Dengue – Diet and Recovery

Dengue fever is an illness which we get from the bite of a mosquito carrying one of four types of dengue virus (DENV)and we can get immunity to a version of dengue virus once we have been infected with it. There are at least four versions (strains) of the virus (DENV), so this is confusing. After getting one of the four strains of DENV, we shouldn’t be able to get that one again. But the antibodies for that strain don’t fit other versions quite perfectly. So if we get infected by a different version of DENV later on, it can actually cause a problem.Dengue fever symptoms start to appear four to 10 days after a mosquito bite and can last three to seven days.Severe dengue is a life-threatening worsening of dengue symptoms. Warning signs of severe dengue are usually seen 24 to 48 hours after fever goes away. Food /Diet plays vital role for Dengue Patients and help in faster recovery. 

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT POINTS:

• Hydration: Maintaining proper hydration is essential to fight against the dehydration caused by high fever and sweating. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, oral rehydration solutions (ORS), clear soups, and coconut water and even daal pani.
• Balanced Diet: Consume a well-balanced diet during dengue fever, rich in nutrients to support the immune system. Include fruits , vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in meals.
• Small, Frequent Meals: Dengue can reduce appetite. Small, frequent meals help maintain energy levels and provide essential nutrients because its hard to eat more at one time.
• Avoid Salty and Spicy Foods: Salty and spicy foods can increase dehydration and digestive discomfort. Best choice is bland, easy-to-digest diet for dengue fever patients.
• Foods Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Foods high in vitamin C (e.g., citrus fruits), vitamin A (e.g., carrots, sweet potatoes), and zinc (e.g., lean meats, legumes) can support the immune system.
• Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate the body and should be avoided.
• Soft and Easily Digestible Foods: Opt for soft, easily digestirecovery.ble foods such as rice, porridge, yoghurt, and boiled or steamed vegetables. Food to avoid for dengue patients includes spicy, salty foods, alcohol, caffeine, fried and fatty foods.
• Protein Sources: Include lean protein sources such as poultry, fish, tofu, and eggs to aid in tissue repair.
• Rest: Rest is crucial for recovery. Ensure that the dengue patient gets adequate sleep and avoids strenuous activities.
• All type of stress should be avoided. Abdominal Breathing can be practiced empty stomach on bed. Role of pawanmukta asana and vajrasana in relieving gastric issues like bloating and indigestion is very effective. It’s essential to consult with a Medical Professional for dietary recommendations based on the patient’s specific condition and symptoms. In severe dengue cases, hospitalisation and intravenous fluids may be necessary to manage dehydration and complications.