Nutrition For COVID-19 Recovery

During illness and when recovering from COVID-19, some may experience loss of appetite and reduced food intake. When unwell, it may become difficult to eat and drink due to many reasons, such as breathing difficulties, fatigue, change in sense of taste and smell, and etc. If intake is insufficient, our body uses its stores of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. This leads to weight loss which includes loss of muscle mass and strength. Proper nutrition intake and timely intervention can aid recovery.

1. Protein

Proteins play an important role in our body’s immune response and help repair body tissues during recovery. Dietary protein intake in combination with resistance exercise is necessary to regain loss muscle mass and strength. Vitamins and minerals help these processes along. Thus, when recovering from COVID-19, you might need to consume more protein than you usually do (unless indicated otherwise, e.g. renal failure). Dietary sources of protein are fish, meat, poultry, eggs, beans, legumes, milk, and dairy products.

Aim to have a protein source in all main meals i.e., breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Prioritize protein and have small but frequent meals, especially when appetite is still low. Supplemental drinks may be helpful if you are eating less than usual due to breathing difficulties, fatigue, or any other reasons.

2. Fluids

Equally as important is adequate fluid intake since water helps carry oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Staying hydrated ensures our body’s systems and organs function properly. Adequate fluid intake also prevents constipation due to being less physically active or as a side effect of certain medications.

An adult should generally aim for at least 2 liters of fluid per day unless under a fluid restriction. This includes fluid in soups, tea, milk, moist foods, juices, supplemental drinks and of course, water. Drink throughout the day and avoid drinking too much before or during meals so that you are not too full to eat. Choose milk, soymilk, or milk-based drinks as these provide additional nutrients like protein.

3. Change in taste and smell

Loss of taste and/or loss of smell occurs in about 1 in 5 persons recovering from COVID-19 infection. This affects how we experience flavours of the food we eat since it is a combination of taste and smell sensations. This can further aggravate the loss of appetite in some. A recent study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that 75% to 85% of patients have recovered sense of taste and smell at the 2 months follow up. In other words, the loss of taste and smell is only temporary in most cases.

During recovery, include stronger flavours such as mint sauce, tomato chutney, lime, and pickles to help improve palatability. Use more natural herbs and spices in cooking and marinades to elevate flavours instead of relying heavily on salt and sugar. This is especially crucial for people with co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and renal disease.

4. Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetable are the most abundant sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants! Various micronutrients such as vitamin A, C, D, E, B2, B6, and B12, folic acid, iron, selenium, and zinc are essential for the body’s immune response. A deficiency in any specific nutrient impairs the body’s ability to fight infections. Therefore, adequate daily intake of fruits and vegetables is required during recovery from a COVID infection.

Aim for 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruits daily. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to obtain the variety of nutrients your body requires. Multivitamin and multimineral supplementations are not a necessity unless deficient and only to be considered if unable to eat all the recommended food groups for an extended period.

Proper nutrition intake helps in the recovery from any infection, including the COVID. Having a good intake of protein and nutrient-rich foods supports the regain of muscle strength and function, maintains the immune system, and increases energy levels to allow you to return to your usual activities. Certain nutritional strategies may be helpful to ensure sufficient intake while coping with the side effects of the COVID infection. Nevertheless, no two person’s needs are the same.