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What should i eat in dengue?
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Infectious Illnesses
Question #11785
45 days ago
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What should i eat in dengue? - #11785

Advika

I am really confused about what to eat in dengue because my friend just got diagnosed with it, and I feel so helpless! He started feeling sick with high fevers and body aches, and like, I’ve read all these articles online about dengue but it’s super conflicting. Some say to stay hydrated, which makes sense, but when it comes to food, what should I eat in dengue? I mean, I just don't know, should he eat more fruits, or are some better than others? I heard that rich proteins are good but also read that spicy or oily foods might make it worse? It's so confusing! Like, yesterday I brought him some soup, but I wasn’t sure if that was a good idea or not! He also mentioned feeling nauseous, and I’m worried if he should be eating anything heavy at all. What should I eat in dengue for sure? And is there specific stuff he should avoid completely? I don’t want to make it worse by giving him the wrong food. Any advice from you docs would be super appreciated! I feel lost and just want to help him get better.

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Doctors’ responses

When dealing with dengue, nutrition is a critical aspect of recovery. The primary goal is to keep your friend well-hydrated and ensure their nutrient intake supports recovery without straining their system. Starting with hydration, it’s essential to prioritize clear fluids like water, oral rehydration solutions, and coconut water, which help in replenishing electrolytes and fluids lost through fever and sweating. Foods high in fluids, such as soups and broths, are also advised and can be comforting. Regarding fruits, those rich in Vitamin C like oranges, kiwis, and papaya can be beneficial due to their immune-boosting properties. Papaya, in particular, is highlighted because there’s some anecdotal evidence suggesting it could help maintain platelet counts, though more robust clinical evidence is needed.

As your friend experiences nausea, he should opt for smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones that can overwhelm the digestive system. Foods should ideally be soft and easy to digest, like oatmeal, porridge, or boiled vegetables, to prevent digestive distress. Protein intake can be maintained through sources like chicken or fish, which are generally more digestible than red meats. It would be wise to avoid spicy, oily, and fatty foods as they may exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms and discomfort. These foods can also prolong recovery by causing additional strain on the digestive system.

Dairy products can sometimes be difficult to digest, especially if nausea is present, so tread carefully with those. It’s critical to also watch out for any signs that might indicate a worsening of the condition, such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, or signs of dehydration, which would require immediate medical attention. These symptoms necessitate quicker intervention.

In essence, maintaining balanced hydration, eating nourishing and easily digestible foods, and providing a calming eating environment can support recovery. Tailor your friend’s diet according to what he tolerates and watch closely for any adverse symptoms. Always have a physician involved if things don’t improve or get worse, ensuring there’s a hands-on approach to managing his health.

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