Food to eat during dengue: Dengue fever can be exhausting. The high fever, body aches, weakness, and that overwhelming urge to just lie down can drain you out. Recovery often takes time, and while there’s no specific medicine to cure dengue, the right diet can play a big role in helping you regain strength and feel better faster.
First, a quick note: what is dengue?
Dengue is a viral illness spread by mosquitoes, especially in tropical and warm areas. It causes symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, skin rash, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes even bleeding. One major danger is a low platelet count, which can delay healing. That’s why a good diet is crucial to boost immunity and energy.
Also Read | How to spot dengue early: Warning signs to know
What foods to eat during dengue fever?
Papaya leaf juice
Papaya leaves can help increase the platelet count, reduce fevers, and ease digestion. Crush a few fresh leaves, squeeze the juice and drink 1–2 tablespoons twice a day.
Fresh fruits
Fruits like oranges, kiwis, guavas and strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, which helps your body fight viruses and strengthens your immune system. Guava can also boost platelet levels.
Coconut water
You end up losing many fluids during dengue, so staying hydrated is essential. Coconut water gives you natural electrolytes. It prevents dehydration and supports overall recovery.
What foods to avoid during dengue
Greasy fried or junk food
French fries, chips, samosas or anything deep-fried should be avoided. Your digestive system is already stressed; oily foods are difficult to digest and can increase the nausea.
Spicy and strongly flavoured foods
Chilli-heavy curries, pickles and masalas can upset your stomach and worsen inflammation. You need to stick to mildly, lightly seasoned foods instead.
Caffeine
Caffeine dehydrates you, which is the last thing you need when you already have a fever. Instead of coffee, go for herbal teas with warm water with lemon.
Alcohol
This one is a definite no. Alcohol weakens your immune system and increases dehydration, and it can interfere with medicines. You should avoid alcohol during any illness.
Red meat and heavy protein
While proteins such as eggs or lentils are acceptable, red meat takes longer to digest and can also lead to acidity or exacerbate dengue symptoms. Your body needs energy to heal, not to digest heavy food.
Also Read | Andhra Pradesh taps AI to tackle dengue, malaria outbreaks
Sugary drinks and sweets
Soft drinks, packaged fruit juices with added sugar and sweets can weaken your immune system and create inflammation. If you need something sweet, go for fresh fruits or a tablespoon of honey and herbal tea.
Dengue can leave you feeling drained, but with the right food choices, you can speed up your recovery and keep complications away. Focus on hydration, light meals, fruits and rest. Keep your meals simple, clean and rich in nutrients. And remember, your plate can be your biggest medicine.
