The recent outbreak of dengue fever among the urban population, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, is a new reason for serious concern. Along with proper medication, the right food intake is essential in fighting dengue and ensuring quick recovery of patients. Through a balanced diet, one can not only detoxify the body and improve the platelet count, but also prevent severe complications like gastrointestinal bleeding, dehydration, etc.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection caused by the virus, DENV. Symptoms typically begin 3 to 14 days after infection and may include high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle pain and joint ache, and a characteristic skin rash. At the onset of the symptoms, it is vital to boost the patient's immunity by giving him/her food that are loaded with essential nutrients and vitamins.
In Stage 1 nutritional treatment of the patient, liquid food is recommended, as they are comparatively easily tolerated than solid food. Frequent intake of fluids, in small portions, can help to replace the fluids lost, and also bring down body temperature.
As patients start to recover from dengue, Stage 2 nutritional treatment may commence in the form of easily digestible foods, like gooey khichuri, curd and rice, porridge, boiled potatoes, boiled vegetables like papaya, pumpkin, green peas, etc.
One can use lemon juice or herbs to enhance the flavour. Along with the soft diet, drinking plenty of fluids like fresh juice, soups, and coconut water are necessary. This helps to maintain the water and electrolyte balance of the body. Fruits help too — ripe banana, ripe papaya, and watermelon. And finally, Stage 3 involves returning to normal, nutritious diet following recovery from dengue.
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