Food and Nutrition Tips during Self Quarantine
The whole world is now being seen into quarantine and different phases of lockdown due to the COVID-19. Currently there is no specific treatment for the virus, but you can often ease the symptoms at home until you get fully recovered.
Since most of us know by now that COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that causes a host of symptoms — from fever, chills and shortness of breath to body aches and loss of taste or smell, excessive fatigue, muscle pain, sore throat and some GI symptoms like diarrhea. And it is definitely not a food borne disease, so there is no evidence that the virus can be swallowed through food. However, if you have the virus. You should practice safe food preparation procedures in order to stay healthier during the quarantine period.
Here’s what we have lined up:
Hydration
Hydration is important, drinking water and other forms of liquids are highly beneficial if you have high fever. Try to drink plenty of fluids – these are all good options:
-Water
-Coconut water
-Honey and tea
-Fruit juices
-Chicken broth
-Electrolyte drinks
These drinks can be comforting and give you the energy to feel better sooner; tea with honey can calm a cough. You can skip icy drinks for a while, but staying hydrated in the key to self quarantine.
Immunity Boosting Meals
There are no specific diet restrictions with COVID, so you can eat anything you like, but we would suggest that you would go for the food type that will boost your immunity during and even after you get recovered. So certain foods can help with that.
A few immunity boosting options include:
Vitamin C and E
Vitamin C is important when you have common cold or flu. It acts as an antioxidant; a good source of Vitamin C includes broccoli, mangoes, oranges, strawberries and red peppers. Whereas energy sources with Vitamin E can be extracted from Nuts, seeds and spinach. These resources can help build the cells back, which are damaged by the virus.
Zinc
Zinc is found in various seeds, pumpkin, lentils, beans and sesame seeds, which can help boost the white blood cells and act as a protective shield against the virus.
In general whether you are sick or healthy, you should always incorporate at least three servings of fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily meal in order to stay active and fit. Stay clear of the processed food as it contains a good amount of salt. Find indoor activities and keep yourself motivated and monitored throughout to combat the virus.