Allaying chikungunya symptoms with proper food

The very mention of 'chikungunya fever' creates a panic among the city-dwellers. It is spreading very fast in the capital, and has of late attacked other parts of the country. The name "chikungunya" derives from a word "walk-bent" and describes the stooped appearance of sufferers with joint pain. 
Chikungunya is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms. The disease is characterised by an abrupt onset of fever frequently accompanied by joint pain. Other common signs and symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, rash and unbearable joint pain. Chikungunya virus may also cause abnormal heart rhythms, eye complications, neurological problems, kidney problems, etc. 
Most chikungunya patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months, or even years. Serious complications are not common, but in the case of older people, the disease may contribute to multiple complications. 
The chikungunya-carrying mosquitoes can be found biting throughout he day like in the early morning and late afternoon. After the bite of an infected mosquito, onset of illness occurs usually between 4 and 8 days but may range from 2 to 12 days. 
Several methods can be used for diagnosis of chikungunya. Serological tests, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), may confirm the presence of IgM and IgG anti-chikungunya antibodies, complete Blood count, SGPT, C-Reactive Protein.
The treatment of chikungunya may not always be available, but its symptoms can significantly be allayed by using the home remedies listed below. To aid quick recovery, the following food items should be included in the diet:
Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, a strong antioxidant that exhibits anti-inflammatory characteristics which helps to curing the symptoms of chikungunya. Mix well 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder with a glass of warm milk. Drink one glass in the morning and one before you go to bed.
Ginger: It is a natural anti-inflammatory agent and helps to minimise the inflammation resulting from the viral infection of chikungunya. It contains naturally occurring analgesics that mimic Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). 
Grapes with cow's milk: This remedy gives relief from severe symptoms of chikungunya, such as pain and fever. The phenolic compounds present in grapes possess antioxidant and antiviral properties. Chew the grapes and drink the milk along with it. You can repeat this for a day or two. 
Papaya leaves: In infections like chikungunya and dengue, the blood platelet count is highly affected. Papaya leaf ingestion has been shown to raise these numbers, thus aiding the body to recover from the infection. This leaf extract also possesses larvicidal properties against the larva of the mosquito that causes chikungunya. Mix 7-8 fresh papaya leaves with water, drink two tablespoons of this juice every three  hours. Continue drinking this for 2-3 days. 
Tulsi (basil): Tulsi leaves are very effective when they are used to treat chikungunya fever. Antimicrobial activity of these leaves reduce the fever and boost the body's immunity. Mix 10 basil leaves with ½ litre water.  Boil the basil leaves until the water is reduced to half. Strain the decoction. Sip this throughout the day. 
Coconut water- It is essential to keep your body hydrated if you are suffering from chikungunya. Coconut water is a good remedy for the detoxified liver as well as the chikungunya virus. Its manganese content helps in reducing joint pain as it acts as anti-inflammatory agent. Drink 3-4 glasses of coconut water during the day. 
Vitamins A, C & E have many antioxidant properties. This makes it an ideal nutrient during allergy and infections as it helps in flushing out toxins from the body. The presence of vitamin C triggers the activity of vitamin E, which is essential to reduce pain and inflammation. Foods rich in vitamin C are citrus fruits, capsicum, cabbage, pineapple, broccoli, papaya, lemon, malta, etc. Leafy greens contain vitamin E and iron among other nutrients. Vitamin A-rich raw carrots enhance the body's immune response and also help in protecting against joint pains and aches. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, almonds, walnuts, etc. are anti-inflammatory in nature. Some minerals like zinc & selenium boost the immunity which help to recover from chikungunya. 
Various soups like mixed chicken & vegetable soup, tomato soup and clear vegetable soup help to recover fast from chikungunya. Raw tea with ginger, lemon, suji, soft rice , liquid khichri sagu  & boneless fish, home-made daal, liquid-based foods are excellent for recovering from Chikungunya. 
What should you not to eat/drink when you have chikungunya? Avoid tea and coffee; do not eat spicy and deep fried food, hard food, raw vegetables, prawn, eggplant, pui leaf, beef, hilsha fish, kochu and cold drinks. Use less oil in food preparations, Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
PRECAUTIONS AGAINST CHIKUNGUNYA: Clean your surroundings regularly to avoid mosquitoes, Avoid socialising while you are infected. Take enough rest and sleep for at least 8 hours in a day, 
Never leave chikungunya untreated, consult your doctor  and nutritionist if you are suffering from very high fever; do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. 
 After recovery from chikungunya, it carries long-time disabilities like rheumatic arthritis, gout, joint pain etc. But don't panic over chikungunya, it's a common household sickness.   
The writer is consulting Nutritionist & CEO, Miss nutritionist (Center for nutrition & weight management) 
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