Chikungunya
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease. It causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. The disease shares some clinical signs with dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common.

There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.

The proximity of mosquito breeding sites to human habitation is a significant risk factor for chikungunya.

Chikungunya is characterized by an abrupt onset of fever frequently accompanied by joint pain. The joint pain is often very debilitating, but usually ends within a few days or weeks. Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months, or even years. Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, as well as gastrointestinal complaints.

The virus is transmitted from human to human by the bites of infected female mosquitoes. Most commonly, the mosquitoes involved are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, two species which can also transmit other mosquito-borne viruses, including dengue. These mosquitoes can be found biting throughout daylight hours, although there may be peaks of activity in the early morning and late afternoon.

Nutritional Management of Chikungunya:
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 nutrients are natural antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals in our body. They should be consumed daily either in natural form or as supplements.

• Eating oranges, amla, sweet lime, capsicum, broccoli, pineapple, cabbage, papaya, and guavas can provide vitamin C, which destroys invasive viruses and bacteria.

• Loaded with vitamin A, yellow- orange colored fruits and vegetables can increase the production of natural infection-fighting cells. So, enjoy them in your salads, soups, snacks, and veggies.

• Eating radish can also facilitate thinning of mucous, clearing of sinuses, and relieving mucous-related headaches.

• Additionally, supplementing the diet with good sources of omega 3 fatty acids like fatty fishes, almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds can reduce inflammation.

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

Suffering from Chikungunya !  Get a Diet Plan Customized for Yourself  >>