What food to eat and avoid for treating Malaria | Indian Diet for Malaria |

What food to eat and avoid for treating Malaria, Indian Diet for Malaria. 

When managing Malaria, the Indian diet plays a vital role in recovery, primarily focusing on combating weakness, fever, and nutrient loss. The diet should be rich in energy and easily digestible nutrients. Focus on consuming simple, soft foods like khichdi (made with rice and moong dal), porridge (daliya), and clear vegetable soups to provide energy without burdening the digestive system. Crucially, emphasize foods high in Vitamin C and antioxidants to boost immunity and fight infection; excellent choices include fresh citrus juices (like orange and sweet lime) and light, cooked vegetables such as carrots, spinach, and tomatoes. To prevent dehydration due to fever, ensure a high intake of fluids like water, coconut water, vegetable broth, and oral rehydration solution (ORS).

oral rehydration solution recipe for diarrhoea | How to Make ORS Recipe at Home | Salt and Sugar Drink for diarrhoea | Homemade ORS Recipe for diarrhoea | 

For optimal recovery, it’s essential to avoid foods that are heavy or hard to digest, which can strain the body when it's already fighting an infection. Key foods to avoid include all forms of deep-fried, oily, and spicy dishes (like pakoras, puris, and rich curries), as these can cause indigestion and slow down recovery. Similarly, high-fiber, gas-forming foods like certain beans (rajma, chana) and raw, cruciferous vegetables should be limited. In the initial phases of the fever, try to limit high-fat dairy like full-fat milk and cream, and excessive sugar from desserts, as they can cause temporary discomfort and may hinder the body's natural healing process. Opt for simple, home-cooked food.

A balanced Indian meal plan for Malaria recovery should look like this: Start the day with a light, simple breakfast like ragi/daliya porridge or a piece of toasted whole-wheat bread. Lunch and dinner should be based on soft, cooked starches (like rice or roti) combined with easy-to-digest protein (like moong dal or masoor dal) and simple vegetable sabzi. Throughout the day, maintain a steady intake of fresh fruit juices (without added sugar) and plenty of water. As the fever subsides, gradually introduce slightly heavier foods, but continue prioritizing high-protein, vitamin-rich, and low-fat options to fully restore strength and rebuild the body’s reserves.

how to make orange juice at home recipe | 3 ways to make orange juice | orange juice with mixer, blender | homemade orange juice for malaria |

Orange juice is considered beneficial for treating malaria because it is rich in vitamin C, natural sugars, and antioxidants that help the body recover from weakness, dehydration, and fever. The high vitamin C content in oranges strengthens immunity, aids in detoxification, and supports the body’s natural healing process during infection. Its natural fruit sugars and electrolytes help restore energy and maintain hydration, which is crucial when suffering from fever and loss of appetite. The antioxidants and flavonoids present in orange juice also help reduce inflammation and support liver function, which is often affected by malaria. Adding a pinch of black salt can further aid digestion and replenish lost minerals, making fresh orange juice a gentle, refreshing, and restorative drink for those recovering from malaria.
 

Since the parasites takes time to multiply, in most cases the symptoms are not seen immediately. Usually this incubation period for cells to multiply is between a week to 4 weeks but it is quite possible that the parasite may remain dormant upto a year too . Once the incubation period is over and the cells have multiplied in the liver and attacked the hosts body the following symptoms are most commonly seen:

• Fever, the pattern varies with each person
• Sweats, followed by reversal to normal temperature
• Chills
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Nausea accompanied with vomiting at times
• Diarrhea

Malaria can be life threatening in extreme cases. It can cause complications like failure of liver or kidney, Anemia due to destruction of RBC, Cerebral Malaria if the cells have reached the brain, breathing problems if the lungs have been attacked or even low blood sugar.

pumpkin soup | kaddu ka soup | bhopla soup | Indian pumpkin soup | low calorie pumpkin soup | 

Of course, Malaria is a disease which has to be treated with medications depending on the person infected. However a few dietary measures will help you sail through this disease with ease. Since the person’s immune system is attacked by the parasite, the main focus should be boost immunity and enhance the ability to fight disease while not putting any extra load on kidney, liver and digestive tract.

 Important dietary pointers in mind for Malaria Diet 

Hydrate yourself well with boiled water. Coconut water is equally beneficial. Try Coconut Water with Coconut Meat.

coconut water with coconut meat | coconut water with malai | benefits of coconut water | nariyal ka paani with malai | 

 Drink plenty of juices like orange juice and grapefruit juice in the initial stages. This should be followed by other fresh fruits like strawberry, sweet lime, kiwi, grapes, papaya, melon, berries, pineapple etc. They help you rejuvenate and build immunity too. Papaya Pineapple Juice, Pear and Pomegranate Juice and Muskmelon and Orange Juice are some tried and tested recipe ideas. Once you have recovered a little, prefer whole fruits to gain the utmost nutrient benefit. Try Pear and Pomegranate Salad then.

Papaya Pineapple Juice

 Opt for a variety of soups too. They are quite pleasing to the system. Try recipes like Broccoli Broth and and Carrot and Bell Pepper Soup. 

