5 Foods That Are Healthy During Chikungunya

The incidence of chikungunya is not showing any sign of declining as yet in National Capital Region. Chikungunya is basically a mosquito-borne viral disease. It is characterized by an abrupt onset of fever frequently accompanied by joint pain. Most patients recover fully but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months or even years. Other common signs and symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. While avoiding mosquito bites is the best way to prevent this disease, here are top 5 healthy foods that you can eat to treat chikungunya.

# Coconut Water

Drinking coconut water is the best solution to treat chikungunya. It not only detoxify your body but also hydrates it as it is rich in electrolytes.

Coconut water might not cure the disease but it surely helps patients to recover faster. This is because it helps in detoxifying the liver which is the organ where the virus develops once it enters the body. That is why, it is highly recommended to drink coconut water on regular basis.

# Liquid Based Foods

Include food which has more water content and is easy to digest like soups, lentils and gravies.

You can have homemade soups especially of fresh vegetables like carrot and tomato. These soups are rich in vitamin A, contains antioxidants like lycopene and make you feel good. Try yellow lentils as it is high in proteins which makes you strong from inside and is very light on your stomach.

Basically all these liquid based foods help flush out virus fast from the body and are good to treat chikungunya.

# Fresh Leafy Vegetables

Leafy vegetables are best to recover fast from this deadly disease. They are very easy to digest and contain lots of vitamins. Veggies are low in calories and is good for your overall health. Being highly rich in nutrients and natural antioxidants, fresh leafy vegetables help to fight free radicals in the body.

# Foods Rich in Vitamin C

Vitamin C is known to boost your immunity and helps to keep body healthy. Therefore foods that are rich in vitamin C should be a part of your diet to treat chikungunya.

Fruits like sweet lime, amla, capsicum, broccoli, pineapple, cabbage, papaya, and guavas are rich in vitamin C which can destroy invasive viruses and bacteria.

# Foods Rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids can be consumed through variety of foods and as well as supplements. But it is highly recommended to have it in forms of organic foods. It helps in improving the immune system and fight infections better. It not only improves bone strength but also lowers inflammation and reduces joint stiffness in people suffering from chikungunya.

You can include pulses, flax seeds, almonds, walnuts etc. which are a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids.