Food to help with dengue recovery should be rich in food sources of protein and iron, such as meats, eggs and liver, as these nutrients help prevent anemia and strengthen the immune system. Being well nourished favors the body in the fight against dengue, and so it is important to feed frequently, rest and ingest at least 3 liters of fluids per day.
In addition to foods that help fight dengue, you should avoid some foods that increase the severity of the disease, such as potatoes, pepper and tomato, as they increase the risk of bleeding.
Foods indicated in dengue
The foods most indicated for people with dengue are especially foods rich in protein and iron, which are important nutrients to prevent anemia and increase the formation of platelets, essential substance to prevent bleeding and that is missing in the body during dengue. Thus, the foods that help against dengue are:
- Lean meats such as chicken, lean red meat and fish;
- Liver;
- Milk and dairy products;
- Egg;
- Beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas;
- Water, coconut water, natural fruit juices.
In addition, it is also important to consume foods rich in vitamin C such as orange, acerola, pineapple and kiwi, as this vitamin helps in the absorption of iron in the intestine and strengthens the immune system. See also the teas that are indicated to improve the symptoms of dengue in: Best home remedies for Dengue.
Menu for dengue fever
Here is an example that you can eat in case of dengue fever to recover faster:
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | |
| Breakfast | Natural yogurt with oats and 2 toast with butter | orange juice with beets | 1 cup of coffee with milk |
| Morning snack | 1 orange | 1 banana | 1 pear |
| Lunch | Grilled chicken breast, rice, beans and grated carrot | Cooked fish with pumpkin puree and peas | Chickpeas with chickpeas and green salad |
| Afternoon snack | 1 wholemeal bread with jelly | Chamomile Tea with Cookies | Watermelon juice |
| Dinner | Chopped vegetable soup (without potato) | Scrambled eggs with cheese | Boiled Chicken Thigh with Rice and Peas |
| Supper | 1 slice white cheese | porridge | lemon balm tea |
What Not to Eat During Dengue
The foods to avoid in dengue are those that contain salicylates, and act similarly to aspirin, which refines blood and slows blood clotting, favoring bleeding. These foods are:
- Plum, cherry, blackberry, apple, melon, nectarine, peach, grape, tangerine, lemon, strawberry, raisin, gooseberry;
- Almond, walnuts;
- Potato, cucumber, tomato, apricot;
- Pepper, garlic, onion, ginger.
In addition to avoiding these foods, some medicines are also contraindicated in cases of dengue, such as AAS, Aspirin and Doril.
To learn more about dengue care, see also:
- Treatment of dengue
- Remedies for dengue fever
- Symptoms of dengue
