Currently Covid-19 pandemic is a leading challenge across the globe. It is mandatory to attain and maintain a good nutritional status to fight against the virus. The nutritional status of an individual is affected by several factors such as age, sex, health status, lifestyle, and medications.

Optimal nutrition and dietary nutrient intake impact the immune system, therefore the only sustainable way to survive in the current context is to strengthen the immune system. There is no evidence found that supplements can cure the immune system except Vitamin C, which is one of the best ways to improve the immune system. A proper diet can ensure that the body is in a proper state to defeat the virus. However along with the dietary management guidelines the food safety management and good food practices are compulsory.

 

1. Emerging evidence suggests that people with pre-existing, diet-related conditions such as severe obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, are suffering more serious consequences from COVID-19, including more severe illness and a greater need for intensive health care, such as respirators.

2. Malnutrition also severely weakens people’s immune systems, increasing people’s chances of getting ill, staying ill, and dying because of illness. Iron, iodine, folate, vitamin A, and zinc deficiencies are the most widespread.

 

Eat fresh and unprocessed foods every day

• Getting the right amount of nutritious food like plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains is important for health.

• Don’t overcook vegetables and fruit as this can lead to the loss of important vitamins.

• When using canned or dried vegetables and fruit, choose varieties without added salt or sugar.

 

Boost your Immunity through Vitamins

Dietary supplements aren’t meant to treat or prevent COVID-19. But it helps in boosting immunity that fights off against invading pathogens.

• Certain vitamins and minerals (e.g., Vitamins C and D, zinc) may have effects on how our immune system works to fight off infections, as well as inflammation and swelling.

• The best way to obtain these nutrients is through foods: Vitamin in fruits and vegetables, Vitamin D in low-fat milk, fortified milk alternatives, and seafood, and zinc in lean meat, seafood, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

 

Eat moderate amounts of fat and oil

• Consume unsaturated fats (e.g. found in fish, avocado, nuts, olive oil, soy, canola, sunflower, and corn oils) rather than saturated fats (e.g. found in fatty meat, butter, coconut oil, cream, cheese, ghee, and lard).

• Choose white meat (e.g. poultry) and fish, which are generally low in fat, rather than red meat.

• Avoid processed meats because they are high in fat and salt.

• Avoid fast foods as they are rich in cholesterol.

 

Drink enough water every day

• Water is essential for life. It transports nutrients and compounds in blood, regulates your body temperature, gets rid of waste, and lubricates and cushions joints.

• Drink 8–10 cups of water every day.

 

Eat less salt and sugar

• When cooking and preparing food, limit the amount of salt and high-sodium condiments (e.g. soy sauce and fish sauce).

• Avoid foods (e.g. snacks) that are high in salt and sugar.

Eat at home to reduce your rate of contact with other people and lower your chance of being exposed to COVID-19.

 

References

COVID 19 and Nutrition for Health. (2020, June 3). Retrieved from CDC gov.: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/food-and-COVID-19.htm

Maqsood, F. A. (2020, May 16). How Nutrition can help to fight against COVID-19 Pandemic. Retrieved from Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences: http://www.pjms.org.pk/index.php/pjms/article/view/2776

NIEUWKOOP, M. A. (2020, May 13). How nutrition can protect people’s health during COVID-19. Retrieved from World Bank Blogs: https://blogs.worldbank.org/voices/how-nutrition-can-protect-peoples-health-during-covid-19

Nutrition advise for adults during the COVID-19 outbreak. (2020, May 24). Retrieved from WHO Regional office Eastern Mediterranean: http://www.emro.who.int/nutrition/nutrition-infocus/nutrition-advice-for-adults-during-the-covid-19-outbreak.html

 

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