Good nutrition is very important before, during and after an infection. Infections take a toll on the body especially when they cause fever, the body needs extra energy and nutrients. Therefore,
maintaining a healthy diet is very important during the COVID-19 pandemic. While no foods or dietary supplements can prevent COVID-19 infection, maintaining a healthy diet is an important part of supporting a strong immune system.
RECOMMENDATIONS
To maintain healthy diets, everyone is encouraged to:
* Eat a variety of foods within each food group and across all the food groups
* Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide lots of vitamins and minerals as well as fiber.
* Consume a diet rich in whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats. Such diets may support your immune system and help to reduce inflammation.
* Watch your intake of fats, sugar, and salt. Many people in times of high stress, use food as a comfort, which can lead to overconsumption. Furthermore, foods in which we find comfort are oftentimes very palatable because they are high in fat, sugar, salt, and calories. Try to avoid eating too much of these ingredients not only as comfort foods but across everything you eat.
* Drink water regularly. Staying well-hydrated, mainly through drinking ample amounts of plain water (6-8 glasses a day for most adults) also helps our immune system. Drinking plain water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages also helps reduce the risk of consuming too many calories for maintaining a healthy weight.
* Limit consumption of alcohol. Another way many people try to cope with stress is
through having an alcoholic drink. These drinks have little nutritional value, are oftentimes high in calories, and excess consumption is linked to numerous health problems. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
And don’t forget, in addition to a healthy diet, other lifestyle factors are critical part of maintaining wellbeing and a healthy immune system.
A healthy lifestyle includes additional strategies such as:
* Not smoking;
* Exercising regularly;
* Getting adequate sleep; and,
* Minimizing and coping with stress.
#stayhealthy #eathealthy #nutrition #covid-19
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