Nutrition and COVID-19
Does regular physical activity prevent you from COVID-19?
No, Regular physical activity does not prevent from COVID-19 but it benefits both the body and mind. It can reduce high blood pressure, help manage weight and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers – all conditions that can increase risk to COVID-19 infection.
How to maintain easy, affordable and healthy eating during COVID-19?
- Keep up fruit and vegetable intake rich in plenty of minerals and vitamins including antioxidants which help boost immunity.
- Swap in healthy dried or canned alternatives when fresh produce is not available like (like dried beans, pulses and grains such as lentils or canned beans and chickpeas, which provide an abundance of nutrients)
- Rolled oats cooked with milk or water can serve as an excellent breakfast option, and can be spiced up with yoghurt, chopped fruits or raisins.
- Build up a stock of healthy snacks like nuts, cheese, yoghurt (preferably unsweetened), chopped or dried fruits, boiled eggs, or other locally available healthy options as these foods are nutritious, more filling, and help build healthy eating habits that last a lifetime rather than consuming sweets or salty snacks
- Limit highly processed foods like ready-to-eat meals, packaged snacks and desserts are often high in saturated fat, sugars and salt.
Is it safe to get vaccination for a breastfeeding mother against COVID-19 infection?
Yes, It is totally safe to get vaccinated. There are not any studies found which claim that it can risk a baby’s health or the mother’s. There is evidence that after vaccination, antibodies are found in breast milk, which can prevent babies from infection.
Do vitamin and mineral supplements prevent COVID-19 or cure those individuals who get COVID-19?
It is believed that micronutrients play a major role in improving the health system and boost immunity. A nutritionally balanced and diversified diet can provide you with micronutrients like fruits, vegetables and animal source foods. But, there is no such guidance till now on micronutrient supplementation in covid-19.
How can people with hypertension avoid complications during COVID-19 infection?
- KEEP diet low in salt
- EXERCISE regularly – briskly walk or walk at least 30 minutes a day. In situations where it is not possible to walk outdoors, this can be done at home
- QUIT smoking and avoid taking any form of tobacco. Seek help from a health professional if needed
- AVOID harmful use of alcohol
- TAKE prescribed medications for hypertension regularly.
Which type of foods should be consumed during covid-19 to boost immunity?
It is recommended to consume a variety of foods for a healthy and balanced diet , including whole grains , legumes , nuts , fruits, vegetables and animal sources . there is not any such one type of food which will prevent you against covid-19.
Is it safe to take out meals and food delivery during covid-19?
According to the CDC , COVID-19 is not likely to be transmitted through food itself . Any risk would more likely come from close contact with the person delivering the food.
Food service establishments and delivery should be following the local health department guidelines on food safety guidelines and regular screening of the employees for COVID-19 symptoms. Nowadays, establishments is now providing food with minimal or no contact with prepaying over phone , food being carried to the car for a pickup, or left at the doorstep.
Do high blood pressure medications increase the risk of getting COVID-19?
No, these medications do not increase the risk of getting covid-19 or developing any other disease. These antihypertensive medications can lower the risk of death and getting infection of covid-19.
How diet and nutrition strengthens the immune system and reduces the Inflammation and Oxidative stress?
An optimal immune response is dependent on an adequate diet and nutrition. Protein intake, for example, is critical for optimal antibody production. Low micronutrient status, such as vitamin A or zinc, is linked to an increased risk of infection. Poor nutrient status can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, which can cause infection. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and phytochemicals such as carotenoids and polyphenols are dietary constituents with particularly high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity.
What is the potential role of turmeric in curing COVID-19 infection?
Turmeric has a compound called curcumin. This natural compound has shown beneficial effects on the development of inflammatory diseases. Effects and action mechanisms such as antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and cytoprotective make a promising target in the adjuvant treatment of COVID-19. More research is going on to study the effects of turmeric in curing the COVID-19 infection. But, till now there is no single “magic pill” for the cure of COVID-19.