The Perfect List Of Foods To Eat And Avoid During Fever
Fever is an elevation of body temperature above
normal. Fever is not a disease by itself, but a symptom produced in response to
an inflammation or infection caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses etc. Fevers may
be acute or chronic. Chronic fevers are low-grade long duration fevers like
tuberculosis. Acute fevers last for a shorter duration but the body temperature
is high. For example, influenza, chicken pox, typhoid, malaria etc. The monsoon
season brings with itself a number of acute fevers like influenza, the common viral fever
and the more dreaded ones like dengue,
chikungunya, foot & mouth disease etc.
For every 1degree F rise in body temperature, the
metabolic rate increases by 7%. Hence the energy requirement is high. Also, the
body is in a catabolic state, leading to breakdown of tissues. Besides fluid,
there is loss of minerals too. To compound the situation, fevers are associated
with poor appetite which further compromises nutritional status.
Thus, fevers and malnutrition form a vicious cycle;
malnutrition increases the vulnerability to infection by compromising the
immune system, and infections further deteriorate nutritional status.
Key nutrients required for an efficient immune
response include protein, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, iron, vitamin D,
selenium, vitamin B6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Supplements of these nutrients
may be given as the diet may not be able to meet the increased nutrient
requirements in lieu of poor appetite, increased losses and poor absorption.
Follow Us On;
LinkedIn http://bit.ly/PranayaLinkedin
1. Since the body is in a catabolic state, protein
intake should be increased to minimize tissue breakdown. Proteins of high
biological value such as eggs, milk, curd, paneer, soft cheese, cereal-pulse
combinations should be taken. However, milk may have to be avoided in case
there is diarrhea.
2. Include plenty of probiotics, as antibiotics
destroy the gut microflora and wreak havoc on your digestion. Curd can easily
be your best bet, being an abundant source of probiotics. You may also require
probiotic supplements.
3. High fiber foods like whole wheat may have to be
avoided in case of diarrhea. The high calorie requirement can be met by
including rice, khichadi, suji upma, idli, chila, poha etc.
4. Choose fresh seasonal fruit rich in vitamin C,
which is a strong antioxidant and strengthens immunity. Remove peels if you
have diarrhea or gastric trouble.
5. Avoid eating raw vegetables as they are hard to
digest and can increase risk of further infection. Prefer to eat well cooked
veggies, soups, vegetable purees or boiled leafy greens.
6. Hydrate yourself well with
electrolytes to prevent dehydration and further complications. Include plenty
of fluids like clear soups, nariyal pani, nimboo pani, chicken broth, weak
teas, herbal teas, buttermilk, namkeen lassi etc. These help to restore the
electrolyte balance and replenish the lost minerals.
7. Easily digestible fats like butter,
full fat milk, and whole egg may be included.
8. The diet should be preferably soft
and easy to digest and shouldn't burden the digestive system. Start with a soft
diet by including soups, broths, khichadi, porridge, daliya, vegetable oats,
upma, poha, dal-chawal, curd.
9. Take small and frequent meals instead of taking
three large meals that are difficult to digest.
10. Steer clear of colas, carbonated drinks, caffeine,
unpasteurized milk, alcohol, tobacco, red meats, shellfish, packed juices,
fried fatty foods like samosas, pakoras etc, chemical irritants like spices,
condiments, pickles, chutneys, creamy soups, pastries/ cakes etc.
Most importantly, do not try to treat fevers on your
own by popping pills. Do visit your doctor, watch out for new symptoms and
conduct necessary lab investigations too.
(SOURCE: NDTV Doctor)
Know How We Give-Back
Create My Account
Shop With Us
All
material copyright healthcare nt sickcare. 2017 – 2018. Terms and conditions & Privacy Policy of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes
only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health
provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Source: This article inspired from various online articles and own
offline experiences. The content meant for public awareness and regular post to
clientele of healthcare nt sickcare.
0 comments:
Post a Comment