Malaria is a communicable (passed from one human to another)
disease transmitted by an infected female Anopheles mosquito and is associated
with estimated record numbers of approximately 225 million cases
each year, mostly observed in under-developed or developing countries. It is
common disease and responsible for hundreds of deaths worldwide each year.
Symptoms of malaria include; fever, chills, headache, sweating, blood stools, anemia, and
vomiting.
There is a no specific diet for malaria patients but adequate diet
is recommended for quicker recovery.
A good diet ensures that the body is not put under unnecessary
duress (pressure). During this time of illness, the patient’s body is weak and
the antibiotics administered for treatment can further weaken the body. Hence,
malaria diet should focus on strengthening the patient’s immune system without
putting too much stress on the liver, kidneys, and digestive system as a whole.
MENU PLAN
Once a person is diagnosed ill with malaria, it is recommended the
following dietary patterns are adopted.
SUMMARY
Malaria patients are usually weak and have low appetite. The food
they take into their bodies should therefore be light, easily digestible and
not bring about the use of needed energy for digestion. In malaria, a diet
recommend will be to go in for lots of fruits and vegetables to provide the
depleted body with vitamins and minerals that will help bring back your
appetite and aid in a quicker recovery.
1. FASTING DIET
Depending on how high the fever of a patient is, it is recommended
to start with “an all-orange juice and water diet for about five to ten days (according
to simple-remedies.com).
RECOMMENDED
BECAUSE MALARIA PATIENTS HAVE LOW APPETITE FOR SOLID FOODS AND ALSO NEED LOTS
OF FLUID.
“An enema (fluid injected into the rectum as a purge or medicine)
that uses warm water should also be administered during this period from time
to time for toxin cleansing” according to simple-remedies.com.
2. FRUIT DIET
This stage is where the patient eats fresh fruits only, for about
3 days. Only fresh fruits should be served to the patient (NO CANNED/BOTTLED
FRUITS ALLOWED).
Some recommended fruits include pineapple, pawpaw (papaya), apple,
orange, grapes, mangos, and grapefruit.
The patient body will need protein and fats thus MILK should be
given on the third day of the fruit diet. Remember to discontinue the strict
fruit diet on the third day.
3. BALANCED DIET
During the period of convalescence (recovery/after the 3rd
day of the fruit diet) a well-balanced diet should to given. Fruits should
still be present with vegetables, seeds, nuts and whole grains adding to make
the diet well-balanced.
FOODS AFTER MALARIA (SOURCE; diethealthclub.com)
A light diet consisting of vegetables, poultry fish and may be a
little red meat is recommended, as it provides the necessary protein for the
body to repair itself. Include plenty of green vegetables, whole grains, rice,
and iron-rich foods as they are considered good for malaria patients. During
recovery, a malaria patient tends to lose his/her appetite, so attention should
be given to provide as much variety as possible.
FOODS TO AVOID WHEN
MANAGING MALARIA
Coffee, strong tea, processed and refined foods, sauces,
condiments, pickles, refined sugar, products made with white flour, alcoholic
beverages, and all meat products. These foods cause stress to the digestive
system and may lead in increased discomfort.
CONCLUSION
Finally, it’s recommended you speak to you nutritionist before you
go for such diet plans.
FOR CONSULTATION
Call
Our Nutritionist- +233277279565
This article
was reviewed on Wednesday, 16h October, 2013 By Nu. Sallah Stanley Kwesi (Nutritionist at Nutritional Talk)
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