World Malaria Day 2019: People suffering from malaria can regulate the condition by a bringing a change in their eating habits. Here's everything you need to know about malaria and tips for prevention.
World Malaria Day: People infected by malaria should avoid spicy and oily foods
HIGHLIGHTS
- The study examined the timing of parasite rhythms
- Some biological mechanisms can impact parasite rhythms
- Malaria infected people should eat foods that boost energy
World Malaria Day 2019 will be observed on April 25. Did you know? People suffering from malaria can regulate the condition by a bringing a change in their eating habits? A study has revealed that the time at which you eat your meal can play an important role in how the disease thrives in your body. The study reveals that malaria parasites in an infected mice's blood scheduled their growth at the same time when the mice was fed. On changing the timing of mice's meal, malaria parasites changed their timing of invading red blood cells accordingly.
The study was done by linking changes of blood sugar levels in mice to rhythms of malaria parasites. Researchers say that interfering with biological pathways of parasite rhythms through diet or manipulating them through drugs can help in reducing the severity of malaria and also prevent the infection from spreading further.
A change in eating habits brings a change in parasite rhythms in blood, reveals study
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The study, conducted by University of Edinburgh, examined the timing of parasite rhythms in terms of their multiplication and invasion on red blood cells. Groups of mice infected with malaria were examined under the study.
Also read: Malaria Mosquito Bites At Night Can Be Prevented
The feeding time of mice was changed by making them eat during the day instead of night. This bought a change to the multiplication of parasites from night to day, syncing with the mealtime of mice.
Scientists are now working on examining the level of impact on parasites and which other biological mechanisms can control their rhythms. This will help in understanding better ways to tackle malaria.
World Malaria Day: Foods to eat and avoid during malaria
1. Doctors suggest that oily and spicy foods should be avoided by people who are infected with malaria. Spicy and oily foods have the capability to interfere with digestion and delay the process of recovery.
Spicy and oily foods should be avoided by malaria infected people
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2. Malaria also interferes with one's digestive process. Hence, consuming foods which are easy to digest is recommended in malaria. These foods include vegetable soups and khichdi among others. These foods also give a boost to your appetite.
3. Besides, an infection like malaria takes a toll on the patient's energy levels. Foods which give a boost to energy like glucose water, lemon water, nuts and fruits must all be consumed by people infected with malaria.
Also read: Only 8 Of 100 Malaria Cases Detected In India: WHO
4. Foods rich in probiotics help in maintaining gut health and speeds the process of recovery. Curd can be a good option for malaria infected people.
Yogurt is rich in probiotics that can be speed up the process of recovery
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5. Malaria medications leave a bad taste in mouth. This is one of the reasons why people don't feel like eating when suffering the disease. Eating bland foods or cooking foods with fewer spices can be helpful in this case. Khichdi or dal rice can be good options for people suffering from malaria.
6. Maintaining hydration levels are important if you are suffering from malaria. Drinking coconut water along with regular drinking water is highly recommended. Electrolyte balance in the body can be maintained by drinking lemon water with a little salt.
Also read: This Portable Device Can Detect Malaria Within Seconds
World Malaria Day: Preventive measures
Dr Gita Prakash, physician, gives a few tips to avoid an infection like malaria. The kind of clothing you wear plays an important role in how prone you are to be infected with malaria.
"Try and wear full sleeves clothes to keep the mosquito away from biting you. Dark coloured clothes should also be avoided if you have malaria infection. Also, malaria infected people should avoid going out in grassy and swampy areas at night. Children could wear a mosquito patch or apply gels on parts of the skin not covered by clothes. People should spray mosquito repellents and have mosquito coils outside and inside the rooms," says Dr Gita.
Avoiding going in swampy and grassy areas to prevent mosquito bites
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She further suggests that people should avoid keeping any kind of clatter in the room. "Drop some kerosene oil in water which you use to sweep the floor. Avoid keeping any water or coolers inside the room. If you do have it, then cover it with a little oil which will act as a filter or a screen above water and prevent breeding of mosquitos," she signs off.
(Dr. Gita Prakash is a Family Physician at Max Multi Speciality Hospital, Panchsheel Park)
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
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