Malaria is one of the most dreaded diseases. Found mostly in tropical and subtropical countries, it occurs when the malaria parasite, Plasmodium, infects the mosquito, Anopheles. When the malaria mosquito bites humans, within a period of seven to 15 days the malaria symptoms occur. The disease does not prove to be fatal if caught on time unless the patient has cerebral malaria which has a high mortality rate. However, there are now different types of malaria, and each may need different malaria treatment approaches.Malaria symptoms vary depending on the subspecies of the Plasmodium that has infected the Anopheles mosquito. Based on the malaria parasite, there are four different types of malaria. Each of these has a different severity of symptoms and needs to be treated differently- the same antimalaria medicines used in various permutations and combinations with other drugs. Here is a list of different kinds of malaria disease.
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When one thinks of Monsoons, the thought of Malaria is not far behind. It is a protozoal disease that weakens the immune system. This happens because of the heavy antibiotics used to treat the disease. Malaria is characterised by chills followed by fever, headache, diarrhoea, vomiting, etc.
It is associated with high-grade fever that is transmitted by female Anopheline mosquitoes. This mosquito transfers the parasite of the disease from one sick person to another. The parasite, when in the bloodstream, infects the red blood cells.
To treat malaria, there is no specific diet, but one needs to ensure adequate nutrition to help the body fight the disease. A diet for malaria should focus on boosting the immune system without causing harm to other organs like the kidney, liver or digestive system. It is best that a malaria patient has smaller meals throughout the day.
The diet for malaria patients should include the following:
When the patient has a malarial fever, the body’s calorie and nutritional requirement increases. This is known as the BMR or Body Metabolic Rate. Also, the need to increase calorie intake depends on the rise in body temperature.
Consume a high carbohydrate diet. Choose rice over wheat and millets. Rice can be digested easily and can release energy faster. Fresh fruits and vegetables work wonders for malaria patients. According to studies, vitamin A and vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables like beetroot, carrot, papaya, sweet lime, grapes, berries, lemon, orange help to detoxify and boost the immunity of the patient suffering from malaria.
When you have malaria you need to incorporate more phytonutrients into your diet that help to tackle antioxidative stress caused by an infection. Nuts and seeds are powerhouses of phytonutrients as well as healthy fats and proteins. When you feel like munching on something in between your meals and are wondering what to eat during malaria, nuts and seeds are always the best options as processed foods are completely out of your reach at this point in time.
I would like to share a helpful tip for dealing with malaria. Red palm oil contains antioxidants that might protect your body’s cells. It may reduce tissue damage and manage oxidative stress caused by malaria and other factors. Always remember to consume it in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional for comprehensive malaria management.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
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Unfortunately, at the time of fever, one experiences appetite loss, less tolerance and therefore, eating food becomes a challenge. To compensate for such a situation, one must drink glucose water, fresh fruit juices, coconut water, a sorbet made with lemon, salt, sugar and water and electoral water.
While drinking water, make sure it is boiled or sterilized. Take in fluids in every way possible- milkshakes, juices of fruits and vegetables, rice water, pulse water, stew, soup, etc. Doctors recommend a daily fluid intake of at least 3 to 3.5 litres, if not more. Fluids will help in washing out the toxins from the body via urine and stools and help you get well sooner.
Ajwain water is a wonder drink that you should add to your diet when you are suffering from malaria. Ajwain being a carminative (flatulence relieving property reflecting of drugs), reduces bloating and gas and works to keep your digestive system healthy.
I believe that it’s crucial to take precautions against mosquito bites to protect yourself from malaria. Applying mosquito repellent to exposed skin might be very helpful. Additionally, using mosquito nets over beds is highly recommended, especially while sleeping. By following these simple steps, you may significantly lower your risk of contracting malaria.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
There is an increase in the requirement of protein as one loose a lot of tissue. A diet of high carbohydrate and high protein is helpful as the body can utilise the protein for anabolic and tissue repair and building process. Eating curd, lassi and buttermilk is highly beneficial.
