refreshing in taste, it makes for a sumptuous snack.

5. Grapefruit: Grapefruit is a tropic fruit full of flavours as well as nutrients. It comes power-packed with high vitamin C content, antioxidants which recharge your immune system. The fruit is also known to work as a fever reliever and boost the production of infection-fighting white blood cells (WBCs) in the body.

6. Coconut Water: Dengue generally results in dehydration. Thus, it is immensely beneficial to consume coconut water – which is loaded with electrolytes and vital nutrients.

7. Turmeric: Being an antiseptic and metabolism booster the consumption of turmeric with milk. This helps in faster recovery.

8. Fenugreek: Methi is known to induce sleep and acts like a mild tranquilizer that aids in easing pain. It is also known to stabilizing the high fever that is a common dengue symptom.

9. Orange: Rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, orange and its juice also help in treating and eliminating the dengue virus.

10. Broccoli: Broccoli is an excellent source of Vitamin K which helps to regenerate blood platelets. If there’s a sharp decline in the platelet count, then broccoli must be included in the daily diet of a dengue patient. It is also rich in antioxidants and minerals.

11. Spinach: Spinach is a rich source of iron and omega-3 fatty acids rich food which improves the immune system to a great extent. It is an effective way to increase the platelet level count.

12. Kiwifruits: s contain good amounts of vitamin A, vitamin E, along with potassium to balance the body’s electrolytes and limiting hypertension and high blood pressure. The copper in kiwifruit is especially for the formation of healthy red blood cells and building immunity against disease.

Foods to be avoided during Dengue fever

1. Oily/Fried food: It’s best to avoid oily food and opt for a lighter diet. Oily food contains a lot of fat which may lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This can put a damper on your road to recovery as it weakens the immune system.

2. Spicy Food – This is a big no for dengue patients. It can cause acid to collect in the stomach and lead to ulcers and damage to the wall. This damage hinders the recovery process as your body seems to be fighting double the illnesses.

3. Caffeinated beverages: Your body needs lots of fluid but caffeinated beverages are not the way to go. Since more hydrating and relaxing fluid intake is recommended, caffeinated drinks should be avoided at all costs. These drinks cause rapid heart rate, fatigue, caffeine crashes, and muscle breakdown

4. Avoid Non- vegetarian food: Non-vegetarian food is a strict “No”. Up your fluid intake and consume warm water instead of normal water.

Caution:

The dengue fever can rise rapidly after the onset of the initial symptoms. Thus, it is vital that one seeks medical help as soon as these symptoms are observed. The above-mentioned remedies should be adopted as only supplemental forms of treatment.

Also Read: Change your diet plan with these 5 nutritious meals