As dengue fever is alarmingly spreading across the country, it is very important to take measures including food habits which will effectively minimise the risk of the disease.

One of the risk factors in case of dengue is that it may reduce the platelet level of the patient's body to such a significant extent that it could be fatal. Our body requires sufficient vitamins, minerals and protein for bone marrow health which produces platelets.

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Dengue: All you need to know

Here are few food items that are full of nutrients and will help to raise the platelet count of a dengue patient and help him recover at the earliest.

Vegetables

Vegetables such as spinach, pumpkin, paprika, carrot, watercress, celery, broccoli and beet root will trigger your platelet levels and help you purify your body.

Do not hesitate to eat these foods raw after cleaning properly.

Spinach is a food that promotes health in various aspects. They stand out for their significant contribution of protein and Vitamin K, which participates in the metabolism of coagulation factors and also helps to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.

Pumpkin, including seeds, has amino acids and vitamins essential for platelet formation. Its regular consumption improves the absorption of proteins and vitamin A, which are nutrients that participate in the production of these small cells. Additionally, since it contains powerful anti-oxidants, pumpkin is ideal for inhibiting the negative effects of toxins and free radicals.

Beet root is full of anti-oxidants that help prevent platelet reduction due to the effects of free radicals. Its contribution of vitamins A, C and K, in addition to minerals, helps prevent the deterioration of blood vessels and the development of circulatory problems. Drinking beet root juice regularly also strengthens the body's immunity.

Fruits

Both Vitamin C and Vitamin K are essential to increase the platelet count. Hence, we should not only consume citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, kiwi or tangerines, but also take fruits like strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes or currants.

It is noteworthy that the citrus fruits are acidic in nature and are much more effective in the morning if consumed. If you take them after fasting, even better. Detoxing effect of these fruits will leave your body refreshed and as good as new. In addition, you will absorb nutrients from those much better in this way.

Papaya leaves

The extract of the leaves of Carica papaya is being studied as a complementary treatment for disorders of platelet function. Just crush the papaya leaves and squeeze them to extract the juice. Its extract increases platelet count to a great extent. Alternatively, you can also boil the papaya leaves in water and drink the solution. It is possibly the best home remedy for the treatment of dengue fever.

Green Coconut water

This popular drink is highly effective to raise platelet level. Coconut water provides not only vitamins A, B and C, but also has minerals, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus.

Nuts

Proteins are essential for normal platelet count. Nuts and almonds are good sources of proteins. Peanuts and pistachios are also very beneficial, but somewhat difficult for digestion.

Gooseberry

Although it is a not-so-popular fruit, Indian gooseberry is part of the food group that promotes blood and immune health.

It contains vitamins A and C, which favour the formation of platelets. Likewise, its high concentration of anti-oxidants minimises the impact of oxidative stress and the risks of suffering from chronic conditions associated with the decrease of these blood cell fragments.

Aloe Vera 

Aloe Vera is rich in nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, sodium, copper, and vitamins C, E, and B. Therefore, aloe vera juice has multiple medicinal applications. It can be an excellent ally in taking care of cardiovascular health and promoting platelet production.

Yogurt

Probiotics, also known as active bacteria, are found largely in yogurt. These are very useful for keeping the intestines free of harmful germs and bacteria that are capable of causing diseases. Its regular consumption will help you keep the defenses high. Ideally, you should consume about 150 grammes of yogurt a day to get its healing benefits.

Chicken soup

There is scientific evidence that supports that chicken soup is of great help to stop the symptoms of colds and flu, stimulating the defenses so that healing is carried out quickly. It will also help you stay hydrated and raise the temperature of the airways, which is very effective in loosening the mucus.

Green tea

This popular healing drink has a high content of polyphenols, which are very valuable anti-oxidant compounds with immunostimulatory effects.

A recent scientific research noted that a particular type of phenolic compound, called catechins, has the ability to eliminate some types of influenza viruses.

Although these do not represent a miraculous cure for blood conditions, their regular intake can favour platelet formation.

In case of any doubt, it is always the best to consult with your physician about the amounts and the best ways to consume such foods, since other life habits, medications and complementary therapies must also be considered.

Although the treatment of platelet disorders varies depending on their causes, the consumption of these foods can promote well-being in affected people.