Top 11 foods and drinks to help ease Covid-19 symptoms

When unfortunately infected with Covid-19, it is very necessary to eat well to help provide nutrition for the patient to improve health.

Food and drink can help support the immune system against Covid-19

When it comes to preventing Covid-19 infection, vaccination and other health measures like 5K compliance remain important. According to the latest information from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), current Covid-19 vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness and hospitalization.

However, cases of COVID-19 breakthrough infections (meaning people who are fully vaccinated but still get sick) are still possible.

The main symptoms of Covid-19 infection can include: fever, chills, cough, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, diarrhea, respiratory congestion, shortness of breath, loss of breath. taste or smell.

If you have symptoms of a serious Covid-19 case, including: slightly blue lips (a sign of lack of oxygen in the blood), difficulty breathing or chest tightness - seek immediate medical attention.

For milder cases of Covid-19 that you can recover on your own at home, a variety of foods available in your kitchen can help alleviate some of the discomforts caused by Covid-19.

All in all, some research suggests that healthy eating habits can help you recover from illnesses like Covid-19, along with the nutrition your special health care team has recommended. point.

1. Chicken soup

Chicken soup is nutritious, easy to digest and easy to prepare.

Dr. Julie Miller Jones - Professor Emeritus of Nutrition at St Catherine's University (Minnesota, USA) said: Chicken soup is a nutritious dish for sick people to quickly recover. Compared to other foods made from chicken, this soup works to increase mucus flow and eliminate viruses.

"This may be because a certain amino acid, called cysteine, found in chicken soup can affect the flow of mucus, and we've seen this especially in homemade versions." Dr. Jones said.

2. Potatoes

Not only is the source of fresh food, potatoes also provide essential nutrients and minerals for Covid-19 patients.

Add potatoes to your daily diet. Many studies have shown that these starchy tubers can help regulate fluid balance, thanks to their high potassium content. Fluid balance is very important when you are battling Covid-19 as it is a respiratory illness and dehydration can thicken respiratory secretions and make them difficult to clear from your lungs. friend.

3. Sugar-free popsicles from juice

Ice cream made with pure fruit juice helps the function of the immune system.

These frozen treats can provide hydration and some nutrition, as well as soothe a sore throat if it's one of those, says Eric Ascher, a family medicine physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. your Covid-19 symptoms. "Keeping hydration levels high helps with immune system function," he explains.

According to a report on dehydration and Covid-19, the Healthcare Infections Association notes that hydration and infection work in a vicious cycle: Not having enough fluids leads to infection. , which then increases your fluid loss rate. The report adds that fluid deficiencies seem to develop slowly during Covid-19, so make sure to maintain a high level of hydration even when you don't feel thirsty.

4. Coconut water

Coconut water adds electrolytes to help Covid-19 patients deal with diarrhea.

Electrolytes are minerals like potassium, sodium, and calcium that your body needs to grow. When you have diarrhea, your body releases a lot of electrolytes that need to be replaced so you can heal and not feel weak. Usually, when losing electrolytes, people often turn to sports drinks to quickly replenish. But coconut water is better because it's a great way to stay hydrated with natural electrolytes and no sugar. To avoid consuming extra sugar, which can hamper immunity, choose unsweetened coconut water.

5. Oats, popcorn and other whole grains

Popcorn is a healthy snack if you eat it right.

Covid-19 causes inflammation in the body like any virus. So, when you are infected with Covid-19, it is advisable to increase foods with anti-inflammatory properties. One easily accessible food group can allow you to reap the benefits: whole grains. The researchers found that eating whole grains was associated with a reduction in markers of inflammation. Oats, popcorn, brown rice, whole-wheat bread, . are whole grain foods that are easy to find and easy to prepare.

6. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables

Covid-19 patients should eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits in their daily diet.

