Home Remedies and Diet Tips for Managing Dengue Fever

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a viral-infection caused by a mosquito-borne dengue virus. It is spread to humans through the bite of infected female mosquitos, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are primarily active during the daylight hours, and unlike other mosquito species, Aedes aegypti primarily feed on human blood.

Dengue fever can be of two types; mild and severe. The differences between the two types is critical to manage dengue fever. Mild dengue fever can be characterised by joint and muscle pain, rash, high fever, and severe headache. Alternatively, symptoms associated with severe dengue fever include severe abdominal pain, reduction in palette count and at times, liver damage. 

Also read: Battling Dengue Outbreaks in India 

Recovering from Dengue Fever With a Healthy Dengue Diet

A balanced diet is vital to timely combat dengue fever and essentially includes immunity-boosting foods rich in lean proteins, leafy greens and vitamins. A dengue diet rich in these ingredients paired with proper hydration aids in maintaining optimal health and flushing harmful toxins from the body. In this article, we’ll explore the foods to eat and avoid for dengue fever treatment along with easy to follow dengue home remedies and tips to help you and your loved ones on the path to quick recovery.

How Nutrition Plays an Integral Role in Managing Dengue Fever?

Supporting Immunity: Proper nutrition consumption provides essential antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support optimal functioning of the immune system.

Maintaining Optimal Energy: Dengue fever can cause fatigue and weakness. An adequate dengue diet ensures the body has enough energy to fight the infection.

Preventing Malnutrition: Loss of appetite is a common symptom of dengue, this can lead to reduced food intake. A balanced dengue diet prevents malnutrition and the related complications.

Supporting Blood Platelet Count: Dengue can lead to a reduction in blood platelet count, which can lead to bleeding. A diet abundant in vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables helps support the body’s platelet count. 

Reducing Complications: While recovering from dengue, proper nutrition intake supports the body’s restoration and healing. Also, it's important to not self-medicate at home with medications like ibuprofen. Complications associated with dengue are: 

• Fall in platelet count

• Blood diathesis

• Dengue hemorrhagic fever and hypotension 

• Dengue shock syndrome

Fluid Management (Essential Fluids to Include in a Dengue Diet)

A diet rich in fluids keeps the body well hydrated and supports the management of dengue fever. Some fluids to include in a dengue diet are:

Lassi

Lassi is a traditional yoghurt-based drink that is commonly found in Indian households. It is a soothing and hydrating option for an individual with dengue fever and is also a good source of protein. 

Chaas 

Chaas or buttermilk is another lighter, yoghurt-based, savoury drink that is rich in probiotics. It is made by diluting yoghurt with spices such as black salt and roasted cumin powder and is a healthy drink option for an individual with dengue fever. 

Lemon Water

Lemon water is a supportive and beneficial addition to a dengue diet. It supports hydration and is also rich in vitamin C that helps boost the immune system. 

Coconut Water

Coconut water is rich in electrolytes that helps replenish the body and effectively manage dengue fever. It helps prevent dehydration and drinking fresh coconut water 2-3 times a day helps relieve severe dengue symptoms.

Boosting Platelet Production

Consume foods that help boost platelet production

A dengue diet rich in fruits and vegetables is beneficial for boosting platelet production. Here are a few fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins and are known for their potential to support and boost platelet production: 

Fruits (rich in antioxidants and vitamin C):

Papaya
Berries
Oranges
Pomegranate
Kiwi

Vegetables: 

Spinach (rich in vitamin K)
Kale (rich in vitamin A, C and K)
Beetroot (high in iron content and supports blood health)
Carrots (high in vitamin A)
Broccoli (contains vitamin C and K)

Note: Even after the fever has subsided, platelet count can still drop. Therefore, it is important to continue monitoring platelet count. 

Diet Tips and Food for Dengue Patients

Planning your diet during dengue fever mitigates severe symptoms and facilitates speedy recovery. Consume a balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats in your meals.

Here are a few diet tips to follow:

Take small and frequent meals: Dengue leads to reduced appetite, so small and frequent meals help maintain optimum energy levels and nutritional content in the body.

Opt for easily digestible foods: Opt for easily digestible foods such as boiled or steamed vegetables, yoghurt, porridge and rice.

Increase your protein intake: Protein is essential for the regeneration and repair of body cells and tissues during dengue fever. Include healthy sources of protein in your diet such as eggs, tofu, fish and poultry for restoration and recovery.

Foods to Avoid During Dengue Fever

Avoid spicy foods and acidic fruits

Salty, spicy and acidic foods made of chilli peppers and hot sauces can irritate the stomach’s lining and exacerbate digestive discomfort and dehydration, one of the most common symptoms of dengue. Also, while some fruits are alkaline and highly nutritional, it is important to avoid consuming fruits like lemons, grapes, pineapples and tomatoes that are known to cause acid build-up.

Steer clear of fatty foods

Fatty foods can be hard on the digestive system, especially when the body is already weakened by dengue fever. Here’s a list of some foods that can lead to inflammation and make the dengue symptoms worse:

·  Fast foods like burgers and fries are high in saturated and trans fats and must be left out of your diet.

·   Fatty cuts and deep-fried foods like fried chicken are difficult to digest and must be avoided if you’re down with dengue fever.

Conclusion

In the realm of diet tips and home remedies for managing dengue fever, taking the right dietary measures provides support and relief during dengue fever. From the powerful properties of papaya leaf juice to the comforting and healing qualities of turmeric milk, these remedies have been used for generations. 

While these remedies are significant, it is essential to keep in mind that these dietary measures are not a substitute for medical opinion. Patients must also avoid taking medications like ibuprofen, combiflam and aspirin. Also, in case of severe abdominal pain, headache, persistent vomiting, bleeding, breathlessness, extreme weakness or rash symptoms, seek medical care promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the warning signs of dengue?

Dengue can present a range of symptoms including high fever, severe headache, pain in joints, nausea, fatigue, rash.

Can dengue be completely treated at home?

Dengue fever must be carefully managed and while mild cases can be managed with home remedies and dietary changes, it is important to seek medical guidance.

Which fruits are best for combating dengue fever?