Table of contents:
- The important role of platelets in the immune system
- Rows of food and beverage restrictions during dengue fever
- 1. Sweet foods and drinks
- 2. Alcohol
- 3. Fatty foods
One of the conditions that occurs during dengue fever is a decreased platelet count. If it continues to fall, it will be life-threatening to DHF patients. So, so that the platelets do not go down and even go up, there are some dietary restrictions that must be obeyed when experiencing dengue.
If there is a lack of nutritional intake, the formation and role of platelets will not work optimally. So, what is the role of platelets and what food and drink restrictions should be done during DHF? Know the explanation below.
The important role of platelets in the immune system
Platelets or platelets help the body to stop bleeding. When the blood vessels are damaged, the platelets immediately work to form a blockage to repair the damage.
In addition, platelets are the immune system's first response to viruses, bacteria, or allergens that enter the bloodstream. Platelets will activate signals that detect the presence of immune complexes that are formed as a result of an antibody reaction to reinfection by germs.
A normal platelet count in adults reaches 150,000-450,000 in the blood. In people with DHF, the platelet count can be lower than the lower limit of normal numbers.
A low platelet count can make DHF patients experience symptoms such as nosebleeds, easy bruising, bleeding, bleeding when brushing teeth, and red spots.
Therefore, there are food and beverage restrictions that you need to do when you have dengue fever, so that your immune system can recover optimally.
Rows of food and beverage restrictions during dengue fever
After knowing how important platelets are, now you need to know what foods and drinks are taboo during DHF.
1. Sweet foods and drinks
Foods containing high sugar are taboo when DHF strikes. This is because the sugar in sugary foods limits the role of the immune system to protect the body from bacteria. When the immune system is compromised, the recovery of dengue will take a long time.
For example, soft drinks, canned drinks, sweet cakes, biscuits, cakes, and others. Consumption of sweet intake can increase inflammation and make the body more sluggish because the immune system does not react optimally.
When you have dengue fever, you can consume sweet foods such as guava (guava) in the form of fruit or juice. Guava is a source of vitamin C which plays an important role in increasing endurance. The content of vitamin C plays a role in fighting viruses and bacteria that cause infection. You can consume it regularly to help the recovery process during dengue fever.
2. Alcohol
Not only food, but drinks that contain alcohol are taboo when DHF. Alcohol decreases platelets in the blood by inhibiting their production in the spinal cord.
It was previously known that platelets work by clotting blood by providing blockages when a blood vessel is injured. However, alcohol can interfere with platelet function, thus failing to do its job in clotting blood.
Alcohol not only has the effect of lowering platelets, but also triggers dehydration. Don't forget to drink lots of water during the dengue fever recovery period to keep body fluids stable.
3. Fatty foods
Fatty foods, including oily ones, are things that should be avoided when DHF. Fatty and oily foods can increase cholesterol levels in the blood.
High cholesterol affects the smoothness of platelets in the blood to carry out their function to protect the body. So, avoid fried foods and fatty meats. Eat healthier protein, such as chicken or lean beef to increase endurance.
