Post Covid-19 Care of COVID Affected People- Obtain Immunity from Home Cooked Protein Contained Food

Author's Biography

Debolina Saha, B.Pharm final year student of Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology.She is connected with some NGOs and associations. 

If any disease — is taxing on the body and depletes it of nutrition and immunity, then your recovery period should largely focus on replenishing these through a proper diet. It is true for COVID-19 infection, particularly because studies have shown that even mild symptoms of it can cause damage to the heart, lungs, and brain.

• Why Diet is important for this recovery?

According to UK's National Health Service (NHS), those who’re recovering from COVID-19 need more building blocks (like proteins) to repair their bodies and more vitamins and minerals to help the process along. Such a recovery diet would not only help you get your strength back but also boost your immune system and keep other infections at bay until you’re fully back on your feet.

•   What is Mixed Diet?

A mixed diet means many different kinds of food are eaten together. Because there are many types of nutritious elements in a mixed diet it is well balanced. It is not enough for the body eating just to stop hunger, or to enjoy the taste. A balanced diet is always needed. Pregnant women, suckling mothers, and babies are in special need of a balanced diet. Relatively expensive foods like fish and meat are not essential for a balanced diet. It is also possible to make a balanced diet from foods common in the villages, such as grains, pulses, green vegetables, spices, and fruit.

• How can we obtain a proper diet in Post COVID situation?

1.Get protein

A protein-rich diet can help repair damaged body tissues, make up for the muscle loss that occurred while the infection lasted, and boost the immune system too. Protein is also one of the best sources of energy out there and eating enough of it can help you overcome post-disease weakness. Protein-rich foods, like pulses, legumes, peanuts, milk, yogurt, cheese, soy, eggs, fish, and chicken must be included in each meal. Your overall intake of protein should be between 75-100grams per day.

2. Don’t neglect calories

Sure, a low-cal diet is great for when you’re trying to lose weight, but you want the exact opposite after suffering from a COVID-19 infection. More calories mean more energy to fight off the infection and the ability to recover faster. So include calorie-dense foods in your diet but make sure they’re healthy carbs and not empty ones. Opt for whole grains, potatoes, bread, pasta, rice, milk, avocados, jaggery, and roasted chana.

3. Choose nutrient-dense foods

Having COVID-19, or any other infection for that matter means that your immune system has taken quite the beating. Replenishing the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs is, therefore, an integral part of your recovery diet. Include plenty of fresh and seasonal fruits and veggies, as well as nuts and seeds in your diet, and have five to seven servings of them every day. While this can provide for your requirement of most vitamins, minerals, polyphenolic compounds, and phytochemicals, you’ll also need to get 15-20 minutes of sunlight every day for vitamin D.

4. Stay hydrated

Your body would have lost a lot of fluids due to the infection and fever, so you should get plenty of them to speed up your recovery. Drink eight to ten glasses of water every day and include soups, broths, herbal teas, kadha, non-caffeinated drinks, etc. in your diet.

5. Stay safe

COVID-19 can affect your sense of taste and smell, and that can put you off food. Getting over the infection may also give you a sense of security and you might feel like getting a taste of foods from your favorite joints. However, your safety and recovery should be your only priority now, so stick with fresh, simple, home-cooked meals that are prepared in sanitary conditions.

For more information please check this authentic website of FDA: www.fda.gov