Since nations are taking powerful preventative actions for preventing the spread of COVID-19, the temporary business closing and self-quarantine may impact basic food-related habits. Healthy people or those having respiratory problems are asked for staying at home. To support people in healthy eating during this isolation period, good nutrition is required. It helps the immune system fight back. Let’s discuss how to support your health with nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic!

1. Eat Smaller Meals Repeatedly

To keep your immune system strong, start meals early in the day. Increase calorie intake for healing and targeting for nearly 4 to 6 small meals daily. For people with acute respiratory symptoms, eating a small amount of meals may help prevent getting full fast. As a result, it takes stress off the diaphragm, which enables for seamless breathing. Eating meals, again and again, may also help diabetic patients who need to maintain glycemic control when they are unwell.

2. Eat Less Sugar and Salt

Use less amount of high-sodium and salt flavoring (fish sauce and soy sauce) while cooking and making food ready. Restrict your regular salt consumption to <5gm (approx 1 teaspoon) and utilize iodized salt. Don’t have foods having a higher amount of sugar and salt. Restrict your consumption of sodas or soft drinks and other drinks that have a high amount of sugar (e.g. yogurt drinks, flavored milk, syrups, fruit juice concentrates, and fruit juices). Have fresh fruits rather than sweet snacks like chocolates, cakes, and cookies.

3. Eat Lots of Veggies and Fruits

Veggies and fruits, especially leafy greens and citrus fruits, offer a consistent flow of Vitamins A and C, whereas seeds, nuts, and veg oils are enriched with Vitamin E, seafood, eggs, and dairy items are good sources for Vitamin D. Zinc is another essential mineral that is massively found in food sources like nuts and meat. All these vitamins and minerals offer immune support. To get 70% of immunity, you must keep your healthy bacteria developing. Probiotic sources like kefir and yogurt help keep them booming and supporting your immune system.

4. Drink Sufficient Water Daily

Water is important for life. It helps get rid of waste, carries compounds and nutrients in blood, cushions and lubricates joints, and regulates your body temperature. Drink at least 14-16 glasses of water daily. Water is the best option, but you can also intake other drinks, veggies, and fruits that consist of water, for instance, coffee, tea, and lemon juice. However, don’t consume lots of caffeine.

5. Take Benefit of Food Delivery Options

Although you should prioritize home-cooked meals, some countries have instead advanced delivery systems for ready meals and ingredients, and several businesses are presently offering this service. Some solutions incorporate ‘zero-contact delivery’, where no human interaction is needed, thereby supporting self-quarantine guidelines. However, prioritize this specifically from reliable providers that follow food hygiene strictly.

This is how to support your health with nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although proper nutrition enhances health and immunity, but seek psychological support from mental health experts to maintain good mental health.