I am suffering from malaria. What should I eat? (Query)

You need to follow strict diet rules to get well soon when you are down with malaria. Here's what our expert has to say!

I am a 26-year-old female. I am suffering from malaria and am currently on medications for the same. I feel very tired and don t feel like eating anything. What should I eat to get well soon? Are there any diet restrictions that I need to follow? Please help me.

Dr Aarti Ullal, General Physician, Mumbai says, A person suffering from malaria can eat everything except for oily and spicy foods. Because, these foods hinder with your digestion and further aggravate your recovery, especially when you are on medications. Except these, there are no restrictions that a person needs to follow.

Here are some expert tips you need to keep in mind on what you should eat during your course of medication.

#1 When you suffer from malaria, your energy levels go for a toss. You feel low on energy and thus, it is important to consume foods that provide instant energy or those containing a high amount of glucose. Hence, make sure you eat more fruits (or drink fruit juices).

#2 As your digestive system is also affected, and you are slowing getting on track, you should eat foods rich in nutrients like vegetable soups and kanji or rice water. These foods are easy-to-digest and also improve your appetite thereby aiding in better recovery.

#3 Malaria medicines leave a bad taste in the mouth and thus, most people tend to restrict their food intake. In such cases, you can try foods like khichdi, dal and rice, which are easy on the stomach and bland in taste (as spicy foods are a strict no-no for people suffering from malaria).

#4 Most people think that one should not eat curd when taking medications or if you suffer from a cough, cold or chest congestion along with malaria. But in reality, curd contains probiotics that are beneficial for maintaining your gut health and thus, help you to fight infection and get well soon.

#5 It is very important to keep yourself hydrated when suffering from malaria. Hence, make sure you drink more water. Even coconut water and warm milk (only if you do not feel nauseous) are good for health. You can also drink lemon water with little salt and water to restore your electrolyte balance in the body.

Make sure you take medications as recommended by your doctor and follow these expert tips to recover from malaria at the earliest.

Did you know that even mosquitoes have their favourite spots? Click on this image!

You may also like to read:

• 11 complications of malaria you should know
• 5 diseases caused by mosquitoes (other than dengue and malaria)
• 10 natural ways to get rid of mosquitoes in your house

Image Source: Shutterstock

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