fruits for dengue - #18630
I am really worried because my brother just got diagnosed with dengue. We were in a tropical area last week, and he started feeling terrible. First, it was just a fever and some body aches, but then he got these weird rashes. I thought it was just a bad cold, but the doctor said it’s dengue. Now I'm doing a lot of reading, trying to figure out the best way to help him recover. I keep hearing about fruits for dengue and how they can help boost his immune system. Can anyone share what specific fruits for dengue work best? I heard papaya leaves might be good, but not sure how that translates to actual fruit. Also, are there any particular fruits that he should avoid? I’ve made him some smoothies with mango and banana, but now I’m second-guessing myself about whether those are even good fruits for dengue. I'm worried about his hydration too, since he’s having trouble keeping anything down. Should he be focusing more on fruits that have high water content, like watermelon? Just trying to make sure I'm doing everything right ‘cuz I’m really anxious about this whole situation. Any tips on fruits for dengue would be super helpful!
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Doctors' responses
For someone with dengue, the focus should indeed be largely on maintaining hydration and supporting the body’s natural recovery. While there isn’t a specific list of fruits that “treat” dengue, some can support health during recovery. First, prioritize hydration as it’s crucial due to the risk of dehydration from fever and potential vomiting. Water-rich fruits like watermelon can help with this, but it’s essential to ensure overall fluid intake is sufficient—think oral rehydration solutions, coconut water, and broth. Citrus fruits like oranges and kiwis, rich in vitamin C, may support the immune system, aiding recovery. Bananas can be gently soothing on the stomach and are rich in potassium, which can be beneficial if there’s any electrolyte imbalance. While mangoes are nutritious, they’re quite concentrated in sugar, so balance is key. There’s some anecdotal evidence suggesting papaya leaf extract might aid in increasing platelet counts, though the evidence isn’t robust enough to recommend as a primary treatment; it’s best to discuss any complementary remedies with a healthcare provider. Importantly, avoid spicy and oily foods which can irritate the stomach, and any fruit with a laxative effect could exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms. Focus on a well-balanced diet but prioritize listening to his body and encouraging frequent, small sips of fluids, especially if he’s having trouble keeping anything down. Above all, monitor any worsening symptoms like persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding, or confusion which warrant immediate medical attention as dengue can sometimes develop into severe forms. Always coordinate closely with healthcare professionals to tailor care to his needs.
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