Know About Foods to Eat and Avoid for Dengue Treatment

India has witnessed a surge in dengue casualties in recent times. The break bone fever exhibits symptoms like hemorrhagic fever, headache, muscle and joint pain and skin rashes. Another critical sign measuring the severity of the fever is low platelet count which hampers the immune system.

Apart from proper medications and rest, a probable solution includes a few food items in a daily diet to accelerate the recovery process.

The next segment includes the list of foods for dengue treatment and foods to avoid during the fever.

Medical practitioners often prescribe protein and iron-rich diets to help combat dengue fever effectively. The following food items potentially prevent anaemia and strengthen the immune system to improve platelet count.

1. Papaya Leaves

The papaya leaves extract contains enzymes such as papain and chymopapain, essential for improving blood platelet count.

2. Spinach

The green leafy vegetable is rich in iron and omega-3 fatty acids, crucial to enhancing immunity by increasing the platelet count.

3. Broccoli

Broccoli supplies sufficient Vitamin K, a blood platelet regenerating micronutrient, making it beneficial for patients suffering from a steep fall in platelet count. Moreover, including broccoli in the daily diet provides antioxidants and other vital minerals.

4. Garlic

Garlic is best known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. In addition, it cures inflammation, fever and sore throat by rooting out the toxins and harmful germs. Thus experts recommend this food for dengue recovery.

5. Neem Leaves

Neem leaves are one of the essential foods for dengue treatment. They curb the spread and growth of the virus, courtesy of its medicinal properties.

6. Turmeric

The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric heal the skin rashes. Dengue patients can consume turmeric with milk to speed up recovery.

7. Fenugreek

Fenugreek or methi acts as a tranquilliser to soothe the pain and improve sleep patterns. Moreover, it stabilises high fever, a common sign of dengue.

8. Yoghurt

As an effective probiotic, yoghurt is essential for stimulating the immune and digestive systems.

9. Pomegranate

This food for dengue fever is known for high nutrients and minerals content vital for restoring energy. Additionally, pomegranate contains iron that is beneficial for blood.

10. Grapefruit

This tropical fruit is flavourful and rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, crucial to boosting the immunity system. Moreover, it accelerates white blood cells (WBCs) count to fight the dengue infection effectively.

11. Orange

It contains a high amount of antioxidants and Vitamin C. Hence, individuals are recommended to include this fruit to eradicate the dengue virus.

12. Kiwi

Kiwi is loaded with Vitamins A and E and potassium that significantly balance the electrolyte levels in the body to fight hypertension and high blood pressure. Furthermore, the copper forms healthy red blood cells (RBCs) to build immunity against dengue fever.

13. Coconut Water

One of the common fruits for dengue patients is coconut. However, as dengue dehydrates the body, doctors recommend coconut water loaded with electrolytes and vital micronutrients.

14. Almonds

Almonds contain Vitamin E and other micronutrients that strengthen immunity.

15. Raisins

Another food for dengue treatment is raisins which substantially boost the platelet count.

Some of the foods to avoid during dengue fever include-

• Whole refined flour
• Frozen and dried pulses
• Capsicum
• Okra
• Cream cheese
• Whole milk
• Buttermilk
• Condensed milk
• Clove
• Red meats like beef, pork, mutton, lamb and ham
• Seafood including crab, prawns, lobsters etc.
• Cashew nuts
• Peanuts
• Mayonnaise
• Dark chocolate
• Caffeinated drinks

However, it is always recommended to consult a professional medical practitioner to know more about the foods for dengue treatment. Also, patients should eat food at regular intervals and consume adequate fluids to keep the progress under control.