What to Eat When Recovering from Dengue?
Since its first outbreak in the 1980s, dengue fever has persisted as an endemic disease in Malaysia1. To date, there is no specific treatment or cure for dengue2. Therefore, in addition to seeking conventional medical treatment for symptom control, those who are infected with dengue could try alternative support that alleviates their symptoms. A nutritious well-planned diet is a good alternative supportive care for dengue recovery.
Following are six recommendations for your diet plan to support the recovery of dengue fever.
Drink plenty of water and healthy beverages
Patients who have dengue fever are at risk of developing dehydration because some of the common symptoms include high fever, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and diarrhea3. Hence, it is essential to keep close track of the quantity of water you consume on a daily basis. One of the supportive treatments for dengue patients is to encourage regular fluid intake4.
If you have dengue fever, the Malaysian Ministry of Health suggests you consume more than eight glasses of water every day because it may help reduce the severity of your symptoms5. When you fail to drink sufficient amounts of water, it may worsen your condition and lead you to a state of shock6. This is particularly true if you are suffering from dengue hemorrhagic fever6.
You may also speed up your recovery from dengue fever by drinking nutritional beverages like milk, fruit juices (caution with diabetes patients), and electrolyte replacement solution7. For instance, consuming fruit juice, particularly that made from citrus fruits, is one of the most efficient ways to get your dose of vitamins and enhance your immunity against dengue fever8.
Consume a balanced diet
Those who are infected with dengue fever often experience a loss of appetite9. Therefore, it is crucial that you maintain a regular eating schedule10. Even though you are encouraged to consume food, it is not recommended that you feast on anything and everything. You should consume a balanced diet comprising all classes of foods.
You may effectively recover from dengue fever by consuming foods from each class, as they all have distinctive nutritional benefits. For instance, consuming foods that are enriched in protein and iron significantly helps to fortify the immune system, assist in the prevention of anemia, and ensure that your body is well-equipped to combat dengue fever10.
Avoid spicy and oily food at all cost
Consume foods that have a low degree of spiciness and contain little to no oil if you have dengue fever. You should stay away from oily and spicy foods until you have completely recovered10! These foods will only worsen your condition by aggravating the symptoms you are experiencing and triggering digestive problems11.
Oily foods lead to stomach distension and nausea because of the significant amount of fat they contain and the increased amount of time it takes for the body to digest them12. On the other hand, eating spicy food may lead to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, heartburn, and abdominal discomfort13. This will naturally delay the pace of your recovery from dengue fever.
Complete your diet with foods that are easy to digest
As stated before, some of the symptoms of dengue fever include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It is recommended that you consume a diet consisting of soft foods as the body responds positively to them; they are simple to digest and do not result in digestive issues14. Therefore, the best course of action is to consume foods that are in liquid or pure form15. For example, porridge!
One of the many nutritious meals that are simple for the body to process and absorb is porridge. Did you know that in addition to containing water and fiber, porridge also has a high nutritional value15,16? Eating porridge helps to gradually yet effectively stimulate your appetite and provide your body with the required amount of energy without causing harm to your digestive system17.
In addition to porridge, another easy-to-digest food alternative is soup. Diets consisting mostly of liquids, such as soups, are easier to stomach than solid food and are an abundant supply of various vitamins and minerals17. It is helpful in rehydrating the body by ensuring that there is a sufficient balance between the amount of water and electrolytes present in your body17.
Supplement your body with nutritious food
When you engage in unhealthy eating practices, such as favoring fatty and greasy meals or avoiding the consumption of vegetables, you put yourself at an increased risk of developing serious health problems18. Dengue fever may be conquered by following a diet that is rich in nutrients since this may help speed up the natural recovery process of your body18.
It is recommended that you consume a bland and non-spicy diet high in sources of protein and low in fat and oil content. This is because it will assist you in maintaining good nutritional status, and electrolyte balance, and helps in recovering from dengue fever18. Your food can consist of boiled vegetables, rice porridge, soup, bread, and fruit18.
Eat fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C
It has been proven that consuming foods rich in vitamin C reduces the length of time spent in the hospital and protects against the side effects of dengue fever19. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you include vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet. Vitamin C demonstrates numerous beneficial properties, such as19,20
- Increasing platelet count
- Helping in wound healing
- Increasing the resistance of your body
- Protecting cells and keeping them healthy
- Maintaining healthy skin, blood vessels, and bones
Here are 5 foods enriched with Vitamin C, which you can take when you are infected with dengue fever21.
Food | Vitamin C every serving | Vitamin C every 100g |
Kiwi | 167 mg | 93 mg |
Orange | 96 mg | 53 mg |
Broccoli | 81 mg | 89 mg |
Guava | 377 mg | 228mg |
Bell Pepper | 152 mg | 128 mg |
Bottom Line
While the majority of people with dengue fever recover within a week or two,the symptoms might sometimes worsen over time22. The warning sign for severe dengue fever is an emergency that may rapidly evolve into a life-threatening situation22. As a result, it is essential to see a medical professional as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms to get treatment. The six recommendations above can be considered as a form of supportive care to help you recover from dengue.
