Chikungunya is like a party crasher that overstays its welcome. Spread mainly by mossies, this viral disease often leaves individuals struggling with debilitating joint pain and fatigue. The bright side however, is that recovery can happen and the process of healing can be aided massively through nutrition. In this article, we discuss diet for recovery, as well as the insights of registered dietitians and what nutrition counseling can offer you.

Understanding Chikungunya: What You Need to Know

High fever, intense joint pain, and debilitating exhaustion are hallmarks of Chikungunya. Over 1.3 million cases were reported in 2020, which serves as a fresh reminder of the burden this disease places on the whole world (WHO). Although most people recover in less than a week, others have persistent problems lasting months. Enter proper nutrition, where this stage comes into place.

The Importance of Nutrition to Recovery

Let us not forget that your body is the most sophisticated machine ever built, and all machines need a specific fuel to operate at peak performance. This is the reason nutrition is important in recovery from chikungunya:

Nutritional support for the immune system:

Vitamins A, C, and D – as well as zinc (a mineral), are some of the nutrients that help maintain normal function of your immune system, prime it to react when needed.

Trim down Inflammation:

Some foods can help to reduce the inflammation which is really helpful joint pain that tends to appear post-chikungunya.

Restoration of Energy:

After any illness, it is normal to feel lethargic. Eating well can reinvigorate you and facilitate a quicker return to the regular activities that are important for your daily lifestyle.

Key Nutrients to Focus On

Proteins: the foundation of recovery

Protein is crucial for recovery, particularly if your body is in the process of recovering from an illness. According to the American Dietetic Association, people recovering from illness should target 1.2 — 2.0 g protein per kilogram body weight Great sources include:

Lean meats (chicken, turkey)

·         Fish (especially fatty fish such as salmon)

·         Vegetarian/Egg sources (also known as options) (continued from previous parentheses: beans, lentils, and tofu),

Anti-Inflammatories: Omega-3 Fatty Acids

ConclusionOmega-3 fatty acids are potent anti-inflammatories that can be a great complement to your recovery diet. The Arthritis Foundation recommends adding in foods like:

·         Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel)

·         Nuts (walnuts)

·         Seeds (chia and flaxseeds)

Antioxidants: The Natural Soldiers of Nature

Antioxidants are crucial as our body fights against oxidative stress during and after an illness, which is usually in higher levels. Focus on eating fruits and vegetables of various colours. According to the CDC, eating these kinds of foods can lead to healthier results. Think:

Fruits that are small such as berries (blueberries, strawberries)

·         Leafy greens (spinach, kale)

·         Colorful vegetables (bell peppers, carrots)

Don’t Forget About Hydration

After all the food stuff you have to remember to keep it hydrated. Hydration helps in digestion, boosting absorption of nutrients and washing out toxins. The National Academies of Sciences suggests men drink roughly 3.7 liters per day and women 2.7 liters per day, accounting for all beverages and foods.

Registered Dietitian: What’s Their Role?

Having a registered dietitian (RD) to guide you through the process of recovery can be one of the greatest tools in this journey. Registered Dietitians (RD) give you one-on-one nutrition counseling to help you design a meal plan specific to your needs. They can help you:

·         Find out what food is anti-inflammatory to add in your diet

·         Smart eating to help boost your immune system

·         Adopt a style of eating that works with your life.

Nutrition counseling: Your partner in recovery.

If you are looking to be healthier, nutrition counseling is a great tool. In meetings with a registered dietitian, you will explore you’re eating patterns, your struggles and your recovery objectives. In this plan, you will emphasise healthy eating and will ensure focus on the balance in your dietary habits.

Example Diet Plan During Chikungunya

Below is a very basic meal plan focusing on healing: Breakfast — Oatmeal with berries, walnuts and honey

·         Snack: Greek yogurt with some chia seeds for crunch.

·         Meal 2: Salads from Different Places with grilled salmon over leafy greens, grape tomatoes through a light olive oil dressing;

·         Snack: Apple with almond butter spread over

·         What I ate that day: Dinner: quinoa and black bean bowl with fresh spinach, avocado on top

Conclusion

Chikungunya recovery it is not just about relieving the symptoms; it is also about taking care of you! You can improve this process by focusing on a nutrient-dense diet, adequate hydration, and the assistance of a registered dietitian for personalized nutrition counseling. Take this to heart: every inch taken in the direction of healing, is a step toward reclaiming your zest for life. Health is wealth, so take care of it!