Expert advisory by MSc, Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc
Article consulted by MSc, Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc - General Internal Medicine Doctor - Endocrinologist - Department of Outpatient & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Dengue fever is a dangerous disease caused by the Dengue virus. It is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes. When suffering from dengue fever, patients need to rest, receive care, and follow a good nutrition plan. A scientific nutrition regimen will help patients recover more quickly. What fruits should dengue patients eat, and what are the dietary principles to follow?
1. Nutritional Principles for Dengue Fever Patients
- Hydration is essential:
Dengue patients often suffer from high fever and dehydration, so staying hydrated is essential. This can be done by drinking electrolyte solutions or juices (coconut water, orange juice, grapefruit juice). These fruit juices are rich in minerals and vitamin C, which help strengthen blood vessel walls and speed up recovery.
- Consume soft, liquid foods:
Patients should eat soft and liquid foods such as soups and porridge, actively supplementing with protein-rich foods like meat, eggs, and milk; and zinc-rich foods like beef and chicken to boost immunity. If patients feel fatigued and have a reduced appetite, they can also increase milk intake, which ensures nutrition while being easy to digest.
- Avoid greasy foods:
It is essential to completely avoid food fried or cooked with excess oils as these can lead to digestive difficulties.
2. What Fruits Should Dengue Patients Eat?
Below is a list of fruits that are highly beneficial for Dengue patients. Combining these fruits into the daily diet will help patients recover more quickly.
- Papaya:
Papaya is rich in vitamins, fiber, zinc, and folate, making it very good for health. Papaya helps boost platelet and white blood cell counts, prevents blood clotting, and supports wound healing—making it ideal for dengue patients.
Drinking fresh papaya juice daily will help prevent platelet decline and boost the patient's health.
- Kiwi:
Kiwi is rich in vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin K, and zinc. It also contains a lot of fiber and antioxidants. Consuming kiwi, either whole or as juice, helps increase platelets and strengthen the immune system.
- Pomegranate:
Pomegranate is rich in polyphenolic flavonoids, which help combat the growth of bacteria. Drinking pomegranate juice mixed with fresh lemon juice is an easy way to boost immunity and raise platelet levels.
- Guava:
Among fruits rich in vitamin C, guava is notable. Vitamin C is essential for platelet production and enhancing the body's immune system. If the guava is too hard, make guava juice, which is not just tasty but also beneficial for the patient's health.
- Honeydew
Honeydew is a fruit that contains a lot of water, making it very effective for rehydration and mineral replenishment.
- Orange:
Dengue patients usually experience high fever and dehydration. Oranges are one of the fruits richest in vitamin C, helping to rehydrate, combat fatigue, and boost the patient's immune system.
A daily glass of orange juice helps combat fatigue and strengthens the immune system.
To support the recovery process, adding these fruits to the patient's daily meals is necessary. A scientific diet combined with proper medication will help patients overcome this illness. Nonetheless, if the condition worsens, hospitalization should be considered for monitoring.
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