Milk in Dengue Recovery: Beneficial or Harmful?

In Nicaragua, research was done on the effects of consuming liquids given to patients at home during dengue. This was the first research in itself. The results of this research found that consuming 5 glasses of fluids daily during dengue, such as milk, coconut water, ORS, orally can reduce the risk of hospitalization of dengue patients. According to the researchers, the severity of dengue can also be reduced by consuming oral fluids. However, the researchers also believe that more research should be done on this. 

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After this research, WHO made some changes in its guidelines for dengue in 2009. In these changes, oral fluid intake has been recommended for those patients who are suspected of having dengue fever. These fluids include - milk, fruit juice, barley water, rice water, coconut water or oral rehydration solution (ORS) such as electrolyte and ORS. 

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 According to research and WHO guidelines, consuming milk can be beneficial for dengue patients. Milk contains calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and especially selenium. The body needs these vitamins and minerals to fight dengue. In fact, the body has to depend on an important mineral selenium to perform many of its basic functions, from reproduction to fighting infections like dengue.

Selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant that controls the number of free radicals and destroys excess free radicals. Apart from this, selenium plays an important role in strengthening the immune system as well as its health. This antioxidant helps reduce oxidative stress in your body, which also reduces inflammation. Usually a cup of milk contains about 8 mcg of selenium, which is 11 percent of your daily selenium needs.

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Dengue is an effective mosquito-borne disease, which constitutes the etiological agent of the disease. Therefore, goat milk and its milk products are most recommended for the treatment of dengue. Actually, the main component of goat milk is selenium. Selenium deficiency and reduction in platelet count during dengue can make dengue more complicated.

Selenium is found in the highest quantity in goat milk and its products as compared to cow and sheep milk. Goat milk contains 27 percent more selenium than cow milk. Goat milk contains many minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus which help in increasing digestion and metabolism.

Goat milk mainly helps in maintaining the balance of body fluids in dengue patients, as it is not possible to transfuse platelets in all cases of dengue. Goat's milk is rich in iron and is easy to digest, which is a panacea for dengue patients. Goat's milk contains five major proteins: α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, κ-casein, β-casein, and αs2-casein. These proteins are helpful in increasing platelets. Goat's milk is also effective for dengue patients who are allergic to cow's milk. 

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Cold milk should not be given to dengue patients. Hot milk can be given. Goat milk can be given after heating it just like cow's milk. Mixing turmeric in hot milk is more beneficial because it can help the patient recover faster due to being an antiseptic and metabolism booster. It also reduces the body swelling caused during dengue.

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Avoid consuming caffeinated beverages. Actually, during dengue fever the body needs a lot of fluids for hydration. Coffee, tea, energy drinks and other similar fluids cause dehydration. Also, it can cause muscle breakdown which can be very painful during dengue.

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Consumption of healthy fluids is very important to prevent the condition from becoming serious during dengue. Things like milk, coconut water, fresh fruit juice, rice water, lentil water, barley water and electrolytes can be consumed during dengue to recover quickly.