Nutrition and COVID-19
How does the Mediterranean diet help in the prevention of Gestational diabetes during the Covid-19 infection?
Diabetes, a high BMI, high glycated haemoglobin, and elevated serum IL-6 levels have all been linked to poor outcomes in COVID-19 infection. Rising levels of several cytokines, particularly IL-6, are among the immunopathological mechanisms of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The latter is linked to hyperglycemia and insulin resistance and may be useful in predicting the onset of GDM. MedDiet, which is high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, boosts the immune system and may modulate IL-6, C reactive protein, and Nuclear Factor (NF)-B.
Following the MedDiet before and during pregnancy may have a protective effect, lowering GWG and the risk of GDM while also improving immune response to viral infections like COVID-19.
I have heard about a dietary supplement that claims to prevent COVID-19. Is that true?
No, there is no dietary supplement that can prevent COVID-19. But, dietary supplements can help boost our immunity, and that would help in lowering the risk of COVID-19.
In fact, it is adequate nutrition, that includes foods rich in various micronutrients, that can support the immune system. Also, maintaining a healthy weight, as well as having a healthy lifestyle which includes regular physical activity, safe exposure to sunlight, stress management and adequate amounts of sleep are all important to build up a stronger immune system. And with a stronger immune system, you will be better able to combat this pandemic.
Is it possible that coronavirus can spread through the groceries/food that we bring home from outside?
No, coronavirus can not spread through the groceries/food that we bring home. Rather, it spreads from an infected person’s mouth or nose in the form of invisible droplets suspended in the air, when they sneeze, cough, speak, sing or breathe. Therefore, the focus should be on maintaining social distance, wearing surgical masks and keeping a distance of minimum 6 ft from the infected person or avoiding contact at all.
But, don’t forget to follow good food hygiene practices after bringing the groceries/food home, to eliminate the chances of virus transmission through the surface of food or food packaging material.
Many of us have lost jobs during the pandemic. The financial crisis is real. What are some of the affordable foods that one must include in their diet to build a stronger immune system?
- Legumes and Cereals combine to have a good quality protein, e.g. Khichri, Dal roti.
- Sprouted pulses, as they have more bioavailable nutrients, including loads of Vitamin C.
- Local foods, whole grains,and fresh, seasonal, and colourful fruits & vegetables, as they are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals.
- Spices and condiments, like- turmeric, garlic, ginger.
I am hearing a lot about the consumption of herbs, condiments and spices during this coronavirus outbreak. There are claims that they boost our immunity. Is that true?
Yes, many herbs, condiments and spices act as immunity boosters. Few of them are:
- Ginger
- Tulsi
- Neem
- Lemongrass
- Turmeric
- Garlic
- Black pepper
- Munakka
They possess antimicrobial/antiviral activity that helps fight infections.Therefore, one can focus on including them in their daily diets, in various forms, like- tea, deconcotions, chutney, additives, mouth freshener.
Does Vitamin D really help in lowering the severity of COVID-19 infection? If yes, what are the rich sources?
Yes, the recent studies have found that the adequate stores of Vitamin D in the body is associated with the lowered risk/severity of COVID-19.
But, there are few food sources of Vitamin D:
- Milk and Milk products (fortified with Vitamin D)
- Fatty fish
- Eggs
- Liver
That’s why it is recommended to get sunlight exposure (exposure of 18% of the body) for a minimum of 15 minutes per day, between 11 am – 1pm, to ensure adequate stores of Vitamin D in the body.
And, in case, the above is not within the reach of an individual, he/she can always opt for Vitamin D supplements under the medical supervision.
Is it important for a mother who is confirmed/suspected to have COVID-19 to cleanse her breasts before breastfeeding her baby?
Washing the breasts every time you feed the baby is not necessary. But, if the mother is confirmed/suspected to have COVID-19, and has just coughed/sneezed over her exposed breasts or chest, she should gently clean the breast with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before feeding the baby.
When can a mother, diagnosed with COVID-19 and has been unable to breastfeed because she was too sick, can resume breastfeeding?
When a mother feels healthy enough, she can resume breastfeeding. There is no set time period to wait after confirmed/suspected COVID-19. Also, there is no indication that breastfeeding affects the clinical course of COVID-19.
But, to guarantee her full recovery, she should be helped with her general health and diet, and utmost importance should be placed on following good hygienic practices.
If a woman is COVID-19 positive or suspected, can she breastfeed her child?
Yes. Women with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 can breastfeed if they wish to do so. They should:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub and especially before touching the baby;
- Wear a medical mask during any contact with the baby, including while feeding;
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue. Then dispose of it immediately and wash hands again;
- Timely clean and disinfect surfaces that mothers have touched.
- It is important to replace medical masks as soon as they become damp and dispose of them immediately. Masks should not be reused or touched in the front.
Can COVID-19 infection transmit through the consumption of cooked foods including animal products?
There is currently no evidence that people can catch COVID-19 from food. The virus that causes COVID-19 can be killed at temperatures similar to that of other known viruses and bacteria found in food. Foods such as meat, poultry and eggs should always be thoroughly cooked to at least 70°C. Before cooking, raw animal products should be handled with care to avoid cross-contamination with cooked foods.