Dengue Diet: Fuel Your Recovery with Nutritious Food

• Written by Rashmi Rai

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Dengue is a serious mosquito-borne illness that can affect anyone. It requires prompt medical care as it can be life-threatening affecting your organs. Along with proper medication, a balanced and nourishing diet plays a crucial role in the recovery process.

Interested in discovering the nutritious foods that aided speedy recovery from dengue? Stay tuned and read this blog to learn about the best foods for dengue patients, essential for a speedy recovery. 

5 Types of Foods for Speedy Recovery from Dengue

Here is a list of top dengue treatment foods to help you bounce back faster:

Fluids for Hydration

Dengue patients must stay hydrated to regulate body temperature, flush out toxins, maintain electrolyte balance and keep the body functioning properly. For hydration consume the following,

• Water - helps in regulating body temperature and flushing out toxins.
• Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) - Maintains electrolytes in case of vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Coconut water - a natural source of electrolytes which is light on the stomach.
• Buttermilk - cooling for the stomach.

Immunity Boosting Foods

The best dengue fever treatment foods are immunity-boosting foods that help in fighting the virus. They include: 

• Vitamin C sources like oranges, guava, strawberries, kiwi, amla, sweet lime etc. help boost immunity.
• Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli are rich in vitamins and minerals that help fight infection.
• Antioxidant sources such as berries, and nuts protect from free radicles.
• Antiinflammatory foods like garlic, ginger and turmeric help in fighting inflammation in the body.

Food for Boosting Platelet Count

Dengue fever causes disruption in platelet generation, leading to a sudden drop in the platelet count. In severe cases, the patient may require a blood transfusion. However, with a healthy diet, the natural production of platelets in dengue patients can be increased.

• Foods rich in vitamin A such as papaya leaf juice, beetroot, pomegranate juice, spinach, pumpkin and carrot help in increasing the platelet count.
• Foods rich in Zinc such as whole cereals, seeds and nuts are highly recommended. 

Protein-rich Food

Protein is required for repair and recovery during illness. Some of the best dengue fever recovery foods rich in protein are:

• Vegetarian sources like curd, paneer, soya, tofu, chena, chana and sattu.
• Non-vegetarian sources include eggs, fish, chicken and mutton.
• Plant-based sources like lentils, beans, chickpeas, etc.

Food for Energy

Dengue patients need energy-boosting food to combat fatigue. The best food for dengue fever fatigue includes calorie-rich food that is easily digestible like ghee, butter, cheese, and daliya.

Foods to Avoid During Dengue

Dengue patients should avoid certain types of food for faster recovery, such as:

• Oily and Fatty Food: Oily and fatty food is difficult to digest and puts additional stress on the body which is already fighting infection. Hence foods like junk food, fried food and heavy meats should be avoided as they can make your symptoms worse.
• Spicy Food: Spicy and acidic food can irritate your stomach and cause discomfort, which again disrupts the recovery.
• Caffeinated Beverages: Coffee, soda and energy drinks have high amounts of caffeine and sugar, which dehydrates your body and affects recovery.
• Alcohol: Alcohol consumption should be completely avoided during dengue fever as it can harm your body and cause severe dehydration.

Foods to Prevent Dengue Fever

A strong immune system is the best way to fight dengue fever. Dengue fever prevention food will include those food that help build a strong immunity. Such food includes:

• Citrus Food: Foods rich in vitamin C help in strengthening immunity by increasing the production of white blood cells which are infection-fighting cells of the body. Such foods are also rich in antioxidants which protect the body from free radicles. It includes kiwi, amla, oranges, sweet lime, lemon etc.
• Garlic: Garlic has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that help fight infection in the body.
• Curd: Curd is a probiotic that improves your gut health and aids digestion stimulating your immune system.
• Turmeric: Turmeric is a good antiseptic and anti-inflammatory food that prevents inflammation in the body.
• Iron-Rich Food: Foods rich in iron such as spinach, beetroot, apple, and pomegranate help in maintaining the platelet count and overall immunity of your body.

Food for Thought - Boost Your Immunity Against Dengue

It is hence established that recovering from dengue requires more than just dengue patient treatment; it also requires a nourishing diet to replenish lost fluids,  platelet counts, and revive energy. A healthy diet, along with proper care could help one to recover faster and with renewed energy.

Furthermore, you can be prepared for the expenses incurred in the treatment of dengue by investing in a comprehensive health insurance plan.

At Care Health Insurance, we have got you covered for dengue treatment costs, including hospitalisation, diagnostic services, and OPD care, through our diverse range of health insurance plans. Get yourself a comprehensive health insurance plan today to stay covered against any medical emergency!

>> Also Read: Health Insurance for Dengue

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.