Dietary tips for 3+ diseased patients against COVID-19
In
this hazardous phase of the virus COVID-19, every single person is fighting
against it so as to be alive and healthy. It is very well known to us that the
immunity is the strongest part in the human body which can make us win over the
virus. But what about those who are already in a fight against other diseases
and are now burdened with this pandemic.
Yes,
we are talking about the patients of suffering from several diseases and are in
need of a very careful attention from their loved ones. The patients of
diabetes, cancer, cardiac arrest, hypertension, respiratory tract infections,
kidney dysfunction, asthma and many more are in severe tension. May this
article help them or their loved ones in some way.
Generally
any of the diseases caused due to any reason may it be any foreign intrusion or
due to metabolic disabilities, all of them make human immune system weak in
some way or the other. As already illustrated, human immune works has most
crucial function in this type of infection.
Here
discussed are the dietary tips for several diseases which could be a big
positive boom for the COVID-19 virus attack:
1. Diabetes + COVID-19:-
Diabetes is a very common disease found in every 4th individual.
Diabetes is an increase of blood glucose levels in the body. Patients suffering
from it don’t have many options to have in their diet. Tips for them are listed
below which should be kept in mind and practiced without any irregularities:
·
First and for most is to keep a regular check on blood
glucose levels.
·
Intake of food should be in same quantity daily. For
instance; if today patient have had 4 chapattis in morning then it’s important
to continue to have the same diet next day as any type of variability could
increase chances for rise in blood glucose levels.
·
Consume meals or snacks at same time daily. That is if taking
lunch at 1o’clock than prefer to have it at the same time on next day too.
·
The diet should contain 3 major and 5 minor meals per day.
·
Avoid consumption of over food in one sitting. That is one
can have it in small meals.
·
The diet should contain fiber rich foods like millets, green
leafy veggies, flax seeds, broccoli, soya products, wheat bean, etc. as they
have ability to control sugar levels in body.
·
Avoid intake of alcohol as it may lead to raised blood sugar
levels.
·
Exercise regularly for atleast 30 minutes; consult with the
physician which best suits.
·
Add cinnamon and garlic like spices in diet as they have high
antioxidant properties.
·
Avoid foods which have low glycemic levels like suji, maida,
noodles, sweets and fat rich ones.
·
Also prefer to strictly have the medicines on the same time
daily.
2. Cancer + COVID-19:-
Cancer, one of the most dangerous disease as in this the cells
of own human body behave as enemies and divide continuously to harm a
particular organ or whole body sometimes. Patients especially suffering from
blood cancer that is leukemia has very low immunity to fight as their immune
cells are first affected. So, damage to immune is an invitation for the COVID-19
virus. The dietary tips given below are very important to be followed in such
cases:
·
They should posses a healthier gut. There are several
microbes which favors gut health and thus for them several probiotics are
necessary to get provided. Hence, one should consume food items filled with probiotics
atleast 2 servings a day.
·
Anti-inflammatory foods should be consumed to reduce the
swelling or inflammation caused due to cancareous cells or the treatment.
·
Several foods which contain omega 3 fatty acids should be
added to diet and consumed 3 times a week like walnuts, chia seeds, avocado,
flax seeds, etc.
·
In order to control the heat flushes in body, hydration level
should be kept in check. Should have 2 liters of liquid diet daily.
·
Prefer to have low calorie drinks.
·
A pinch of certain herbs can help in fast recovery like
oregano, sage, garlic, ginger as they can boost up immunity faster.
·
Can prefer to have various mushroom varieties as they possess
healthy cancer treatment properties. Have it in limited quantity.
·
Stay active and moving instead of just resting on couch or
bed. Need to do 150 minutes of activity per week.
·
Manage stress and keep yourself mentally healthy.
·
Some of the patients are not comfortable with extreme
smelling foods like garlic or ginger or certain berries so they can just avoid
them.
Also read : 10 ayurvedic Remedies to fight cancer
3. Cardiac arrest +
COVID-19:-
Mostly happens in males with 40+ age groups. As Corona virus
attacks firstly on respiratory tract and the blood pumping organ that is heart
is directly in touch with the tract to get oxygen and releases carbon dioxide
through blood. And thus it needs to be healthy. To keep heart healthy here are
some tips that could be followed:
·
The most advisable fruits and veggies for those patients are;
carrot, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, fresh berries, pine apple, orange,
brinjal, broccoli, capsicum, banana, guava, kiwis, papaya, bell peppers, etc.
·
Cardiac patients should avoid whole milk intake instead go
for skimmed milk and also other products made from the same.
·
Sugar and salt intakes should be avoided or should be
consumed in small amounts. As much salt could lead to increase in osmolality which
increases water retention and thus leading to high blood pressure and cardiac
problems.
·
Avoid consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
·
Should consume 1-1.5 liters of fluids per day in the form of
water or juices.
·
Instead of going for sugary drinks prefer to have green tea,
black tea, lemon juice, etc.
·
Should do exercise for 150 minutes per week. Aerobic ones are
better to do they include running, brisk walking, jumping, etc.
·
Squats and pushups could also be done.
·
1 cup of veggies and 1 cup of fruits are necessary for daily
diet.
4. Hypertension + COVID-19:-
Hypertension refers to have high levels of blood pressure due
to certain reasons like several foods or any type of mental stress. It is not
found that any of the COVID patients got infected due to having high blood
pressure but it is found that most of the patients tested positive have had high
blood pressure levels. So what are the tips to be followed to keep the levels
in control are listed below:
·
Blood pressure should be strictly controlled in pandemic be
it for a normal person or for a patient suffering from hypertension.
·
DASH diet should be followed that is Dietary Approaches to
Stop Hypertension.
·
Consume atleast 4 liters of water per day in order to keep a
check on hydration levels of body.
·
Avoid consumption of alcohol strictly. Limit consumption of
caffeinated beverages to keeps the blood pressure levels in check.
·
Prefer to have the plant based foods like avocado, nut, olive
oil, etc.
·
Say no to animal fats or foods and Trans fats as well.
·
Avoid excess of salt intake in diet.
·
Potassium rich fruits and veggies should be preferred like
apricots, raisins, dates, spinach, etc.
·
Diet rich in whole grains should be emphasized instead of
white or refined starches.
·
Avoid excess of sugar intake too.
· Sodium rich foods should be completely avoided.
It
is a small step in these drastic conditions to favor more and more people out
there struggling to get coordination with their already diseased bodies. The
above mentioned dietary tips could be followed easily. Inspite of following
them or having high deterioration of condition kindly consult with the
physician on time.
Be
safe. Be healthy. Be at home.