Which fruits should be eaten in dengue?

When the body is properly nourished, it is able to fight dengue fever better. The following fruits can help provide the nutrients required to your body when you’re suffering from dengue:

Papaya: Papaya is helpful in increasing the production of blood platelets very quickly. According to research by the Asian Institute of Science and Technology, Malaysia, papaya juice increases the platelet count that was reduced due to dengue fever very quickly. You can try having the juice of papaya leaves and peeled papaya for this.

Pomegranate: Pomegranate is rich in essential nutrients and minerals that provide the necessary energy to the body. Consumption of pomegranate reduces fatigue. Like papaya, pomegranate is also helpful in increasing the platelet count in the blood. The high amount of iron present in pomegranate helps in increasing platelets rapidly. Drinking 150 ml of pomegranate juice daily for two weeks will increase your platelets very quickly, which is necessary to recover from dengue. Not only this, but the vitamins present in pomegranate also help alleviate the weakness that accompanies dengue fever.

Kiwi: By consuming kiwi at the beginning of the symptoms of dengue fever, you can prevent the decrease of platelets in time. Kiwi is rich in nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin B9, fiber, protein, calcium and potassium. It contains many antioxidants, which are very important for dengue patients. Due to reduced platelets in dengue, blood clots form and the blood pressure reduces. Kiwi has the ability to reduce blood clotting and regulate blood pressure. It also boosts your immune system.

Apple: During phytochemical research, it has been found that carotenoids, esters, flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes and vitamins are found in abundance in apples, papayas and lemons. Many antiviral compounds are found in apples such as phytoestrogens, procyanidins and rosmarinic acid. Phytochemicals act as strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents that can help the body fight inflammation and oxidative stress caused by dengue.

(Read More: Dengue Test)

There are also some foods that can make dengue fever more serious. You should avoid the consumption of foods that contain salicylates, that act like aspirin and thin the blood. These foods include avocado, berries, cherries, grapes, peaches and plums. Apart from this, salicylates are also found in potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, almonds, walnuts, apricots, cucumbers, garlic, onions, ginger. Although whether to consume these foods or not, it is decided by your doctor and nutritionist after seeing your condition during dengue. Also, you should avoid the consumption of fried foods, spicy foods and caffeinated beverages.

(Read more: Ayurvedic medicine for Dengue)

In dengue, diets containing protein, fiber and iron are usually consumed along with foods that can be easily digested. Both vitamin C and vitamin K are necessary to increase platelet count. Therefore, apart from kiwi, fruits like pineapple, orange, amla and banana should also be consumed. These fruits absorb iron through the intestines and strengthen the immune system. Along with this, oatmeal, boiled vegetables, rice porridge, soup, toast, fresh juice and coconut water can also be consumed.

(Read more: Homeopathic medicine for Dengue)