As the deadly dengue season starts setting in, one tends to automatically get in the must-do things that every public service announcement tells us to do. There is no prescribed medication for the disease but keeping our surroundings clean, not letting stagnant water in the vicinity and basic hygiene are an absolute must when it comes to preventing dengue causing Aedes mosquito to breed.
What we can and must do is to include some key food items in our daily diet to help raise the platelet count of a patient as well as help in recovery. Depleting platelet level is the single-most cause of making it a fatal disease and hence we need to replenish our body with required nutrients to improve bone marrow health which produces platelets.
Papaya leaves
Perhaps one of the easiest home remedies to improve platelet count in a dengue patient. Crush the leaves and extract the juice or boil the leaves and drink that solution.
Coconut water
Green coconut water is highly recommended as it helps in replenishing the minerals and electrolytes that the body lost in dehydration.
Broccoli
Loaded with Vitamin K, which helps to regenerate platelets, broccoli is a must in a dengue patient’s meals.
Spinach
An iron and omega-3 fatty acids powerhouse, spinach helps in strengthening the immune system.
Beetroot
Beetroot is full of antioxidants that help prevent platelet reduction. The amount of Vitamin A, C, and K, as well as minerals in the beetroot, helps prevent the deterioration of blood vessels. It also helps improve immunity.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin, along with its seeds, is armed with amino acids and vitamins required for platelet formation. It is also full of antioxidants that help in reducing the harmful effects of toxins.
Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits are the Vitamin C goldmine that help in dengue patient’s speedy recovery. Include lemon, orange, kiwi, tangerines in the day, preferably morning as these fruits are acidic in nature.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera juice can be extremely beneficial in promoting platelet production as it is rich in nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, sodium, copper, and vitamins C, E, and B.
For a disease like dengue, prevention is better than cure. Hence, by ensuring no polluted, stagnant water is around and there is cleanliness, we can prevent the dengue mosquito to breed. Including these foods in a patient’s diet will promote platelet count and hence, speedy recovery.
