Role of immunity and diet in fighting COVID-19

In the face of a worldwide crisis, the government bodies and the healthcare sector are working day and night to fight the pandemic. They have given precautionary measures that must be practiced to avoid the risks of being infected, which are essential. These include frequently washing the hands, covering the mouth while sneezing and coughing, and avoiding touching the face.

Besides these, you can do something too. You need to boost your immunity to fight COVID-19. Studies so far say that people with compromised immunity are more susceptible to the Coronavirus. If you have a strong immune system, your survival rate to the virus is high.

To have a healthy and perfectly functioning immune system, every individual must have an adequate and balanced diet. Here are some tips on how to eat healthily.

Eat More Green Leafy Vegetables

Include green leafy vegetables in your diet. Increase the intake of spinach as it is packed with antioxidants and beta carotene, which helps the immune system to fight against the infections. Try and cook it with required water as little as possible preferably closed cooking, so that it retains its nutrients.

Include Vitamin E

Eat food that is a rich source of vitamin E like almonds, hazelnuts, avocado, and broccoli as vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant source, and is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system, especially in the elder people.

Have Seafood

Seafoods like oysters contain a rich amount of zinc, which helps the immune system in fighting the virus. That is probably because of zinc that helps in the creation and activation of white blood cells which are involved in the immune responses.

Include Poultry Items

I know that people have stopped consuming meat and poultry in order to protect themselves from being infected, but there is no evidence or study that shows any specific connection as to how the coronavirus can spread through or by consuming meat, seafood or any poultry items. If you cook the meat thoroughly (for minimum 30 mins) it is safe to consume. They are a very good source of protein, which is important for your growth, and also have a significant amount of zinc that helps your immune system.

In times like these, you really need to take care of your health. Eat healthily, exercise daily, have a good amount of sleep and drink a lot of water. Take care of yourself and the people around you. Cooperate with the authorities, and we’ll be out of this very soon.

For more information on Healthcare services, visit our website BGS Gleneagles Hospitals.

Ms Karthigaiselvi

Chief Dietitian, BGS Gleneagles Hospital

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the organization