When most
people think of corona virus, they think of the common cold. However, corona
viruses can cause severe acute illness in adults and children, especially those
with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease or lung problems. It
is important to eat properly to avoid becoming dehydrated and to stay healthy
while recovering from the infection. Here we will discuss about some
foods that can help you feel better when you have a corona virus infection.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.
Cooking or
fermenting foods can reduce their risk of containing bacteria, but it won’t
eliminate it. Raw fruits and vegetables are best for containing phytonutrients
(natural plant-based nutrients) that help protect your immune system. When
possible, avoid unpasteurized dairy products: These can contain disease-causing
microorganisms like E. coli. Also be sure to cook your meats well before eating
them; although less likely than unpasteurized dairy to harbor infectious
microorganisms, meat products will still contain traces of such organisms as
Salmonella and Campylobacter – both of which can cause food poisoning.Low Fat Dairy.
Foods that
are high in protein and calcium, like low-fat dairy products, can help make you
feel full. Drinking fluids such as water can also help keep your hunger pangs
at bay. You may find it easier to digest food when your stomach is empty, so
try eating every two hours instead of just three times a day. Once you’re
feeling better, add more complex carbohydrates and fruit back into your diet to
provide healthy energy for recovery and regain lost weight. According to Mayo
Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, RD, many foods generally considered
healthy (such as yogurt) may actually be too fatty or salty when you’re sick
with vomiting or diarrhea – so it might be best to start slowly with these
choices until you feel up to more solid foods again. Lean Cuts of Meat.
If you’re
sick with a corona virus, it’s probably not going to be one of those times
where you feel like cooking. But if you know your fever and nausea are coming
on, avoid fatty meats—including red meat—and other heavy proteins (like dairy)
because they slow digestion and can make diarrhea worse. You want to choose
protein sources that digest quickly so your body doesn’t spend precious energy
trying to digest food that won’t help it recover. Think seafood like salmon or
tuna, as well as lean cuts of chicken and turkey breasts. Bonus: These kinds of
protein will help keep you full longer, which means less time hunched over a
toilet bowl! Cooked, Whole Grains.
An excellent
source of B vitamins and vitamin E, whole grains contain high amounts of fiber
and carbohydrates. They’re also slow to digest. Whole-grain breads and rice,
for example, take about six hours to move through your system. The benefits of
eating them are countless: They improve heart health by lowering LDL (bad)
cholesterol; they reduce risk for diabetes; they can help with weight loss;
they prevent cancer.
Fish like Salmon, Cod, or Tilapia.
These fish
are packed with vitamin D, which has been shown to strengthen our immune system
and reduce cold symptoms. These fish also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which
help fight off inflammation in our body caused by infections. Oily fish like
salmon is one of my personal favorites because it has so many health benefits
including strengthening your immune system. It’s easy to cook as well – simply
bake or grill it until it’s golden brown and serve alongside rice or some
simple vegetables.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil.
The
beneficial bacteria in our gut depend on certain types of fat to thrive. One of
these fats is called oleic acid, which olive oil contains in abundance. The low
pH level of olive oil helps protect us from viruses and bacterial infections.
If you're getting over an illness or dealing with one now, you might want to
consider adding extra-virgin olive oil to your diet for its anti-inflammatory
effects; research has shown that some components of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil are
capable of slowing viral replication and reducing viral load in infected
individuals.
