Malaria is a protozoal disease that causes high-grade fever and is spread by the bite of female anopheles mosquitoes. The parasite is transmitted from one infected person to another by mosquitoes. After that, the parasite enters the bloodstream and infects the red blood cells. The most common symptoms of malaria are fever, chills, headache, nausea and vomiting.Also read – 8 watery fruits to keep you hydrated in summer
Although there is no specific diet for malaria, good nutrition is essential for recovery. A healthy diet should focus on boosting the patient’s immune system while avoiding damage to the liver, kidneys or digestive system. The patient should be advised to eat regularly and in small quantities to help him tolerate food. Also read – 7 Golden Rules for Fast and Healthy Weight Loss
We asked the consulting nutritionist and dietitian Asma Alam About what to eat and what to avoid during malaria. Also read – 6 side effects of celery seeds you must read
Eat a variety of nutritious foods:
When a patient has malarial fever, the body’s calorie and nutritional needs increase. BMR, or body metabolic rate, is a measure of how fast your body burns calories. In addition, the demand for calorie intake is influenced by changes in body temperature.
Control your fat intake:
Fat consumption should be kept to a minimum. Dairy fats such as creams, dairy fats, butter etc. help in digestion as they contain medium-range triglycerides (MCT). Excess fat in the preparation or eating of fried foods impairs nausea and impairs digestion, resulting in diarrhea.
Almonds and seeds:
When you have malaria, you should increase your intake of phytonutrients that help fight the antioxidant stress caused by the infection. Almonds and seeds are packed with phytonutrients, healthy fats and proteins. When you are hungry between meals and do not know what to eat during malaria, nuts and seeds are always the best options as processed food is out of reach at this time.
Fluid intake:
Liquids such as glucose water, fresh fruit juice, coconut water, lemon, salt, sugar and syrup made from water and election water should be included. If you are going to consume water, make sure it is boiled or sterilized. Drink as much liquid as you can: milkshakes, fruit and vegetable juices, rice water, bean water, stews, soups, etc. Drink at least 3 to 3.5 liters of water daily. The liquid will help remove toxins from the body through urine and feces, which will help you to recover faster. When you have malaria, another wonderful drink that you can include in your diet is celery water. As a carminative, celery helps keep your digestive system healthy by reducing flatulence and gas.
Avoid:
Green leafy vegetables, thick-skinned fruits and whole grains should be avoided. Stay away from high fat foods like fries, chips, pastries, anything that has a lot of cheese in it, meda based foods etc. Limit your intake of spicy and / or hot foods. This will cause unnecessary stomach problems and heartburn.
Sauces and pickles should not be included in the diet of a malaria patient at any time. Coffee, tea, cocoa, cola and other caffeinated beverages should be avoided.
Drinking electrolytes is essential to work on vitamin deficiencies. Soups, stews and fruit juices as well as lentil water, coconut water and other beverages are all beneficial. Foods rich in vitamin C and A, such as papaya, beets and other citrus fruits, as well as vitamin B complex are essential for malaria sufferers.
