First detected in the 1980s, Dengue has been a severe endemic that has no specific treatment. All the treatments and medicines given for Dengue are symptomatic. That is exactly why experts recommend opting for the right diet while you are under the treatment for Dengue. A well-balanced nutritional plan can help you handle the symptoms and move in the right direction of your recovery journey.
Diet Guidelines for Dengue Patients
The diet plan for Dengue should typically consist of the following –
- Opt for the easily digestible food.
- Include a lot of fluids in your food
- Include food rich in Vitamin C as it can help in controlling the virus.
- Use the food that increases the platelet count.
The typical diet plan for Dengue patients can include
Energy-Dense Foods
Dengue can lower your energy levels severely. That is why you should consume energy-dense foods.
Some of the good examples include
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- Khichdi – This is an Indian dish made from rice and lentils. This food helps provide enough carbs and proteins.
- Daliya – This is yet another food that can be digested easily. This belongs to the category of broken wheat porridge and provides carbohydrates for a sustained energy level.
- Tapioca Pearls – These are extracted from cassava root. They can used for broths and soups. These are known as the best sources of carbs.
- Rice – This can be a good choice if you have a decreased appetite. It is easily digestible, making it a good pick for a Dengue meal plan.
Note – If you find these foods too bland, you can add fresh herbs like basil, coriander, and ginger to improve the taste. These herbs can also help in immune boosting.
Protein sources
Proteins are extremely useful for repairing the tissues and maintaining the muscle mass. Some of the best sources of the protein-rich foods can include
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- Lentil soup – This is the most nutritious option for providing you with enough of protein and fiber.
- Chickpea salad- It can be prepared with the mashed chickpeas, chopped vegetables, and a light dressing. This can be an excellent source of proteins and other essential vitamins.
- Dal – This is the traditional Indian lentil soup. You can even customize it with different spices. It is your perfect choice for proteins.
- Scrambled eggs – Eggs are a highly digestible source of proteins and other essential nutrients.
Hydration ideas
Hydration is quite essential for ensuring the replenishment of fluids. In fact, Dengue fever can cause severe dehydration. Keeping yourself hydrated will ensure that your body gets enough electrolytes and ensure that your body will keep functioning properly.
Some of the best options for keeping your body hydrated can include
- Coconut water – This should be the best natural source of electrolytes and minerals. It should be your primary source for rehydration.
- Fruit Juices – Consume diluted fresh juices like melons and oranges. They can offer you plenty of vitamins and also aid in hydration.
- Buttermilk – Buttermilk is the best and perfect choice for electrolytes and probiotics. It is also known to be helpful in digestion.
You can also create a diet plan or meal plan for handling energy resumption after Dengue fever.
Here is a sample diet plan to help you make a beginning –
| Day | Breakfast |
Mid-meal | Lunch | Evening | Dinner |
| 1 | Khichdi with chopped vegetables, buttermilk | Coconut water | Lentil soup, steamed vegetables | Diluted orange juice | Scrambled eggs, whole wheat toast |
| 2 | Daliya porridge with chopped nuts, milk | Fresh fruit salad (papaya, banana, apple) | Chickpea salad, whole-wheat roll | Coconut water | Steamed fish, brown rice, mixed greens |
| 3 | 1 cup of skim milk + 2 slices of whole wheat toast with butter | 1 slice of watermelon | Grilled turkey breast with chickpeas | 3 rice crackers with 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese + 1 cup of chamomile tea | 1 side plate of freshly cooked peas and carrots with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil |
Please note that this is the sample meal plan. You can customize it based on your specific preferences. It may be worthwhile to check out the professional meal plan providers. Options like Quanutrition should prove to be an excellent option.
The best prevention strategies for Dengue Fever
Well, Dengue is a preventable disease. There are several ways you can follow to avoid the risk of contracting the Dengue fever.
Control the mosquitoes in your surroundings
Use the mosquito repellents with the right ingredients and constituents. We recommend using the repellents with DEET or picaridin. This can be the best way to stay protected from the Dengue fever.
Wear protective clothing
Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers. Make sure to avoid mosquito bites during the time of their peak activity. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk.
Avoid stagnant water
Mosquitoes causing Dengue breed in the stagnant water. Make sure to avoid the stagnant water. Ensure emptying the containers, clearing the clogged gutters, and also change the water in the vases.
Screen the doors and windows
Install screens on the doors and windows. This will prevent the entry of mosquitoes inside your home.
When to consult the dietician?
While the meal plan you choose for Dengue fever can be an excellent option to take care of your recovery, consulting a dietician can help you in your recovery journey more effectively. They can help you in creating a personalized diet plan.
You can consult a dietician if you consider the meal plan you have created does not meet your specific needs. They should be able to help you with a personalized approach to your dengue recovery diet. In fact, the dietician will help you in creating a diet plan based on multiple factors such as age, weight, and any underlying health conditions.
Contact Our Nutritionists
In Conclusion
By following the above meal plans and diet charts, you should be able to recover really faster from Dengue. A nutritious meal plan should help support a speedy and comfortable recovery from dengue fever.
However, always remember that prevention is the key, and employing the best prevention strategies should help you minimize the risk of mosquito bites and safeguard you from Dengue attack.
