After an infection, especially COVID-19, the body is weakened and needs an immune boost. This will help it get back into shape and avoid further infections.
A proper diet is extremely important for the optimal functioning of all cells in the body, including the immune system. Indeed, as it turns out, an improper diet based on highly processed foods (e.g., fast food, candy bars, cookies, candies, chips), sweetened beverages and irregular meals weakens the immune response and disrupts the balance of the gut microbiota. All of this makes the body more susceptible to diseases, including infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
People who have undergone COVID- 19 should take special care of their body’s immunity and fat reduction, as there is no doubt that the course of COVID-19 also depends on our body weight and metabolic parameters.
So what should we eat?
We should increase the proportion of whole grains and the amount of vegetables in our diet (seasonal), and limit our intake of sweetened beverages and alcohol. Let’s also take care of our intestines, the intestinal microflora, that’s where it all starts, including weakness of the body, decline in physical and mental form, metabolic problems. Adequate supply of probiotics in the form of natural yogurts, kefirs or buttermilk and pickles will strengthen the state of intestinal microflora, which will positively affect the body’s immunity and overall strengthening after COVID-19 illness.
Another extremely important part of our diet, are vitamins. Very important is the contribution of vitamin A and beta-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C, which have antioxidant and immunomodulating effects, that is, improving the functioning of the immune system, but also vitamin D, which has a significant impact on strengthening our body. Vitamin A can be found in liver, caviar, yellow cheese and fish. For those who do not like liver there are alternatives, because vitamin A in the body is produced from beta-carotene, in which green, yellow and red vegetables (broccoli, kale, spinach, carrots, peppers) and fruits (nectarines, apricots) abound.
Vitamin C is found in most fresh fruits and vegetables. In the highest amounts in black currant, parsley, citrus, bell peppers, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Vitamin E, on the other hand, can be found in nuts, oils eaten cold (e.g. for salads), wheat germ and green-leafed vegetables. As you know, great sources of vitamins are vegetables and fruits.
Do not forget to drink water – at least 1.5 liters a day. Water is essential for life, it performs many functions in our body. It maintains proper body temperature,improves intestinal peristalsis, removes toxins and other harmful substances from the body. Water provides protection for the brain, the eyeball, the spinal cord and the fetus. It is part of the synovial fluid in joint capsules.
Fighting weakness and fatigue
Many people after coronavirus have no appetite, which is also due to a decrease in energy.
In this case, liquid meals will work better. It’s a good idea to make yourself vegetable, fruit or fruit and vegetable smoothies to boost energy. You can experiment in the kitchen with different recipes, while making sure that liquid meals provide the right amount of vitamins and minerals.
Loss of smell and taste vs. lack of appetite
One of the symptoms of COVID-19 is loss of smell, which can also cause taste disturbances. Most patients regain their sense of smell a few days after the infection, but there are cases of people who feel nothing for several months. This situation can lead to excessive weight loss caused mainly by lack of appetite. It is advisable to try foods with different textures (crunchy, melt-in-the-mouth, hard, soft), as well as colors and temperatures (warm tea, cold drink). Also important is daily exercise, so-called olfactory training, which involves sniffing the same smells intensely at least twice a day.
Parosmia (simultaneous loss of smell and taste) can also be very bothersome, but in the diet for the disease, the most important thing is to provide the body with energy at the beginning so that it can fight the coronavirus and then recover.
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