Every year millions of people are affected by dengue fever. In 2024, there were over 14 million cases of dengue fever reported globally, with 10,000 deaths. This only highlights how common dengue is and how rampant its spread can be.
As a society, we need to take several precautions in order to curb dengue and learn what to eat in dengue to increase platelets. If you or any of your loved ones are suffering from dengue, there is a lot that can be done in terms of diet to increase the crashing platelet count.
In this article, we’ll learn about what to eat in dengue to increase platelets and how you can tread a path to recovery. Keep on reading to learn more!
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What is Dengue?
Dengue or dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that normally affects people who are bitten by a mosquito carrying the infection. It is common in places that have clogged, stagnant water lying around. It is also common in places that have a poor level of hygiene as mosquitoes thrive in such areas.
The symptoms of dengue fever can vary for people. Some have mild symptoms while others have severe symptoms to the point where they need to be kept under medical supervision.
The most common dengue symptoms are high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, skin rashes, and nausea. But this isn’t it. The most daunting part of dengue is the drop in platelet count which can lead to serious health risks such as bleeding and even hemorrhagic fever. This is why it is important to know what to eat in dengue to increase platelets.
Importance of Platelet Count in Dengue
Platelets, more commonly known as thrombocytes, are blood cells that are essential for blood clotting. In the human body, a normal platelet count ranges anywhere between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microlitre of blood.
During dengue fever, the virus attacks these blood cells or bone marrow cells, hampering platelet production. It reaches a point where the platelet range drops to 20,000 per microlitre. Such low platelet counts can be extremely detrimental to the body and even cause internal bleeding.
This is why consulting a doctor at the earliest and getting started on medications are extremely crucial in your recovery from dengue. Maintaining a good platelet count takes time but with proper nutrition and medical help, you can easily accelerate recovery and regeneration of these blood cells in your body.
What to Eat in Dengue to Increase Platelets
Knowing what to eat in dengue to increase platelets is important. Nutrition plays a vital role in recovery from any infections or viral disease. A good diet and sleep regimen can help fast-track the healing process and bring your life back to normalcy. This is also the case with dengue. There are several foods that can stimulate platelet production in the body and improve overall immunity. Here are a handful you should know about:
- Spinach: Iron, folate, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants, are abundant in spinach. These nutrients are essential for raising the platelet count in the blood and enhancing blood health in general. Red blood cell formation, which is crucial during dengue illness, is aided by the iron in spinach.
- Pomegranate: Nutrient-dense pomegranates include vitamins C and K as well as other antioxidants. These components are essential for strengthening the immune system and promoting healing. Pomegranates’ high iron content also aids in raising hemoglobin levels, which is advantageous when dengue fever strikes.
- Kiwis: A nutrient-dense fruit, kiwis are rich in potassium, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins C, E, and K. It works very well to increase blood platelet counts and strengthen the immune system. Maintaining healthy platelets requires iron absorption, which is improved by the high vitamin C content in kiwis.
- Prunes: Iron, which is found in large quantities in dried fruits like raisins, figs, and prunes, is essential for the proper operation of your platelets, according to studies. More than 3.5 mg of iron, or 19% of DV, is present in 100 g of prunes per serving. Just keep in mind that dried fruits have more calories and sugar.
- Oranges: Along with vitamin C, citrus fruits are rich in folate, or vitamin B9, which is essential for healthy blood cells. A large orange contains 55 micrograms (mcg) of folate, about 14% of the recommended daily value (DV) of 400 mcg for adults.
Conclusion of What To Eat In Dengue To Increase Platelets:
With dengue, the aim is to not only consume foods that increase platelet count but also avoid foods that can put your health at risk. This is why it is important to know what to eat in dengue to increase platelets. It is crucial that you stay away from smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming spicy foods. Even greasy, fried, or packaged foods during this period aren’t good for the body and can cause you more harm than good. Supplementing your medicines with the above-mentioned foods will act as a catalyst in your journey to recovery and help you combat dengue faster.
What is dengue, and how does it affect the body?
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. It often causes symptoms like high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, skin rashes, and nausea. A significant concern during dengue is the drastic drop in platelet count, which can lead to severe complications like internal bleeding and hemorrhagic fever.
Why is platelet count important during dengue fever?
Platelets are essential for blood clotting and maintaining overall blood health. During dengue, the virus attacks bone marrow cells and reduces platelet production. If the platelet count drops below the normal range (150,000–450,000 per microlitre of blood), it can lead to severe health risks, including internal bleeding.
How can nutrition help people recover from dengue?
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in boosting platelet count and strengthening the immune system. Consuming nutrient-rich foods that aid in blood cell regeneration can accelerate recovery. Pairing a healthy diet with medical treatment can help mitigate the effects of dengue and restore normalcy.
What are some foods that can help increase platelet count during dengue?
Spinach: Rich in iron, folate, and antioxidants that support blood health.
Pomegranate: Contains vitamins C and K and iron, aiding immunity and hemoglobin levels.
Kiwis: High in vitamin C, which improves iron absorption and boosts platelet production.
Prunes: Provide a good source of iron, essential for platelet function.
Oranges: Packed with vitamin C and folate, both crucial for healthy blood cells.