7 Fruits and Vegetables to Speed Up recovery from dengue fever: Boost Your Immunity

Recovery from dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, has been spreading like wildfire across India in 2023. From Lucknow to Madhya Pradesh and Vishakhapatnam, the entire nation has been grappling with an alarming surge in cases. The combination of warmer temperatures and high humidity has provided the ideal breeding ground for the Aedes mosquitoes, responsible for transmitting the dengue virus. This year has witnessed a global upsurge in dengue cases, emphasizing the need for awareness and preventive measures.

Recovering from dengue is a slow and strenuous process, mainly due to the loss of platelets and inflammation that engulfs the body. The good news is that the road to recovery can be smoother with the right nutrition. Your body needs a robust intake of essential nutrients, such as iron to maintain blood hemoglobin levels and produce platelets effectively. Fruits and vegetables come to the rescue, packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other vital elements that boost your immunity and expedite your healing journey.

Riya Desai, a Senior Dietitian at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, provides a comprehensive list of seven fruits and vegetables that play a pivotal role in dengue recovery:

1. Kiwi When combating dengue, a nutritious diet is your best ally. Kiwi, rich in Vitamin C and potassium, is a powerhouse of polyphenols and antioxidants, including Gallic acid and Trolox equivalent. These elements enhance your immune system’s strength, making it more efficient in fighting off infections. Kiwi also helps to balance the body’s electrolyte levels.

2. Papaya Papaya contains biologically active compounds such as papain, caricain, chymopapain, and acetogenin. These compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to a robust immune system. They help reduce dengue-related inflammation and expedite your recovery.

3. Pomegranate This fruit is a treasure trove of iron, aiding in the restoration of hematological parameters. It plays a crucial role in preserving platelet counts, reducing fatigue and exhaustion during and after dengue fever, and maintaining energy levels.

4. Spinach An excellent source of Vitamin K, spinach may not directly raise platelet counts but helps blood cells clot better. It also offers various benefits for dengue patients, including iron, folate, and Omega 3 fatty acids, which reduce overall body inflammation. Additionally, it protects against oxidative stress and accelerates recovery from symptoms like fatigue and weakness.

5. Beetroot With high levels of iron and folic acid, beetroot is essential for the production of red blood cells. It boasts detoxifying properties that cleanse the liver and prevent free radical damage to platelets due to dengue-related inflammation. While it helps maintain hematological parameters, its direct impact on platelet levels requires further evidence.

6. Citrus Fruits Citrus fruits, such as oranges, gooseberries, and lemons, are rich in Vitamin C, strengthening the immune system. They reduce oxidation in the body and expedite the replenishment of platelets, thus reducing the risk of bleeding and the need for platelet transfusion.

7. Pumpkin This versatile vegetable is rich in vitamin A and antioxidants like beta-carotene, which combat inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.

Incorporating these fruits and vegetables into your diet during dengue recovery can significantly enhance your healing process. By strengthening your immune system and reducing inflammation, these nutrient-packed foods play a vital role in helping you regain your strength faster. Don’t let dengue hold you back—nourish your body with these natural remedies to speed up your recovery.