Introduction
COVID-19 has changed the way we live our lives, and it has also changed the way we eat. With the virus still present in our communities, it is important to be mindful of the foods we consume. Certain foods can increase the risk of contracting the virus or worsen its symptoms. In this article, we will discuss the foods you should avoid if you have COVID-19. We will also provide some tips on how to make healthier food choices to help you stay healthy and safe.
Foods You Shouldn’t Eat If You Have COVID
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, it is important to take extra precautions when it comes to your diet. Eating certain foods can make your symptoms worse and can even increase your risk of complications. Here are some foods you should avoid if you have COVID-19:
- Processed meats: Processed meats such as hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats are high in sodium and saturated fat, which can worsen inflammation and increase your risk of complications.
- Sugary drinks: Sugary drinks such as soda, energy drinks, and sweetened teas can cause inflammation and can worsen your symptoms.
- Fried foods: Fried foods such as French fries, chicken nuggets, and onion rings are high in fat and can worsen inflammation.
- Alcohol: Alcohol can weaken your immune system and can make it harder for your body to fight off the virus.
- Caffeinated drinks: Caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea can cause dehydration and can worsen your symptoms.
It is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet if you have COVID-19. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help you stay healthy and can help your body fight off the virus. If you have any questions about what foods you should or shouldn’t eat, talk to your doctor.
While you’re sick, there’s nothing higher than making (or ordering) consolation meals to assist soothe your soul and preserve your spirits excessive. Nonetheless, a few of these meals could also be making your signs worse, or as a minimum, prolonging them.
In keeping with the CDC, you have to be targeted on consuming meals which can be wealthy in virus-fighting nutritional vitamins and minerals reminiscent of vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc—particularly when you will have COVID-19. Under, you will notice the 5 kinds of meals that promote irritation and should doubtlessly intervene along with your therapeutic course of. And do not miss The 7 Healthiest Meals to Eat Proper Now.
When you have coronavirus, the very last thing you may wish to eat is one thing that is riddled with sodium, components, preservatives, and added sugars, as all of these items are identified to trigger irritation within the physique.
“Processed meals, with their excessive sugar ranges, omega-6 fatty acids, extra sodium, and junky components, then again, can stoke the hearth of irritation,” Sydney Greene, MS, RD mentioned in an ETNT article. “When irritation is excessive, it taxes the immune system leaving us extra prone to illness and sickness.”
Keep away from consuming junk meals reminiscent of salty potato chips and different packaged meals which can be sneakily hiding sodium in addition to different unhealthy components which can be used to extend shelf life.
Whether or not you will have COVID-19 or not, purple meat ought to largely be averted with its excessive saturated fats content material, which might promote irritation within the physique. As you are combating coronavirus, it is vital that you simply eat meals that work to scale back irritation. This implies loading up on monounsaturated fat present in plant-based sources reminiscent of avocados, olive oil, and fish that is wealthy in omega-3 fatty acids reminiscent of salmon. As a substitute of purple meat, go for fish in addition to plant-based protein reminiscent of lentils and beans.
Fried meals—reminiscent of quick meals—are sometimes greasy and excessive in fats. If consumed in extra, they might wreak havoc in your immune system, too, as any such meals can negatively influence the intestine microbiome and in the end suppress immune perform. To not point out, fried meals also can enhance the dangerous sort of ldl cholesterol, LDL, which is linked to heart problems.
“When meals are fried they change into extra calorically dense as a result of the outer a part of the meals loses water and absorbs the fats [or] oil,” Ashley Kitchens, MPH, RD, LDN advised ETNT in an article. “The oils wherein meals are fried can comprise trans fats, which has been proven to boost your LDL.”
Backside line: It is best to keep away from consuming fried meals as you heal from coronavirus.
Added sugars are additionally identified to trigger irritation within the physique. Angel Planells, MS, RDN, a Seattle-based registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Vitamin & Dietetics particulars advised ETNT that soda and different sugar-sweetened drinks must be averted whereas following an anti-inflammatory weight loss plan. When you like soda for the carbonation, think about mixing 4 ounces of unsweetened, pure cranberry juice with 4 to 5 ounces of glowing water for a bubbly repair.
And do not miss 16 Delicate Indicators You are Consuming Too A lot Sugar.
Keep away from spicy meals just because the spices could irritate your throat or trigger you to cough additional. On the identical time, if you happen to’re uncomfortably congested, consuming one thing that packs some warmth could assist to filter your sinuses. Relying in your signs, it could be greatest to go for one thing milder simply to play it protected.
For extra tips about weight loss plan and coronavirus, remember to learn 5 Methods Altering Your Diet Could Shield You From COVID.