Prevention and control of dengue by diet therapy

Abstract

Dengue infection is one of the most common mosquito-borne infections caused by Flaviridae. Electrolyte disturbances take place in dengue infection. Dengue viral infection led to acute neuromuscular weakness due to hypokalemia. During dengue fever along with other infectious disorders, cause of hypokalemia is inadequate dietary intake and breakdown of tissues releases Potassium into the extra cellular Compartment. The aim of the study was to prevent and control the Dengue by diet therapy. In this study 300 patients of dengue were selected from Sahara Hospital, (Lucknow, U.P.) India. So all the patients treated with diet therapy along with medicine. The basic diet principle were high protein, more and frequent liquids, non-oily non-spicy and soft food items which were easy to digestible. Coconut water, juices, soups and lemon water were given to the patients which were rich in vitamins (B complex, K, C,), minerals (manganese, potassium, iron) and also phytonutrients which were helpful in maintain the electrolyte balance and RBC count. Very soft food items were given in the diet like vegetable poha, vegetable Upma, vegetable sewai, porridges, paneer sandwich with fruits. Khichdi (combination of rice and pulses), green leafy vegetables, paneer vegetable with curd. It was found that patients increase the appetite and maintained the nutritional status.