What diet should a person with dengue have?

And according to the nutritionist from Salud en Casa Portal, Georgina Fresia Rios, there are some foods that can increase the risk of dengue hemorrhage, such as pepper, ginger, berries, processed meats, refined flours, sodas, coffee, and chocolate.

"Patients should be advised to stay hydrated and avoid taking aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), medications that contain aspirin, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), due to their anticoagulant properties," the specialist said.

In that sense, the nutritionist shares guidelines on the diet that a person should follow if they have dengue and after the illness in order to recover properly.

What diet should a person with dengue follow?

For Georgina Fresia Rios, it is important to eat several times a day in small portions (chicken, turkey, guinea pig, blue fish containing omega 3), consume 2 to 3 liters of water a day to keep the body hydrated, and rest.

"Chicken broth, due to its vegetable ingredients and comforting flavor, is ideal to eat if you have dengue because it is light and can be consumed even when you have little appetite. Broths based on carrots and celery are also recommended, two excellent options to increase platelets," the nutritionist advises.

On the other hand, the specialist indicates that in the case of an older infected adult, it is important to follow a diet rich in sources of protein and iron, since these nutrients help prevent anemia and strengthen the immune system.

What drinks should a person with dengue consume?

According to the nutritionist, hydration is important. Among the beverages that the specialist recommends are chamomile, muña, lemon verbena, boldo, artichoke water, and guanabana leaf infusions, as these have anti-inflammatory properties for the liver and also help strengthen the immune system.

What should a person consume after having dengue?

"Iron is an important part of platelet production. Almost always, when there is an infection, in this case, dengue, the first thing that decreases is the platelets, so to improve and counteract, you have to meet daily requirements for proteins, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. Finding iron in blood sausage, spinach, red meats (consume sporadically), legumes, quinoa, turkey, broccoli, spleen, liver, tarwi, and kiwicha," Ríos says.

"Remember that all foods containing plant-based iron should be consumed with vitamin C to better absorb the iron. Fruits rich in vitamin C like kiwi, guava, strawberries, oranges, mandarins, lemons, or pineapples are ideal for increasing platelets and improving our health, so they should be ingested abundantly," the specialist concludes.