Long covid symptoms were present in more than 1 in 10 patients of covid-19 infection. The symptoms last for weeks to months and can be troublesome. There is no particular cure for these symptoms. But certain foods and drinks are recommended for it.
Long covid symptoms
Covid-19 pandemic has been bad for everyone. As of August 2022, covid has infected 595 million people worldwide. There have been 6 million deaths. This figure might be more since some countries like India have underreported the deaths for political reasons. All those who had a recovery from this illness have not been healthy post-infection. Some of those who suffered an infection ended up with long covid symptoms. CDC has stated that 13.3% of Americans with the infection had long covid. Dietitian Roxana Ehsani explains:
“Some people who have been infected with COVID-19 experience lingering symptoms that don’t go away even after the person no longer tests positive. Some people may never be able to get rid of symptoms, they linger for weeks, months or even years,”
Protein rich foods (Source: Medical news today)The long covid was seen irrespective of the severity of the illness. But patients who required hospitalization had more chances of more prolonged covid. In some, it even lasted for a year. Experts state that certain foods and drinks can lessen the symptoms.
Have adequate calories
The aim should be to have at least 35 to 47 calories per kg body weight. What foods should one consume for it. Roxana explains:
“An energy-supporting snack is one that contains a high-fiber carbohydrate (such as a fruit, veggie or whole grain) along with a source of protein (Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, almonds, walnuts, chia seeds or edamame),”
Increased protein intake
This would help muscle repair. Prioritize the protein and have more than adequate amounts to buildup and repair the torn muscles.
Have carbs as well
Natural probiotics (Source: Health line)If you are having less energy or feeling fatigued, also have enough carbs to get the energy back. Add healthy fats to it. Have a balanced diet daily. Roxana says:
“Make sure you’re consuming carbs every three to four hours at a meal or snack to help get your energy levels back up. Consuming sufficient complex carbohydrates throughout the day and spreading them out throughout the day can make a big impact.”
Have more of complex carbs from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Consume gut-friendly foods
Have foods such as yoghurts that are probiotics and can stimulate the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Also, take foods that are prebiotics and are rich in fiber. These bacteria are responsible for a healthy immune system. This is needed to fight back the lingering virus or its problems in the body.
Lots of rainbow vegetables and fruits
Rainbow foods (Source: Harvard health)Plant-based foods are perfect for this condition. Have a lot of fruits and vegetables. They contain antioxidants and vitamins that can boost the immunity. Roxana states:
“Start with what you already enjoy eating. So if you love scrambled eggs in the morning, can you add spinach leaves in there, tomato slices or mushrooms? Or if you prefer to have a sweet breakfast like a whole-grain waffle, can you have it with a cup of blueberries and raspberries or top your waffle with banana slices?”
“All these nutrients will help support your immune system and become the best defense to help fight off any other types of illness or conditions or symptoms that may develop and help reduce inflammation in the body thanks to fruits’ and veggies’ rich antioxidant profile,”
Also, read: Frozen foods could spread Covid-19 infection, CDCC study says.
Lots of water
Take lots of oral fluids especially if you have fever or are vomiting or have loose motions as part of the long covid. Roxana adds:
“Stay hydrated and try to replace those depleted electrolytes with foods rich in both sodium and potassium,”
In short, to summarize, Roxana says:
“Focus on what you can control, like trying to consume a well-balanced healthy diet, which can nourish your body with nutrient-rich vitamins and minerals that help support your entire body and can prevent further disease and health conditions.”