Diet advice for P. Falciparum

P. Falciparum is one of the four species of protozoal blood parasites (plasmodium species) which cause malaria. There are no specific diet restrictions in case of malaria, however keep the following diet tips and other remedies in mind for faster recovery:

• High fever, vomiting and poor oral intake can lead to dehydration, so it is important to keep a check on the fluid consumption. Sip liquids at frequent intervals to avoid dehydration.
• A poor appetite can reduce the food intake significantly; try semi solid foods which are palatable. Have small frequent energy dense meals to meet the energy requirements and feel stronger. If solid food is not tolerated then choose banana milk shake or dried fig milkshake or sweetened yoghurt with rice. Choose simple recipes with less spices for few days, then you can gradually resume to your normal meals as you start feeling better.
• Take adequate rest to boost the immune system and deal with tiredness, fever, restlessness and cough.
• If the fever rises again, to lower the intensity of it drink the juice extracted from fresh holy basil and add 2-3 g of black pepper powder to it. Even a tea can be prepared using these ingredients and drank when the fever is not present.
• Quinine like substances present in grapefruit helps in the treatment and faster recovery of malaria.
• Boil 1 tsp of cinnamon powder in water add a tsp of honey and a dash of pepper powder to it just before drinking. This is also an effective remedy which helps in the recovery of malaria.

answered by Dr S

One of the Plasmodium species that causes malaria in humans is Plasmodium Falciparum. Wide-spread in sub-Saharan Africa, this is one of the most complicated and consequently most dangerous varieties of malaria and is responsible for 80% of all malarial infections, as well as 90% of malaria related deaths. It is thus very important to get the right treatment for it, and follow a strict medicinal course as set by the doctor. Apart from this a diet is recommended as for all malaria patients. Patients should stick to a largely liquid diet, consuming a lot of fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables and boiled rice. Easily digestible food like rice cooked with lentils (rice cooked with lentils) and whole wheat grains should be given to them. Milk, should thus be avoided at all costs.

Other home remedies for malaria, include drinking freshly extracted basil (holy basil) juice since the plant has excellent medicinal properties that not only helps the body to fight the malarial virus but also prevents relapse later. You could also try having a mixture made by boiling a glass of water with 2 to 3 tsps of clove and cinnamon powder. Once cool, you can add black pepper powder or honey to it and drink this twice or thrice a day. In addition, grapefruit juice, lemon juice and even ginger help combat malaria and speeds up the recovery process.

answered by M W