Many people report a lack of appetite and this leads to a bad immune system and reduced food intake when suffering from COVID and recovering. It is common to feel exhausted after being sick, and recuperation might take a while.
You may experience trouble purchasing, preparing meals, and eating your typical portion levels. This might be because you’re weary or weak. COVID may cause new symptoms such as changes in smell and taste, shortness of breath, dry mouth, nausea, and constipation (see the section below for more information on managing these).
This might make it difficult to receive the nourishment you need to carry out your daily activities and may cause healing to be delayed.
A healthy diet with a well-functioning immune system can never go wrong. If you have a strong immune system, your body can protect you from any sickness, including the new coronavirus COVID-19. While there is no vaccination or proven home treatment to protect you from COVID-19, there are several vitamins and foods you may include in your diet to boost your immune system and battle infectious disease.
Lovett Batra, a clinical nutritionist, presents a list of immunity-boosting foods.
Food Items to Boost your Immunity
Yogurt: To keep hands clean, experts and doctors recommend washing them with soap or using an alcohol-based massage on a regular basis. While hand sanitizers destroy germs, they also kill good bacteria, which is required for immune system development.
“Yogurt is a natural probiotic that helps healthy bacteria flourish in our bodies. Keep in mind that it must be produced from scratch. Yogurt may irritate a sore throat, independent of the cause; nonetheless, probiotics are necessary for higher immunity, therefore you can take supplements “Clinical Nutritionist Lovneet Batra believes that
Turmeric: Turmeric, the golden spice, is well-known for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that assists in the healing of wounds and infections. This is why turmeric milk is frequently recommended.
‘Most people use it (turmeric) incorrectly. If you’re going to consume Haldi (turmeric), don’t do it in water; instead, boil it in milk to make the popular turmeric milk. Ms. Batra suggests combining it with coconut oil and black pepper.
Natural Anti-virus Foods: Tulsi leaves, star anise (a spice), garlic, and ginger are among natural anti-virus foods that also protect against seasonal flu. Ms. Batra recommends a Tulsi drink to increase immunity and flush out toxins, which can be produced easily by boiling three to four leaves in water.
‘You may also boil three to four pieces of star anise for two to three minutes and serve it warm. You may consume ginger and amla juice. You may also eat garlic; take one garlic clove, crush it, and expose it to air for five minutes to activate its constituent allicin, which has significant therapeutic effects, and then eat it,’ explains Ms. Batra.
Vitamins: Among all vitamins, vitamins C and D significantly strengthen the immune system. More citrus fruits and vegetables, such as Amla, Lemon, Orange, and others, should be consumed for this purpose. Egg yolks and mushrooms are also high in Vitamin D.
‘People infected with COVID-19 are receiving Vitamin C via IV (Intravenous treatment), which administers fluids directly into a vein,’ adds Ms. Batra.
Ms. Batra recommends taking 30ml of fresh amla juice every day.
Zinc is another vitamin that aids the immune system and metabolism. Individuals can take zinc supplements or include them in their diet through cashews, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, and other foods.
