Coronavirus (Covid-19): Food to fight it

In no case does food, by itself, prevent or cure coronavirus infection, but it can help us improve our ability to recover. Currently, organizations such as UNICEF and the WHO continue to investigate in order to provide new data on the prevention and treatment of the new coronavirus.

Content:

1. COVID-19: balanced and varied diet to fight it

1.1 Antioxidant foods: The best to prevent and fight coronavirus

1.1.1 Licorice

1.1.2 Oregano

1.1.3 Ginger

1.1.4 Garlic

1.1.5 Elderberries

1.1.6 Holy basil

1.1.7 Fennel

1.1.8 Sage

1.2 How to avoid the temptation to snack between meals

1.3 Older people and immunosuppression

2. Caregivers for the elderly and their essential role in the face of Coronavirus

2.1 Residences: Problems in the face of the health crisis

2.2 Home caregivers: The best alternative

A healthy eating pattern is important to strengthen our body's defenses and response to agents which will cause infections like coronavirus. In these days of quarantine, it is very important to plan a weekly menu, since we must stay locked up at home and go out of the essentials. This may also help us when shopping at the supermarket.

Home caregivers are essential to ensure adequate care and care for the elderly.

COVID-19: A balanced and varied diet to combat it

Faced with a quarantine like the one we are currently experiencing, it is crucial to take care of our diet to maintain our health and make sure we strengthen our immune system, that is, our body's natural defense against infections such as Covid-19, caused by the coronavirus.

We want to help you maintain healthy nutrition and support the immune system during confinement. We leave you several recommendations on the foods that cannot be missing from your diet:

1. Consumption of 5 to 10 servings of fruits, vegetables, and vegetables daily.

2. Weekly consumption of fish and meat. (Preferable white meat over red meat, preferably chicken and turkey; Eat more fish than meat).

3. 2-3 weekly servings of legumes in all its varieties.

4. 2-3 weekly servings of whole grains such as bread or pasta.

5. Daily consumption of dairy products (Cheese, yogurts, and milk).

6. Consumption of 3-4 eggs per week.

7. Use olive oil for cooking and seasoning meals.

8. Daily consumption of nuts, raw or toasted (walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts).

9. Do not exceed 5 grams of salt per day.

10. We must reduce sugar as much as possible, no more than 25 grams a day (sweets, industrial pastries ...).

It is recommended to eat a little less amount than usual. We must avoid obesity and overweight that can be associated with the appearance and development of numerous pathologies such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, among others.

It is very important to supplement a healthy diet with a methodical meal schedule, good sleep habits, and moderate physical activity. We must manage anxiety and stress and avoid habits such as alcohol and tobacco. It is also crucial to drink plenty of water.

The WHO emphasizes that we must avoid the consumption of raw or undercooked animal products. Raw milk, meat, or organs of animal origin should be handled with care to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked food.

Antioxidant Foods: The Best to Prevent and Fight Coronavirus

We advise that the best way to combat and prevent Covid-19 is to wash your hands frequently. In any case, supplementing our diet with antioxidant foods is very beneficial for our immune system. This can help us reduce the impact of coronavirus symptoms and improve our ability to recover.

The foods that we recommend below cannot be missing from your diet:

LICORICE

One of the most specific antiviral plants to fight the flu and pneumonia. This plant is part of the traditional Chinese formula that proved effective in preventing SARS infection, according to a report published by the WHO. Ideal for infusions.

OREGANO

In its composition includes antiviral substances such as carvacrol. You can add it to sauces, stir-fries, and salads.

Oil flavored with oregano is ideal to always have it on hand.

GINGER

It has managed to impress many scientists with its impressive antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity. Ginger is able to inhibit the replication of viruses that penetrate healthy cells. Ideal for infusions.

GARLIC

Antiviral food par excellence, its effectiveness has been proven in several professional investigations.

To take full advantage of its properties, it should be consumed raw, but if you are going to cook it, chop it half an hour before so that it retains a good part of its properties after being cooked.

SAUCO STRIKE

One of the best antiviral remedies, traditionally used to treat colds and flu. Elderberry supplements, such as elderberry syrup, relieve upper respiratory symptoms caused by various viral infections.

SACRED BASIL

It boosts the immune system and helps fight viral infections since it significantly increases the levels of certain cells that help our body to defend itself and protect itself from infections caused by different viruses.

FENNEL

Sweet-tasting plant that helps fight certain viruses. Its fresh leaves and flowers are eaten, chopped, and added to salads and sauces.

Not recommended for children or pregnant women.

SAGE

An aromatic plant that has been used for years to treat various viral infections. It has antiviral properties in the leaves and the stem of the flat. Ideal for an infusion with its dried leaves.

How to avoid the temptation to snack between meals

It is advisable to limit the consumption of processed and high-calorie foods.

When we spend the whole day at home we can't help but feel the temptation to eat between meals. This is usually due to the feeling of anxiety or boredom. To avoid consuming sweet foods, it is best not to buy them.

It is best to satisfy the urge to snack with healthy foods such as yogurt, fruits, or vegetables. Healthy appetizers such as hummus or avocado guacamole are recommended that we can accompany with vegetables in the form of sticks (carrots, celery ...).

Older people and immunosuppression:

People over 65 years of age, especially if they suffer from any previous pathology, are the high-risk group for the new Covid-19 disease, caused by the new coronavirus.

This is because older adults are a group of the population with a tendency to immunosuppression. This is usually caused by various factors such as loss of appetite, difficulties in eating food, among others, making them even more vulnerable to the new global pandemic.

For the elderly, it is recommended to eat several meals a day and establish a menu with high nutritional potential, the preparation of which is adapted to the intake possibilities of each patient. Drinking plenty of water and engaging in some form of adapted physical activity is also essential to ensure your health.