Recovering from malaria? Boost your immunity with Vitamin C, calorie, protein-rich diet

Diet tips: Citrus fruits, potatoes, and tomatoes are rich sources of vitamin C. These help in boosting the immune system and the absorption of minerals (Image: Canva)

With the arrival of summer, as the temperature soars, so does the threat of mosquito breeding and the spread of malaria.  With these risks looming large, it becomes important to shield fortify your body against the onslaught of this infectious disease.

Role of nutrition in malaria recovery:

Nutrition acts as fuel for our immune system says, Sweedal Trinidade, chief dietician, P. D. Hinduja Hospital and MRC, Mahim. She adds, "Nutrition feeds the army of immuno-protective cells and helps to maintain high immunity levels. This boosts the body's ability to combat infections and diseases and aids in a speedy recovery."

Foods that help combat malaira

Eat calorie rich food: To boost the weakened immune system during malaria, it is essential to consume a diet rich in low-fat, high-protein, and micronutrient-dense foods. These foods provide the necessary energy and nutrients to support your body's defense mechanisms.

Introduce the rainbow: Including a variety of colourful vegetables into your diet is vital for malaria recovery. A diet that includes bright green vegetables like spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Consuming these vegetables in the form of pureed soups aids in regulating the intestines and promoting the proliferation of red blood cells, which is important for replenishing the body's resources.

Say it with vitamin C: Citrus fruits, potatoes, and tomatoes are rich sources of vitamin C. These help in boosting the immune system and the absorption of minerals. Additionally, vitamin C promotes the production of red blood cells and further help the body to recover from the effects of malaria.

Arm yourself with iron and vitamins: Seafood, dates, pulses, and garden cress seeds are excellent sources of vitamins B12, A, C, and iron. These nutrients play key roles in normalising the body's iron profile post-infection and replenishing depleted resources.

Power up with protein: Protein is essential for rebuilding tissues and boosting immune function during malaria recovery. Add protein-rich foods like milk, dairy products, avocados, nuts (cashews, almonds, walnuts), poultry, meat, and eggs into your diet to improve the body's healing process.

Sip on healing soups: Last, but not the least, try to maintain proper hydration levels as it helps to overcome the barriers of low appetite and energy levels during malaria recovery. Consuming plenty of fluids in the form of soups and porridges helps keep the body hydrated and energised.