10 Healthy Diets for Dengue

November 12, 2019 · by · in ,

Origin of Dengue

The term “dengue” is a Spanish originated word, which means careful. Dengue is rapidly pertaining to viral disease all over the world among people. According to the surveys, there is about 40% of the world’s total population has a high risk of acquiring this fever. This is also known as a break-bone fever that leads to a severe illness.

Causes of Dengue Fever

Dengue is the most leading cause of severe illness among infants and adults. The most affected areas include Asia, Africa, Pacific and America, but now according to the recent surveys and studies, it is spreading in maximum countries. Dengue is caused by a dengue virus (DENV), which belongs to the Flaviviridae family and genus Flavivirus of mosquitoes. Further classification of DENV virus with slight differences are as follows –

  • DENV1
  • DENV2
  • DENV3
  • DENV4

Transmission

Dengue is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female mosquito named Aedesaegypti and Aedesalbopictus. Once the mosquito has acted on a DENV-infected person, replication of single-stranded RNA in the midgut of female stars. It takes about 8-12 days of the extrinsic incubation period (EIP) for transmitting the virus in the new host at optimum temperature, which is between 25-28 degrees. Symptoms of illness take about 2 days after the virus has transmitted to a new host. There are various reasons which are responsible for this fever to spread, some are as follows-

  • Change in environmental conditions.
  • Urban crowding
  • Traveling to tropical areas
  • Previously affected with dengue fever
  • Stagnant water in digs

Sing’s and Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Dengue fever starts with a high fever (104 degrees), which is followed by following febrile symptoms-

  • Unbearable headache
  • Pain behind the eyes
  • Nausea
  • Severe joint and muscle pain
  • Swollen glands
  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting
  • Skin rashes
  • Mild bleeding from nose and gums

Dengue fever

Severe dengue is called the critical phase, which starts after 3-7 days of onset with fever ranging from 99-100◦F. This phase has the following symptoms-

  • Abdominal pain
  • Rapid breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Restlessness
  • Blood in vomit

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) 

symptoms in these conditions are as follows-

  • Clammy skin
  • A low platelet count
  • Internal bleeding
  • Damaged lymph and blood vessels
  • Weak pulse

Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) 

other than the symptoms of mild dengue fever, one can experience the following symptoms-

  • Drop-in blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Vomiting at regular intervals
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Heavy bleeding

Healthy Diet Tips for Dengue Patients

1. Papaya

It is a rich source of antioxidants (beta-carotene), flavonoids, vitamins A and E. Besides being rich in taste it has the following qualities-

  • Boosts up immunity
  • Improves digestion
  • Helps reducing stress
  • Prevents cancer

Other than these beneficiaries the leaves of papaya plants are an amazing remedy for dengue and have anti-malarial properties. Papaya leaves contain some phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and papain that plays an important role in curing digestive disorders. It helps in elevating the platelets count in patients with no side effects and helps in reducing the symptoms of dengue.

2. Coconut Water

Being a staple ingredient of south Indian cuisines and a natural conditioner for hairs. It is a tremendously rich source of vitamin B6, iron and minerals like magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium. It is the most recommended remedy in dengue to prevent the body from getting dehydrated, due to the presence of electrolytes and for nourishment. It also helps in flushing out the toxins from the body.

3. Giloy

This is an Ayurvedic herb with scientific name Tinospora cordifolia, which is being used since ages for various diseases and syndromes. This herb is having an excellent property of antioxidants which helps in boosting the immunity. It has the outstanding property of increasing platelets count and reducing the symptoms of dengue.

4. Neem Leaves- (Azadirachtaindica)

Neem possesses anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties, which cures various skin diseases and helps in boosting up the immune system due to a chemical substance called nimbi. It helps in enhancing the blood platelets and white blood cells count in dengue. Besides these benefits, it also flushes out toxins from the body. Neem oil is really beneficial in reducing the chance of getting affected by dengue or malaria.

5. Vegetable Juice

Vegetables like spinach, pumpkin, broccoli, and beetroot help in leveling up the blood platelets count in dengue patients and helps in promoting health in various aspects. For instance spinach, a rich source of Vitamin K and proteins, which actively participate in coagulation during excessive bleeding?

6. Goat Milk

Goat milk is a rich source of proteins (casein), calcium, vitamins, and essential minerals, which are at higher quantities than cow milk. The main complications that occur during dengue are low platelet count and the deficiency of selenium. This deficiency of selenium gets fulfilled by goat milk and it is the most recommended remedy.

7. Fruits

Gooseberry (amla), kiwi, oranges, and pomegranates are a great source of vitamins and minerals, which benefits the patient in various ways. For instance, Gooseberry, which is a great source of vitamin A and vitamin C, promotes the platelets count.

8. Chirata (Swertiachirata)

Chiarta is an ancient herbaceous plant, having a bitter, and pungent taste. This herb is a power pack of various compounds such as antioxidants, alkaloids, and glycosides. It has various properties like it lowers fever, protects the liver, and cures anemia and has anti-cancer properties. It may show some allergic reactions due to bitter taste, so precautions must be taken while consuming it.

9. Porridge

Oats are mostly recommended because they can be easily swallowed and easily digested. In addition, they are incredibly nutritious with a composition like phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, etc. and have a high content of fiber called beta-glucan, which controls the growth of the virus, and provides strength to the body.

 10. Herbal Tea

Tea made up of cardamom, ginger and peppermint help in reducing the dengue symptoms. Like ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics that make it more effective.

Preventive Measures

  • Use mosquito repellents
  • Wearing long-sleeve shirts and full pants
  • Avoid going to areas where standing & stagnant water is present
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Dr. Vikram Chauhan

MD-Ayurveda at Planet Ayurveda
Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD-Ayurvedic Medicine) is an expert Ayurveda consultant in Chandigarh (India). He has vast experience of herbs and their applied uses. He has successfully treated numerous patients suffering from various ailments, throughout the world. He is CEO and Founder of Krishna Herbal Company and Planet Ayurveda in Chandigarh, India. He researched age old formulas from ancient Ayurvedic text books to restore health and save human beings from the worst side-effects of chemical-based treatments.
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