After an awareness program conducted in my children school on the Dengue disease, I wanted to share a blog to improve the existing knowledge and preventive practices on the disease and the right food to recover from the disease. Dengue is a viral flu spread by female mosquito, Aedes which bites during early morning and in evening before dusk. The symptoms of the illness will only appear 3–14 days after the mosquito bite and not immediately.
With increasing dengue casualties now a days it is very important to take preventive measures on the same. However, if you still get tested positive with dengue, here are few foods that will help you recover from this disease at the earliest. A drop in platelet count is a major symptom of dengue fever. The most common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains and skin rash.
Prevention is better than cure but sometimes you might lose the race to an unfortunate situation. I have shared healthy tips to intake during and after effects of dengue fever.
Foods To Recover From Dengue Fever
- How to use papaya leaves to fight dengue : Papaya leaves are best option to go for, boil the partly dry medium-sized papaya leaves after thoroughly washing them. Place the leaves in a saucepan with 2 litres of water. Bring the water and leaves to boil and them simmer. Do not cover the saucepan until the water is reduced by half, strain the liquid. Fill this extract in glass containers. You can also directly take papaya leaves crush them once you get juice from the extract. Its extract increases platelets counts to a great extent.
- Broccoli : Broccoli is an excellent food to intake during dengue fever. If there is an immense decline in platelet count, broccoli must be consumed on a daily basis. Broccoli also contains rich levels of minerals and antioxidants.
- Coconut water: Increase fluid intake since fever and infection can result in critical dehydration. The best rehydrating agents that are also easy on the stomach and help to improve in digestion drink two glass of coconut water per day.
- Pomegranate : Pomegranate is rich in essential nutrients and minerals that provides the body with required energy.These little seeds are a great source of iron, therefore, helps maintain the blood platelets count. Falling blood platelets are caused by the dengue virus and when they are maintained, your body will improve faster. After : Continue to replenish with fluids such as curds, lassi or buttermilk, unflavored yoghurt, tender coconut water, fresh fruit juices without sugar and with the pulp intact, and of course, plain water. Eat balanced, healthy meals avoid of unhealthy fats, sugars and refined starch, avoid consuming excess intake of coffee, tea, cocoa, and caffeinated beverages.
Preventing Dengue Fever
The best way to prevent the disease is to prevent bites by infected mosquitoes.
- Apply coconut oil below the knees till your foot steps. It is an antibiotic, dengue mosquitoes cannot fly higher than knees.
- Do not leave stagnant water lying anywhere in or around the house. It’s very dangerous as these mosquitoes lie on this stagnant water only, it doesn’t matter if it is dirty or clean.
- Keep your wet and soggy clothes and shoes away from the dry garments. Also, try to dry the wet ones as soon as possible.
- Try to wear clothes that don’t leave any skin areas exposed.