High temperature makes the body weak and reduces appetite. Food rich in protein helps to synthesize immune bodies, which can help to fight parasites. Try to incorporate fish stew, chicken soup, eggs and pulses in your diet.
According to my knowledge, the seeds of the fever nut plant might be a helpful remedy for malaria. They possess special properties that may help fight against the malaria-causing parasites. Additionally, these seeds also have anti-inflammatory effects!
Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Also Read: Do Eggs Have Carbs? Debunking Nutritional Myths
Fats are necessary for the body, but moderation is the key. Using dairy fats like cream, butter and fats from milk products aid indigestion. These foods contain MCT or medium change triglycerides. Using excessive fats or eating fried foods can increase the risk of nausea, indigestion and loose bowels.
Keep fats as far as possible from your malaria diet. Load up on Omega 3 fats such as fish, fish oil supplements, flax seeds, chia seeds and walnuts. They work well in reducing inflammation in the body. Also, read top anti-inflammatory foods to include in your diet.
Avoid very high fibre foods like green leafy vegetables, fruits with thick skin, whole grain cereals. Stay religiously away from food high in fat content like fries, chips, pastries, anything with a lot of cheese in it, food made from maida, etc. Refrain from having food that is spicy and/or hot. It will result in unnecessary stomach problems and heartburn. Sauces and pickles shouldn’t be included anywhere in the diet for a malaria patient. Avoid intake of coffee, tea, cocoa, cola or any other caffeinated beverages.
It is important to work on vitamin loss by drinking electrolytes. Eating soups, stews or drinking fruit juices or dal water, coconut water, etc. are important. Vitamin C and A rich foods such as papaya, beetroots and other citrus foods, etc. with vitamin B complex are important for a malaria patient.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Malaria is one of the major causes of preventable deaths in the world today. One of the interesting Facts about Malaria is that it is a parasite infection spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are the infection carriers. Symptoms of this disease could be seen as early as 6 days or might take up to 15 days after the mosquito bite.
Malaria is a significant global problem and there are approximately 216 million cases of people being affected by it in a year. It has been prevalent for so long that it has altered many of the genes. In South Africa, many suffer from sickle cell anaemia and thus it confers some immunity from Malaria. Some of the majorly important Facts about Malaria are as follows:
Symptoms and Risks
People suffering from this disease usually show the following symptoms-
Malaria is found majorly only in subtropical and tropical countries. If not diagnosed immediately, it could lead to life-threatening complications such as – kidney failure, swelling of blood vessels, low blood sugar, anaemia, etc.
A common approach usually applied is an “ABCD” of malaria – A standing for awareness of the risk, B for bite avoidance, C for compliance with chemoprophylaxis, and D for diagnosis in case of fever.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Treatment
Treatment for this disease is usually provided in the hospital. The doctor prescribes medication according to the kind of malarial parasite you have and also depending on the severity of the disease. Treatment usually lasts for 3 to 7 days, depending on the type of medication. To get rid of the parasite, it is important to take the medication for the exact duration as prescribed. Many times, drugs may turn out to be ineffective. In such cases, the treatment may require more than one medication or a complete change in approach.
People who get help immediately after being diagnosed have a good long term outlook. But if there a lot of complications involved then the outlook may be poor.
Malaria infection during pregnancy can have adverse effects on both mother and fetus, including maternal anemia, fetal loss, premature delivery, intrauterine growth retardation, and delivery of low birth-weight infants (<2500 g or <5.5 pounds), a risk factor for death, early diagnosis and intervention is very critical.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Prevention
There are no vaccines available for Malaria. The best way to avoid getting bitten is to stay in a mosquito-free environment, use mosquito net shields while sleeping and also use recommended mosquito repellent creams. Prefer wearing light coloured long sleeve pants and tops while in a mosquito prevalent areas.
Since mosquitoes are night feeders, hence take extra precautions to avoid getting bitten at night. Using mosquito coils and aerosolized insecticides also help improve protection during this time and read more Facts about Malaria to stay on the safer side of the boat.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
