Enhancing dengue recovery: Nutrition advisor recommends 7 foods to raise your platelet levels
In the fight against dengue, a mosquito-borne disease that affects millions worldwide, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet plays a crucial role in boosting immunity and supporting platelet production. Pratiksha Kadam, Chief Dietitian at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, offers some dietary advice to aid recovery.
Foods to Incorporate into Your Diet
Kadam recommends incorporating pomegranate, pumpkin and pumpkin seeds, leafy greens, citrus fruits, beetroot and carrot juice, coconut water, and protein-rich foods into your diet. These foods are packed with essential nutrients that can help strengthen immunity and promote platelet production.
Vitamin C-Rich Fruits and Juices
Fruits such as oranges, lemons, guava, kiwi, amla, and beetroot and carrot juice are rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts immunity and aids in the absorption of iron. This vitamin is crucial for immune function and blood health.
Nutrient-Dense Leafy Greens
Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and fenugreek are high in vitamin K, an essential nutrient for blood clotting and platelet health. Incorporating these into your diet can help support your body's ability to maintain healthy platelet levels.
Papaya Leaf Extract and Ripe Papaya
Papaya leaf extract has been shown to effectively increase platelet counts in dengue patients, and consuming ripe papaya fruit alongside the extract can further support this process.
Hydrating Fluids and Protein-Rich Foods
Coconut water aids hydration and restores electrolytes lost during fever, while protein-rich foods like eggs, lean chicken, fish, lentils, tofu, and paneer support tissue repair and immune system strength.
Preventing Mosquito Bites and Seeking Medical Attention
Preventing mosquito bites remains the first line of defence against dengue. This includes removing stagnant water around homes, using mosquito repellents, and wearing protective clothing.
Anyone showing symptoms of dengue, such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding, should immediately visit a doctor to avoid any complications. With a sharp rise in dengue cases across India, it's essential to stay vigilant and seek medical attention promptly.
Experts warn that with ongoing rains, the situation could worsen in the coming weeks. It's crucial to continue taking precautions and seeking medical help when needed.
In summary, focusing on vitamin C-rich fruits, nutrient-dense leafy greens, papaya leaf extract, and hydrating fluids can naturally help improve platelet levels during dengue recovery. By following these dietary recommendations and taking preventive measures, you can help protect yourself and others from this mosquito-borne disease.
[1] Papaya leaf juice as a potential treatment for dengue: a systematic review [2] Dengue: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention [3] Dengue fever: current perspectives and future directions [4] Nutritional management of dengue fever: a review [5] Papaya leaf extract as a potential treatment for dengue: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- To aid recovery from dengue, consider incorporating health-and-wellness products like papaya leaf extract into your diet, as it has been shown to effectively increase platelet counts in dengue patients.
- Finance plays a crucial role in fighting dengue, as seeking prompt medical attention can help prevent complications, and defi (decentralized finance) platforms may provide accessible funding solutions for those financially constrained.
- Science continues to explore alternative treatments for dengue, with research on nutrient-dense foods like pomegranate and citrus fruits for boosting immunity and promoting platelet production in the field of nutrition. Fitness-and-exercise could also potentially support recovery by aiding in rehydration through activities like drinking coconut water, aiding in hydration and electrolyte restoration.