Broccoli Broth | healthy veg clear broccoli carrot soup | low carb diabetic  broccoli carrot Indian soup  |

Broccoli Broth is highly beneficial for individuals recovering from malaria because it is light, easy to digest, and packed with essential nutrients that help the body regain strength. Broccoli, carrots, and celery provide a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants that support immunity and tissue repair after infection. The garlic and olive oil in the broth have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help the body fight lingering weakness or secondary infections. Being hydrating and soothing, this warm broth also helps maintain fluid balance and improve appetite, which often decreases during malaria recovery. Low in salt and fat, yet full of natural goodness, broccoli broth is an excellent restorative meal for boosting energy, immunity, and overall recovery in malaria patients.

 Once you are recovering follow a balanced diet of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy nuts like walnuts and almonds in moderation.

Amongst the vegetables prefer Antioxidant rich veggies like Broccoli, Capsicum, Cabbage, Carrots etc. They work towards building a strong immune system.  Vegetable and Basil Soup and Vegan Salad are classic examples of how you can cook and serve antioxidant rich recipes. Sometimes even a simple delicacy like Dahi Bhindi ki Subji is also very soothing and pleasing.

dahi bhindi recipe | healthy dahi bhindi recipe | Rajasthani dahi bhindi | okra with yogurt |

Dahi Bhindi can be a good option during malaria recovery as it is light, nutritious, and easy to digest. The ladies finger (bhindi) provides fiber and essential minerals, while low-fat curd (dahi) offers probiotics and proteins that help improve digestion and boost immunity. Using minimal oil and spices makes it gentle on the stomach, which is important during illness. Ingredients like cumin, fennel, and curry leaves aid digestion and reduce inflammation. However, it’s best served warm and mildly spiced, ensuring comfort and nourishment for someone recovering from malaria.

During fever concentrate on simple, non-spicy foods which gives enough carbohydrate and protein like  rice porridge and complete protein like Moong Dal Khichdi.

moong dal khichdi | Gujarati moong dal khichdi | how to make yellow moong dal khichdi | 

Focus on consuming simple, soft foods like khichdi (made with rice and moong dal) to provide energy without burdening the digestive system. 

Try to add steam veggies with not too much spice and oil to your daily diet. You can also add easily add veggies to your bowl of khichdi like done by us in recipes like Masoor Dal and Palak Khichdi. 

Focus on protein as it’s required in the synthesis of immune bodies. Prefer curds, buttermilk or Salted Lassi . Consume milk in moderation if it suits you.

 Add omega-3 to your diet by way of flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds as this helps to reduce inflammation in the body. 

One of the most easiest way to add omega- 3 along with protein to you diet is by way of Flax Seed Raita.

flax seed raita recipe | Omega 3 fatty acids rich raita | low carb, calcium rich doodhi, mint and curd flax seed raita |

Flax Seed Raita can be a refreshing and nutritious addition to the diet, especially during malaria recovery, though it should not be considered a cure. The flax seeds (alsi) provide omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber, which help boost immunity and reduce inflammation. The bottle gourd (lauki) and mint (phudina) offer cooling and hydratingeffects, which are beneficial when the body feels weak or dehydrated due to fever. The curd (low-fat dahi) adds probiotics that support gut health and aid digestion, important for recovering strength. Lightly seasoned with roasted cumin seeds, black salt, and a touch of sugar, this raita makes a soothing, protein-rich, and cooling side dish for someone regaining energy after illness — but it should be part of a balanced diet and not a replacement for medical treatment.

 Once you have recovered to some extent, do not miss out on adding greens to your diet as anemia may persist. Try recipes like Methi Paratha and Ragi and Corinader Uttapa.

ragi uttapam recipe | ragi coriander uttapam | healthy nachni uttapam |

Do not include high fibre whole grains in huge quantities in the beginning. Focus more on fruits, vegetables, water and electrolytes. In advanced recovery stage follow a balanced diet of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy nuts like walnuts and almonds in moderation. 

Try one dish meal like Nourishing Oats Moong Dal and Vegetable Khichdi.

oats vegetable khichdi recipe | oats vegetable dal khichdi | healthy oats vegetable khichdi for weight loss |

Oats Khichdi is an excellent meal for individuals recovering from malaria because it is light, easily digestible, and nutrient-rich. Made with oats, yellow moong dal, and vegetables, it provides a balanced mix of complex carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals that help restore energy and strengthen the body after fever. The oatssupply soluble fiber that soothes the digestive system, while moong dal adds high-quality protein that aids in tissue repair and recovery. The addition of carrots and french beans boosts immunity and antioxidant intake, which is vital for healing. Cooked with minimal oil and gentle spices like turmeric and cumin, this comforting one-pot meal is ideal for those with low appetite or weak digestion during malaria, offering nourishment without taxing the stomach.

Nourishing Khichdi, Oats Moong Dal and Vegetable Khichdi, Low Salt Recipe

13. Add spices gradually to your diet.

Foods to be avoided during malaria

We have listed what foods to avoid during malaria. 

tulsi tea | Indian basil tea | tulsi tea for sore throat | tulsi tea for weight loss | 

Tulsi Tea is considered beneficial during malaria due to its antioxidant, antibacterial, and immune-boosting properties. The tulsi leaves (Indian basil) help reduce fever, fight infection, and detoxify the body naturally. Adding lemon juice provides vitamin C, which further strengthens the immune system and aids recovery. Since it’s caffeine-free and soothing, tulsi tea helps keep the body hydrated and calm. Drinking it warm and freshly prepared can provide comfort and support healing during malaria.

Here are a few of our tested recipes to help you recover from Malaria soothingly.

Enjoy our What food to eat and avoid for treating Malaria, Indian Diet recipes for Malaria below. 

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