Eating products rich in natural vitamins is important for your health regardless of whether you have been exposed to the type of SARS-CoV-2. These anti-inflammatory foods have promising benefits in speeding up your recovery. A plant-based diet (such as a vegetarian or vegan diet) not only reduces the risk of developing Covid-19 but also reduces symptom severity for people who already have the virus.

You already know potatoes are beneficial, but try other options, such as watermelon, strawberries, cucumber and lettuce, which can be good for your body thanks to their high water content and essential vitamins.

7. Soft foods like apple sauce and smoothies

Apple sauce or smoothies with vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties.

If abdominal pain is one of your symptoms, a dietitian recommends eating anti-inflammatory foods in an easily digestible form, such as apple sauce or smoothies. Consider adding some vitamin K-rich fruits and vegetables like broccoli, kale, spinach, lettuce, and bok choy all of which have anti-inflammatory effects to your food.

8. Plant-based protein

Fortified with plant-based proteins like nuts, mushrooms, nut butters, etc.

As mentioned, a plant-based diet can help with Covid-19 recovery. In your eating plan, make sure to get protein from sources like nuts, mushrooms, and nut butters.

Eating plenty of protein-rich foods is important for keeping muscle mass intact during times when you're likely to cut back on physical activity. Additionally, Covid-19 is a hyper-metabolic state, which means your body is burning more fuel to speed recovery, and if you don't get enough nutrition that can lead to more fatigue. .

Usually, people affected by Covid-19 often reduce their nutritional intake due to shortness of breath or loss of appetite. If you're struggling to maintain normal cravings during your Covid-19 diagnosis, focus on protein. Animal protein is also a good choice. However, a study published in the journal Current Development in Nutrion suggests that plant-based proteins may be better anti-inflammatory agents than animal proteins.

9. Fatty fish

Fatty fish can help reduce inflammation caused by Covid-19.

Sources of omega-3 fatty acids including fatty fish like salmon, cod and sardines may help reduce inflammation caused by Covid-19, according to a research review published in the journal Infections & Chemotherapy. .

Researchers have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids have been shown through previous research to be incorporated throughout the body into a certain layer of your cell membranes. They note that the process can help reduce inflammation and may have antiviral effects. That said, more research on omega-3s and Covid-19 is needed.

10. Yogurt

Yogurt provides protein and probiotics that help reduce symptoms of Covid-19.

Yogurt is a typical source of protein: 1 cup of yogurt provides a large amount of protein - up to 14g.

Yogurt is also a fermented food, which may help reduce the severity or duration of a Covid-19 episode.

The researchers note that fermented foods and probiotics can provide beneficial bacteria for the digestive system, which has a direct impact on immunity as well as lung function.

11. Warm honey tea

Take a sip of warm tea with honey to help soothe a sore throat.

Like chicken soup, warm tea can help break up mucus and get it out of the body, while also carrying some viruses, Dr. Ascher says. Instead of sugar, add honey to your tea. A warm cup of tea with honey before bed can improve your sleep when you have Covid-19, and it also has antibacterial properties that improve immune response.

Regarding the antibacterial effects of honey, many previous studies have noted that honey has very effective antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. A research review published in the journal Heliyon hypothesizes that the ability to reduce acute inflammation, like that seen with Covid-19, may lead to the body's immune-enhancing response.

Things to avoid when treating Covid-19 at home

Existing medications to treat symptoms of Covid-19 can pose a serious health hazard, said David Cutler, a family medicine physician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. yours if used in the wrong way and at the right time. Therefore, with Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms self-treating at home, it is necessary to strictly follow medical instructions. Do not arbitrarily use anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics or any other patient's prescription.

It is important to avoid foods that promote inflammation such as: sweets, fried foods, sugary drinks, processed foods and foods high in sodium.

And again, know that there is no single food that can make Covid-19 go away, just as there is no single dietary method. Watch for your symptoms, and if you have signs of shortness of breath, persistent chest tightness or pain, get medical help right away.