Fight Dengue: What to Eat and Avoid for Recovery

Dengue fever is a tough opponent in the fight against infectious diseases.¹ Spread by Aedes mosquitoes, it causes flu-like symptoms and severe joint pain, and can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications.

Although there is no treatment for dengue.¹, there are some good practices that are recommended for dengue patients.

What to Avoid

1. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

One common mistake many people make while experiencing dengue fever is taking pain relievers that fall under the category of NSAIDs, which include aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen. NSAIDS may increase the risk of bleeding or prevent clotting which may worsen dengue symptoms.¹ Instead, choose paracetamol to alleviate pain and reduce fever.¹ Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication.

2. Excessive Physical Activity

Patients recovering from dengue may feel weak or easily tired. As such, rigorous activities like high intensity exercise or running should be limited to prevent more strain on the body.² 

3. Dehydration-Inducing Beverages

Dengue patients experiencing high fever and lack of appetite may suffer from dehydration.³ Beverages, such as caffeinated drinks (e.g. coffee) and alcohol, may contribute to increase water loss. Ensuring hydration is important when recovering from dengue. Therefore drinks such as water and electrolyte-rich drinks (e.g.coconut water) may be helpful on the road to recovery.

4. High-Fat and Spicy Foods

Foods with high-fat or spice levels may irritate the stomach and cause nausea or vomitting.⁴⁵ It is best for recovering patients to opt for easily digestible foods like rice, bananas, and boiled vegetables to support the digestive process.

5. Smoking and Secondhand Smoke

Tobacco smoke contains numerous harmful chemicals that may affect the body's ability to form clots. As Dengue may cause bleeding, it would be best to avoid smoking or secondhand smoke.⁶ Above and beyond recovery from dengue, quitting cigarettes may lead to many health benefits.

6. Delaying Medical Attention

Dengue symptoms can escalate rapidly, and complications may arise without warning. ⁷ Delaying medical attention can be dangerous.⁷If you suspect dengue or experience symptoms such as persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical help.

7. Ignoring Mosquito Bites

While dealing with dengue, it's important to prevent further mosquito bites to avoid the risk of transmitting the dengue virus to others. Use mosquito repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under a mosquito net to minimise exposure. 

Keep a Healthy Diet

Although there are many supplements and food on the market that claim to relieve dengue symptoms, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that supports these claims. Before taking any supplement or drastically changing your diet, consult your doctor to find out what is most appropriate for your body.

1. Fruits with High Water Content

Some fruits may contain higher water content than others. Watermelon, cantaloupe and some citrus fruits are examples of high water content fruits.⁸ While fruits are a great source of vitamins, eating 'hydrating fruits' is not proven to treat dengue. High sugar content of fruits may also be of concern to individuals with diabetes. Consult your doctor before making extreme changes to your diet.

2. Fluid-Rich Soups

Vegetable or chicken soups may be both nourishing and easy on the digestive system, offering comfort and support during the recovery phase.⁸ Clear soups may offer an easy way to stay nourished for patients with low appetite.

3. Lean Proteins

Incorporate sources of lean protein into your meals, such as grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. These protein sources are easier to digest compared to fatty meats, providing the necessary building blocks for muscle repair and recovery. ⁹

4. Whole Grains

Choose a variety of whole grains like brown rice and oats over refined carbohydrates. These grains offer a sustained release of energy and essential nutrients, supporting the body's recovery process.¹⁰

5. Nutrient-Dense Vegetables

Diversify your diet with nutrient-dense vegetables, such as leafy greens, broccoli and carrots. These vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, supporting the immune system and aiding recovery.¹¹

Empowering Recovery: A Dengue-Free Tomorrow Begins Today!

In the battle against dengue, our habits and diet play crucial roles. When symptoms of dengue arise, it is important to seek medical attention early. Remember, despite various supplements and foods claiming to relieve dengue symptoms, there is no conclusive scientific evidence supporting these claims. Before making any significant dietary changes or taking supplements, consult your doctor for personalized advice based on your body's needs.

References

1. World Health Organization (WHO)“Dengue and severe dengue.” , 17 March 2023, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue. Accessed 21 December 2023.
2. Gan, Victor C. “Dengue: Moving from Current Standard of Care to State-of-the-Art Treatment.” NCBI, 17 July 2014, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4431705/. Accessed 21 December 2023.
3. “Dengue Case Management for Clinicians.” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/resources/dengue-clinician-guide_508.pdf. Accessed 21 December 2023.
4. “The effects of spicy food.” Sunway Medical Centre, 2 November 2019, https://www.sunwaymedical.com/en/in-the-news/the-effects-of-spicy-food. Accessed 21 December 2023.
5. “Gastric Emptying of Low- and High-Caloric Liquid Meals Measured Using Ultrasonography in Healthy Volunteers.” NCBI, 7 January 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6327730/. Accessed 21 December 2023.
6. Nisanci, Yilmaz. “Effect of cigarette smoking on platelet aggregation.” PubMed, 14 March 2011, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21406413/. Accessed 21 December 2023.
7. Nayani, RM. “Health seeking behaviours, dengue prevention behaviours and community capacity for sustainable dengue prevention in a highly dengue endemic area, Sri Lanka - BMC Public Health.” BMC Public Health, 16 March 2023, https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-15404-5. Accessed 21 December 2023.
8. LCS, Lum. “Managing dengue fever in primary care: A practical approach.” NCBI, 31 August 2014, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4399402/. Accessed 21 December 2023.
9. Campbell, Bill. “Protein for exercise and recovery.” PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20048505/. Accessed 21 December 2023.
10. “Nutrition and Immunity | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.” Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/nutrition-and-immunity/. Accessed 21 December 2023.
11. “Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables - PMC.” NCBI, 6 July 2012, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3649719/. Accessed 21 December 2023.

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Disclaimer: This information is available to the public for information purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not intended to substitute consultation with a healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice.

These images depict hypothetical patients and/or healthcare professionals.

C-ANPROM/MY/DENV/0280 June 2024