by Having a healthy diet is associated with a reduced risk of COVID. And, if you have COVID, a healthy diet is associated with milder symptoms.
When we are sick it can be difficult to even think about food. However, the best way to fight infection is to provide your body with the foods that best help you heal.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and various forms of protein are broken down into substances by the body to support the immune system.
You can eat a variety of fresh foods every day, including:
*Two portions of fruit and five portions of vegetables
* Whole grains, such as whole grain pasta, brown rice or whole grain bread
*Healthy fats, like avocado or olive oil *Meat and meat alternatives (like lean beef, chicken, tofu, or legumes) and dairy products (like cheese or milk).
*Eating this type of food every day helps provide our body with the nutrients it needs to fight infection and stay healthy.
*Avoiding processed and ultra-processed foods is also encouraged due to the high levels of salt and sugar and lack of nutrition found in these types of foods.
And the soup or something?
A great way to get all the nutrition your body needs when you’re sick with COVID is through homemade soup, chicken avgolemono, vegetable soup, chicken congee, or other similar dishes.
Why? Here are four good reasons:
1. It’s easy and cheap to make.
The beauty of soups is that you can put them in a skillet (or slow cooker), combine all the ingredients and let it simmer.
While the ingredients in chicken soup pack a powerful nutritional punch.
2. It is easy to absorb.
The boiling process releases the nutrients present in the ingredients and aids in the digestion and absorption of these vital nutrients.
3. It is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Essential vitamins and minerals found in soups, including chicken broth: iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12.
4. It’s flavorful and potent.
The tasty flavor of the soup is enhanced by the numerous amino acids. These amino acids also provide strength to your immune system.
Nutrition May Support Immune Health But It’s Not the Only Answer The best way to treat and manage a COVID infection is to avoid it in the first place. So remember to practice good hygiene, like washing your hands regularly and sticking to the recommended vaccination schedule.
Practicing a healthy lifestyle will also reduce your risks of not only contracting COVID but also developing chronic diseases. This includes not smoking or vaping, maintaining healthy physical activity habits, getting enough sleep, and reducing alcohol consumption.
The current recommendation for maximum alcohol intake is ten standard drinks in a week and no more than four standard drinks in a day.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water
Water is essential when you are sick.
Being dehydrated can improve symptoms of colds and infections, including COVID. It is also associated with a higher risk of developing long term COVID.
Try to drink at least two liters of water a day, even more if you have a heavy body weight or have lost fluids from vomiting or sneezing/runny nose.
If you don’t feel like drinking plain water, there are many healthy alternatives such as tea, broth or soup.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health and vitality.
Getting caught up in fads or buying supplements can be expensive, and there is controversy over their effectiveness.
In the long run, eating healthy will make you feel better and save you money.
