Dengue Fever Diet: What To Eat and What To Avoid

Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause symptoms like fever, fatigue, weakness, and joint pain. Managing symptoms can be difficult, but with a nutrition-rich diet and hydration, you can take control of dengue. Nutrition can help you boost your immune system, provide strength, and nourish your body. You can restore lost nutrition and energy to your body with the right nutrition. 

Do You Know?
India reported 32,000 dengue cases in August 2024, an increase of nearly 50% as of 2023. Unlike in past years (2001), when it was limited to eight states and union territories, Dengue has spread to every part of India. 

As the spread continues, it creates an alarming situation for everybody. Don’t worry if the dengue has caught you. You can manage the symptoms with a nutrition-rich diet and proper hydration. In this blog, let’s explore foods to eat and avoid for a dengue fever diet. 

Dengue Fever Diet Plan 

Here is a diet plan for a week for dengue fever. It is rich in nutrition that can build the immune system and help repair and regenerate body tissues. 

Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
Monday	1 cup cornflakes & milk	½ cup parboiled rice + ½ cup soup + 2 piece chicken	⅓ cup boiled rice + 2 mashed potato + pour 1 tbsp of ghee over rice
Tuesday	1.5 soaked chapatti in ½ cup milk with sugar	½ cup parboiled rice + 2 pcs roasted paneer + ½ cup soup	⅓ cup boiled rice + ½ cup carrot and potato curry + 2 warm rasgulla.
Wednesday	2 chapati + ½ cup masoor daal	½ cup yellow matar daal curry + ¼ fresh lime	⅓ cup mashed boiled potato + ¼ cup milk with jaggery
Thursday	1 bowl pulao with carrot and peas	½ cup boiled rice + 2 mashed potato + 1 boiled egg + pour 1 tbsp of ghee over rice	⅓ cup of rice + ½ bowl of curry + 2 warm rasgulla
Friday	2 chapati + ½ cup of moong dal	½ cup of parboiled rice + 2 pieces of roasted paneer	¼ cup of pulao + 1 boiled egg
Saturday	½ cup custard + 2 toasts	½ cup of parboiled rice + ½ cup of moong dal	⅓ cup of boiled rice with mashed potatoes + ½ cup of milk with jaggery.
Sunday	2 chapati + ½ cup masoor ki dal	½ cup yellow matar daal curry	⅓ cup pulao + 1 tbsp ghee over rice

*Consult your doctor before starting any diet plan*

To keep your body functioning properly and fight against dengue, have coconut water and vitamin C-rich fruits between meals. 

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/lifestyle/15-effective-home-remedies-for-dengue/ 

Foods To Eat When Diagnosed With Dengue

Dengue drains out energy and weakens the immune system. Foods rich in vitamin C and protein can help prevent anemia and strengthen the body to fight dengue. Here are some foods you should add to your dengue fever diet. 

Fluids

Fluids are an essential component of the dengue fever diet. During the treatment process, drink Water, ORS, Coconut Water, Buttermilk, and Herbal teas. These fluids can nourish your body with the required fluids and provide energy to fight the dengue variant. 

On the one hand, water provides strength to your body for day-to-day functioning. ORS can prevent vomiting or nausea and provide lost electrolytes. 

Coconut water can help with hydration, especially in people with cardiac conditions. Herbal teas such as ginger, peppermint, and chamomile can ease digestion and fulfill the hydration need. Herbal teas are also the best alternative to caffeine. 

Vitamin C

Consuming vitamin C helps build immunity, which is important for fighting dengue. Add vitamin C-rich fruits such as lemon, orange, papaya, and guava to your dengue fever diet. 

Green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and spinach contain vitamins and minerals that are necessary for fighting dengue. You can also add parsley and radish leaves. Ginger and garlic are other healthy foods with anti-inflammatory properties that provide immunity to your system to fight against dengue. 

Nuts, seeds, and berries are some other vitamin and mineral foods that provide strength and immunity to get relief in the dengue journey. Berries contain antioxidant properties that prevent damage caused by free radicals. 

Protein-Rich Foods

Protein helps repair damaged body tissues. Food such as lean meat and lentils in your dengue fever diet can help regenerate tissues and damaged vessels. 

Dairy Products such as paneer, tofu, curd, and milk are vegetarian protein options. For a dengue fever diet, add a mix of dal, rajma, chole, chana, sattu, and drumsticks. 

Some people wonder if eggs are good for dengue patients. Yes, eggs are a versatile and healthy source of protein. You can eat eggs in any form, such as an omelet. 

Non-vegetarian food sources such as lean meat, fish, chicken, mutton, and turkey can provide essential amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids. 

Vegans can prefer tofu, chickpeas, beans, and lentils for protein in their dengue fever diet. 

What can be eaten in dengue to increase platelets? 

To increase platelets, you can eat the following 10 food items: 

1. Green leafy vegetables
2. Pumpkin 
3. Carrots
4. Beetroots 
5. Lemons and orange
6. Whole cereals 
7. Nuts and seeds 
8. Pulses 
9. Poultry 
10. Dairy products 

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/fruit/best-fruits-to-eat-during-dengue-fever-for-quick-recovery/ 

10 Foods To Avoid When Diagnosed With Dengue 

During dengue, monitoring what you eat and drink is very important. Food can either better your health or deteriorate it. The above-listed foods can provide strength and immunity for your body to work. Avoid the following food items to protect tissues from damage and turning severe. 

1. Fatty and junk foods
2. Spicy and acidic foods
3. Alcohol 
4. Caffeinated and sugary beverages 
5. Seeds 
6. Laxative foods 
7. Whole grains 
8. Bacon, pork, and lamb
9. Carbonated beverages 
10. Caffeinated beverages

Key Takeaways 

A dengue fever diet should contain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that help the body fight dengue symptoms. The above diet plan can help reduce dengue symptoms. Although the right food can provide the necessary properties, certain foods can hinder the dengue recovery period. The above dengue fever diet can ease your dengue recovery journey. Nonetheless, you should consult your doctor before starting. Also, note if you are allergic to any food. 
Seek a medical consultation if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms such as headaches or fatigue. Redcliffe Labs offers the Dengue NS1 Test, which detects the presence of dengue variants in the blood to diagnose dengue fever early. They are the leading PAN India diagnostic lab that aims to provide quality diagnosis to every citizen.