Brazil already has more than 1.5 million probable cases of dengue and 391 confirmed deaths from the disease. The infection, transmitted by Aedes aegyptithere is no specific treatment and recovery from mild cases is based on rest, fluid intake and the use of the right medications to alleviate symptoms.
Some Food can also contribute to recovery of a case of dengue fever. According to Christian Aguiar, a specialist in natural medicine and supplementation, some vitamins and minerals present in specific foods help to strengthen the immune system, improving the clinical condition of patients.
“Vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc are fundamental nutrients to strengthen the immune system and help the body's response against viral infections, such as dengue fever”, explains Aguiar.
The expert clarifies that the vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells , which play an important role in defending the body against pathogens, such as the dengue virus. In addition Vitamin D accelerates the body's recovery after acute infections, while zinc is a powerful anti-inflammatory helping to fight inflammation caused by viral infections.
Foods rich in these nutrients include:
- Vitamin C : cashew, guava, orange, lemon, mango, kiwi, acerola, kale, strawberry, pineapple, parsley, tangerine, broccoli, yellow pepper;
- Vitamin D : egg yolk, salmon, tuna, tilapia, mushrooms, sardines, liver steak, oysters, milk;
- Zinc : salmon, sardines, tuna, chicken, beans, rice, lentils, chickpeas, egg yolks, spinach, almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts, peanuts.
Other important foods for the immune system
In addition to the foods mentioned above, Aguiar also highlights the potential of dark green leaves in strengthening the immune system. According to the expert, foods such as spinach and kale They are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, which stimulates blood clotting, important for more serious cases of dengue.
In addition Coconut Water It can be a great ally for hydration during dengue treatment. “It is rich in electrolytes and minerals, it is an excellent option for maintaining hydration during illness, avoiding dehydration caused by fever and vomiting”, says Aguiar.
Another ingredient that can play an important role in strengthening the immune system is turmeric (turmeric). In an article previously published in CNN functional nutritionist Gisela Savioli explains that the spice regulates immunity according to the body's needs.
The expert also cites the ginger which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which helps reduce inflammation caused by viral infections and stimulate the immune system.
What foods should be avoided during dengue treatment?
Taking care of your diet during treatment for dengue — and any other viral infection — includes avoiding the consumption of ultra-processed foods, which can increase inflammation in the body. This is the case with cookies, snacks, sausages, soft drinks and sweets.
“When we analyze the data on people who suffer more serious consequences from flu, colds and even dengue fever, what we see is that the most vulnerable are those who are chronically ill, with diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer. And, today, we know that a malnourished and inflamed body is more affected by these infectious diseases”, says Savioli.
Furthermore, according to Aguiar, some dietary supplements should also be avoided during the dengue period.
“The doctor should be informed of any dietary supplement being used, as many inhibit platelet aggregation, which can be worrying in the context of reduced platelet counts characteristic of dengue”, reinforces the doctor.
Platelets are fragments of cells present in the blood and produced by the bone marrow. They play an important role in blood clotting, reducing the risk of bleeding. However, some viral infections can reduce their presence in the blood, posing a health risk.
“During a viral infection, toxic cytokines are released that send a signal to the bone marrow to reduce platelet production. Furthermore, the immune system can often produce antibodies against a virus or bacteria and this antibody sticks to the platelet, destroying it as it understands that it is a foreign body”, explains Mariana Serpa, onco-hematologist at the Oncology Center of Rio de Janeiro. Sírio-Libanês Hospital, in an article previously published in CNN .
A low number of platelets in the blood is a sign of worsening dengue fever, as it can lead to hemorrhagic manifestations, including nose and gum bleeding and rupture of superficial skin vessels, leading to the appearance of red spots on the skin.
Source: CNN Brasil
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