Cases of dengue fever are rising rapidly in the country. One must eat seasonal foods, stay healthy and avoid stress to keep your immune system strong to fight against the infection. Dengue occurs by the bite of an infected mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Symptoms range from fever, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and rash to aches and pains. You must get tested if you suffer from these symptoms. If the symptoms worsen, a person must get admitted to the hospital immediately. You require adequate hydration and nutrition. Deepti Khatuja, Head – Clinical Nutritionist, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, suggested food groups to the diet during this season and in dengue to improve platelets, boost immunity and keep infections at bay.
Six foods you must add to your diet
- Fluids
A high intake of fluids and water is necessary. Consuming warm concoctions, herbal teas, broths, and soups will help. Hot liquids, cold liquids like lemon water, buttermilk or lassi, and coconut water are beneficial to improve the platelet count. These beverages keep rejuvenating and control electrolyte balance, clean the system, and are essential for building a robust immune system.
- Fruits
Seasonal fruits like Jamun, pears, plums, cherries, peaches, papaya, apples, and pomegranates contain vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber. They help digestion, maintain gut flora, and focus on the immune response.
- Vegetables
Add seasonal colored vegetables to your daily diet to improve gut health and the immune system. They contain vitamins like A and C, and minerals like zinc and magnesium are good antioxidants and provide good immunity.
- Spices
Spices and herbs like turmeric, ginger, garlic, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, and immune-boosting activities. They support the immune system by regulating immune cells like T-cells helping the body to defend itself from pathogens. Add these spices to your regular cooking during this weather and boost your overall health.
- Nuts
Nuts and seeds contain proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Probiotics
Consume yogurt, buttermilk, cheese kefir, kombucha, and soybeans contain good bacteria that boost our digestive system and immunity. Deepti Khatuja concluded that you should be careful of what you are eating. You must choose the right food and maintain proper hygiene to keep yourself safe during the rainy season. Nutrition and immunity depend on the food you eat.