Chikungunya has been discovered in recent times to be one of the most distressing diseases. It is a viral infection that can even prove fatal in some of the cases.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

  • High fever (temperature near about 102.2 °F)
  • Severe body pain
  • Joint pain along with inflammation
  • Severe headache
  • Abundant rashes
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Loss of taste
  • Mouth ulcers.

Chikungunya can be a life-threatening disease. However, the virus itself doesn’t lead to death. The virus drastically lowers the immune system, thereby increasing the body’s susceptibility to infections and complications related to the disease. So the most important aim of a diet prescribed for Chikungunya patients should be to improve the body’s resistance and decrease the severity and duration of symptoms.

RECOMMENDED DIET DURING THE DISEASE

  • A healthy normal diet including items from all the different food groups may be given to those suffering from Chikungunya.
  • To combat high fever, a soft but balanced diet with plenty of hot liquids should be given to the patient.
  • Taking plenty of fluids in the form of warm water, soups, and broths can help flush out the virus faster from the body.
  • In order to build immunity, foods rich in selenium, chromium, zinc, and the vitamins A, C, and E should be eaten, these help to fight free radicals in our body.

FOODS RECOMMENDED

  • Eating oranges, amla, sweet lime, capsicum, broccoli, pineapple, cabbage, papaya, and guavas can provide vitamin C, which destroys viruses and bacteria.
  • Rich in vitamin A, yellow- orange colored fruits and vegetables can increase the production of natural infection-fighting cells. These can be enjoyed in your salads, soups, snacks, and veggies.
  • Eating radish can also facilitate thinning of mucous, clearing of sinuses, and relieving mucous-related headaches.
  • Supplementing the diet with good sources of omega 3 fatty acids like fatty fishes, almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds can reduce inflammation.

BENEFICIAL CONCOCTION

Have a concoction made from herbs like tulsi, amrutharista, sudarshanchurnam, mahasudarshanachurna, gutika, and amruthotharamkashayam may lessen the severity of Chikungunya symptoms.

AVOID

Avoid eating highly spicy and deep fried foods, drinking caffeinated beverages, smoking, and consuming alcohol as these can further weaken the body’s defenses and prolong the symptoms.