Yet again, the cases of dengue fever are increasing in the country and it is important to give your immune system a nutritional boost to prevent contracting the viral disease. One should eat seasonal foods, stay physically active and avoid any stress to boost immunity against the infection. Dengue is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito mostly aedes aegypti.
Symptoms vary from fever, body ache, nausea, vomiting, and rash, to aches and pains. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to get tested. Dengue can be managed with proper hydration and nutrition. The platelets should be monitored and if the symptoms worsen, an individual must get hospitalised immediately.
Leading Dietitian Avni Kaul suggests some foods that are beneficial against Dengue and help you recover and increase your immunity.
Fluids –Drinking a lot of fluids and water is important. Drink warm concoctions, herbal teas, broths, and soups. Besides these hot liquids, cold liquids like lemon water, chaach or lassi, and coconut water are beneficial to boost the platelet count.
These drinks are rehydrating and help maintain electrolyte balance, detoxify the system and are important for building a strong immune system. There is no evidence that drinking coconut water and juices as a source of hydration to boost platelets are enough. There is no concrete evidence either that goat milk or papaya leaves juice help increase platelet count.
Vegetables – Include seasonal and different coloured vegetables to your daily diet as they will help create good gut health and boost immunity. Various vitamins found in different coloured vegetables are Vitamin A, C along with minerals such as zinc, magnesium are good antioxidants that are beneficial for immunity.
Fruits –Including seasonal fruits such as kiwi fruit, papaya, apples, and pomegranates help the increasing demand of nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fibre. These fruits boost digestion, maintain the gut flora and trigger the immune response.
Nuts –Nuts and seeds are filled with proteins such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Include almonds, walnuts, and pistachios in your daily diet.
Spices –Spices and herbs such as turmeric, pepper, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, cardamom, and nutmeg are filled with anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and immune-boosting activities. They work well to support the immune system by managing immune cells like T-cells that help the body to counter off pathogens. Add these spices generously in your daily cooking and uplift your overall health.
Probiotics – Include probiotics in your diet. Opt for yogurt, buttermilk and soybeans. Probiotics are filled with good bacteria that work on our digestive system and boost immunity.
Nutrition and immunity rely on the food you eat. This is why you should be conscious of what you are eating. Eating right and maintaining hygiene can go a long way in keeping you safe during these times.
