Chennai: Coronavirus infection is spreading like a wild fire and taking utmost precaution like wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing is very important.
However, one must not forget that nutrition plays a vital role in building immune system, especially after one gets affected by Covid.
In case an individual is affected with this virus which produces inflammatory condition in body and has a lasting effect of 6-8 months affecting different organs especially lungs and liver, a nutrition care plan is must which is the only way to boost your immunity, fight off infection, produce antibodies and also relieve fatigue.
Consume only freshly cooked meals at all times. Do not consume stored foods as they are precursors for further infection, according to Apeksha Ekbote, chief dietician, Nephroplus.
“Hydrate yourself well. Plain water is excellent but also replenish the energy losses through fresh juices, buttermilk, lime juice and soups. Avoid caffeine and carbonated beverages.”
Smoking directly damages your lungs and makes you prone to furthermore infections and alcohol consumption suppresses the immune system. So, smoking and alcohol consumption both should be avoided, Apeksha says.
“Adequate calories must be provided depending on the patient’s nutritional status. If a person is a diabetic, s/he should monitor the blood glucose and plan calories accordingly. For a normal individual, post Covid as the body is lethargic, small and frequent meals of high calorie is helpful. Snack options like chikkis, protein bars, high calorie fruits like banana or mangoes can help in giving the instant energy to the body.”