Dengue is a viral infection spread by Aedes mosquitoes that can potentially be fatal to humans resulting in severe health issues, including mild fever and life-threatening dengue shock syndrome leading to internal bleeding or organ damage in some people.
Treatment for dengue is done primarily through symptom and pain management, with no specific medication currently available. This makes diet and lifestyle serve as crucial modifiable factors for managing both the risk and recovery phases.
Common symptoms of dengue are:
- High fever
- Headache
- Pain in eyes
- Joint pain
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Skin rash
Dehydration and low platelet count can be the most dangerous complication of dengue infection and should be managed with high priority.
A moderate protein, calorie maintenance diet which provides sufficient electrolytes and fluids can be beneficial. The focus here should be to consume foods that are soft in texture, easier to digest and can replenish energy and electrolytes to avoid dehydration.
Foods such as citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, protein rich (eggs, dairy, legumes), low fiber grains (white rice), coconut water, lemon water, beetroot, etc. can be included in the diet.
Although, diet for dengue infected people will vary based on their specific symptoms, platelet count, age, gender and other health issues, if any. Here is a sample diet plan for dengue that covers the basics of hydration, soft texture food and electrolytes.
Start the day with 2 – 3 glasses of warm water, followed by salted lemon water or salted lemon tea
- Breakfast: 2 whole eggs with pomegranate/orange/papaya
- Mid-morning: Boiled beetroot slices with handful of mixed nuts
- Lunch: Curd rice with cooked mixed vegetables
- Mid-evening: 1 cup turmeric milk/tea
- Dinner: Moog dal + white rice + spinach khichadi cooked with ginger garlic & lemon juice
Rest, healthy diet, hydration and electrolyte replenishment along with regular monitoring of platelet levels are the corner stone of effective recovery from dengue.
References:
1. Bhatt S, Gething PW, Brady OJ, Messina JP, Farlow AW, Moyes CL, Drake JM, Brownstein JS, Hoen AG, Sankoh O, Myers MF, George DB, Jaenisch T, Wint GR, Simmons CP, Scott TW, Farrar JJ, Hay SI. The global distribution and burden of dengue. Nature. 2013 Apr 25;496(7446):504-7. doi: 10.1038/nature12060. Epub 2013 Apr 7. PMID: 23563266; PMCID: PMC3651993.
2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue
Clinical Dietitian Keshav || MSc Dietetics (DFSM), PGND, CNCC
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