Dietary Advice On Chikungunya

By: on September 23rd, 2016 in Diet & Nutrition, Preventive Health, Sickness & Disease

 

DIETARY ADVICE ON CHIKUNGUNYA

Chikungunya is confused with dengue fever by many of us. It is a viral disease spread by the bites of infected female mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. It weakens our immune system drastically and thus our body is more prone to infections and complications with other diseases. So, a healthy normal diet is very helpful to recover from chikungunya as it improves the body’s ability to fight against infections and also relieves the body from the symptoms of chikungunya.

Symptoms:

  • Fever, headache, nausea and rashes over limbs and trunk
  • Swollen and Painful joints with inflammation
  • conjunctivitis
  • Lack of taste, mouth ulcers etc

Transmission:

  • The infection is transmitted from human to human after getting infected by the bites of mosquitoes. The peak hour of infection is early morning and late afternoon. The symptom continues for 3 to 7 days but may even last for two weeks.

Diagnosis:

  • Chikungunya is confirmed by the IgM and IgG anti-chikungunya antibodies by a serological test (ELISA)- Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays.

Treatment:

  • There is no particular treatment or vaccine for chikungunya but symptoms should be relieved by taking antipyretics. Mainly a healthy and balanced diet plays a vital role in reducing infections.

Dietary Advice:

  • The food should be included from all food groups and a soft balanced diet is advised to get relief from high fever and digestive problems.
  • Plenty of fluids should be taken to combat dehydration and to remove the virus from the body.
  • Leafy vegetables and lots of fresh fruits are advised as they are loaded with vitamins and minerals to build immunity.
  • Foods rich in selenium, chromium, zinc, and Vit-A,C & E should be incorporated in the diet as these are natural antioxidants which help to fight against free radicals in our body
  • An inclusion of Omega 3 fatty acids into the diet improves our immunity and fight against diseases, reduces the inflammation, blood clotting and also allows the brain to function properly and decrease the chances of stroke, arthritis.
  • Decoction made from tulsi herb
  • Aged garlic which contains chemical allicin can reduce muscle soreness and pain and also fight against infection
  • Liquid-based foods- Chicken soup, Tomato Soup, Vegetable Soups, dals, stews, broths, and gravies.

Sources:

  • Foods rich in Vit-C: Oranges, amla, Sweetlime, capsicum, broccoli, pineapple, cabbage, Papaya and guavas boosts our immune system
  • Foods rich in Vit-A: Yellow and orange coloured fruits and vegetables can increase production of natural fighting cells
  • Include Vit-D as a supplement or proper sunshine to get relief from chronic pain.
  • Foods rich in Vit-E- Wheat, nuts, a tropical fruit which keeps away from infection and maintain good overall health.
  • Foods rich in Zinc: Pomegranate, avocados, soy which keeps the body healthy and resist against microbial attacks by boosting immunity.
  • Foods rich in Selenium: Chia seeds, brown rice, button mushroom, brazil nuts, cabbages
  • Omega 3 fatty acids: Almonds, walnuts, flax seeds
  • Green tea: It relieves from inflammation caused by joint pain as it acts as anti-inflammatory and also enhances immunity

Other Measures:

  • Wash hands with soap and clean water before and after cooking and eating
  • Small and frequent balanced meals
  • Avoid strong smelly foods to reduce nausea
  • Do not take foods along with water. A minimum gap of 15 minutes is advisable.
  • Avoid eating spicy and fried foods
  • Avoid beverages containing caffeine
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
  • Lastly proper rest.