Importance of proper nutrition amidst COVID 19 pandemic

Millions of families across the world have home quarantined themselves to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. While many people are juggling between work from home and household chores, making healthy meals can be really challenging. Proper nutrition is important throughout but it has become more crucial in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. People who eat a well-balanced diet tend to have a stronger immune system, which lowers the risk of infections. Though there is no dietary supplement that can prevent COVID-19 infection, having a healthy diet can certainly strengthen your immune system.

Here are five ways to promote healthy eating amidst COVID-19 pandemic:

1. Keep up the intake of fruits and vegetables: Though you cannot always get what you want in the market, with little planning you can ensure that you and your family are eating healthy. Make sure that every day you are eating fresh fruits and vegetables. You can try making soups and other healthy recipes that can be quickly reheated and consumed.
2. Stock up healthy snacks: With limited outdoor activity and more time in hand, there is more time for snacking. Most of you need a snack or two between meals. Instead of keeping sugary drinks and salt-laden snacks in your refrigerator, stock up your kitchen with healthy snacks. Cut vegetables like carrots, baked broccoli and cucumbers are ideal for evening snacks. Dry fruits, yoghurt with fruits, and roasted nuts are also great snack options.
3. Limit highly processed food: With lockdown restrictions in place in many areas, many people stock up their kitchen with junk food. Not only is junk food weight-gaining, but it also has an adverse effect on your immune system. High intake of salt and sugar hinders the body’s immune functions. To retrain your palate, treat yourself with fruits instead of desserts. To cut down salt intake, be careful with condiments like salad dressings and ketchup that contain sodium.
4. Stay hydrated: Water is essential for a strong immune system. Water transports nutrients to various parts of the body and it also helps the body to get rid of toxins and waste. Dehydration can adversely affect your body’s metabolism, increasing your susceptibility to infections. While juice and other beverages are hydrating, it is best to drink water as it is calorie-free. Remember, sugary beverages do not quench your thirst and too much sugar can increase your blood glucose levels.
5. Avoid outside food: Eating out or ordering food from restaurants can increase your chances of getting infected. It is best to eat at home as home-cooked food is healthier than take-out. Cooked in less oil and without preservatives and taste-enhancers, home-cooked food offers a host of amazing health benefits.

We, at Neotia Getwel Healthcare Centre, a leading multispecialty hospital in Siliguri, are committed to providing you and your family high-quality medical care during these troubled times. You can consult our doctors and specialists through our online consultation services. Download MyHealthCare app for online consultation with our specialists.