References
Salim, N.A.M., Wah, Y.B., Reeves, C. et al. Prediction of dengue outbreak in Selangor Malaysia Using Machine Learning Techniques. Sci Rep | https://tinyurl.com/257cbzrd | Accessed on 20 September 2022
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dengue Symptoms and Treatment | https://tinyurl.com/ycxekybv | Accessed on 20 September 2022
Kalayanarooj S, Vaughn DW, Nimmannitya S, Green S, Suntayakorn S, Kunentrasai N, Viramitrachai W, Ratanachu-eke S, Kiatpolpoj S, Innis BL, Rothman AL, Nisalak A, Ennis FA. Early Clinical And Laboratory Indicators of Acute Dengue Illness. National Library of Medicine | https://tinyurl.com/2kkjw32y | Accessed on 20 September 2022
Nasir NH, Mohamad M, Lum LCS, Ng CJ. Effectiveness of a Fluid Chart In Outpatient Management of Suspected Dengue Fever: A pilot study. National Library of Medicine | https://tinyurl.com/yuywwvcx | Accessed on 20 September 2022
Ministry of Health of Malaysia. Home Care Advice For Dengue Patients [Leaflet] | https://tinyurl.com/3run9azw | Accessed on 20 September 2022
Harris E, Pérez L, Phares CR, et al. Fluid Intake and Decreased Risk for Hospitalization for Dengue Fever, Nicaragua. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | https://tinyurl.com/yc5sb6e5 | Accessed on 20 September 2022
MIMS Malaysia. Supportive Therapy | https://tinyurl.com/57kjw764 | Accessed on 20 September 2022
Sorice A, Guerriero E, Capone F, Colonna G, Castello G, Costantini S. Ascorbic acid: Its Role In Immune System and Chronic Inflammation Diseases. National Library of Medicine | https://tinyurl.com/2s4hb7s5 | Accessed on 20 September 2022
Paras Hospitals. Appetite Loss - Symptom of Dengue? | https://tinyurl.com/43y2wyb3 | Accessed on 20 September 2022
Tua Saúde. What to Eat If You Have Dengue Fever (with a 3-day Diet Plan) | https://tinyurl.com/45kjxyzy | Accessed on 20 September 2022
Vinmec. Good Food For Dengue Fever Patients | https://tinyurl.com/bbz9vhs4 | Accessed on 20 September 2022
Mazzawi T, Bartsch E, Benammi S, Ferro RMC, Nikitina E, Nimer N, Ortega LJ, Perrotte C, Pithon JV, Rosalina S, Sharp A, Stevano R, Hatlebakk JG, Hausken T. Gastric Emptying of Low- and High-Calorie Liquid Meals Measured Using Ultrasonography in Healthy Volunteers. National Library of Medicine | https://tinyurl.com/ytf6p8bj | Accessed on 20 September 2022
Sunway Medical Centre I Sunway City. The Effects of Spicy Food | https://tinyurl.com/2zys53k9 | Accessed on 20 September 2022
Wellness Munch. Dietary Guideline For Dengue Fever Treatment | https://tinyurl.com/2p8m3xkm | Accessed on 20 September 2022
Singh K, Zeeshan Md, Ansari VA, Bagga P, Shakya P. Prevention and Control of Dengue by Herbal Remedies. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research | https://tinyurl.com/2p8z98a3 | Accessed on 20 September 2022
SF Gate. What Are the Benefits of Eating Porridge? | https://tinyurl.com/36pe8dvx | Accessed on 20 September 2022
Wellness Munch. Dietary Guideline For Dengue Fever Treatment | https://tinyurl.com/2p8m3xkm | Accessed on 20 September 2022
Mishra S, Agrahari K, Shah DK. Prevention and Control of Dengue by Diet Therapy. International Journal of Mosquito Research | https://tinyurl.com/5ehdw9wf | Accessed on 20 September 2022
Langerman SD, Ververs M. Micronutrient Supplementation and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Dengue Fever. National Library of Medicine | https://tinyurl.com/3ms67wdp | Accessed on 20 September 2022
NHS. Vitamin C | https://tinyurl.com/2bm4sscy | Accessed on 20 September 2022
Myfooddata. Top 10 Foods Highest in Vitamin C | https://tinyurl.com/5x2wn32w | Accessed on 20 September 2022
World Health Organization. Dengue and Severe Dengue | https://tinyurl.com/25khvpdb | Accessed on 20 September 2022
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Disclaimer: This information is available to public for information purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not intended to substitute consultation with a healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice
Written By DoctorOnCall Panel Doctor, DoctorOnCall Panel Doctors are certified and registered with KKM with vast experience in medical field. on
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