Diet and nutrition after COVID-19

April 4, 2022

Diet and nutrition after COVID-19

The diet after COVID-19 should be aimed at strengthening our immunity and alleviating complications.

Patients after contracting this disease often experience many problems and ailments, such as:

- chronic fatigue and weakness,

- lack of appetite

- hair loss,

- "Brain fog", problems with memory and concentration,

- sleep disturbances,

- weight loss, malnutrition,

- weakening of immunity

Returning to a good form after illness might be difficult. The longer we are ill, the more time it takes to recover.

Can taking vitamins and minerals prevent COVID-19 and speed up the recovery? Research shows that some of the nutrients are worth reaching for.

The most important nutrients for a patient after COVID-19

Vitamin D

The problem of global vitamin D deficiency among the world population has been discussed for a while now but only recently, a relationship was observed between the normal level of vitamin D in the body and the reduction of coronavirus symptoms, such as a decrease in CRP level and an increase in lymphocyte levels.

Although most people associate vitamin D primarily with the skeletal system and the prevention of osteoporosis, its importance is much broader. In fact, it affects every organ system in the body, and its deficiencies can cause and aggravate the course of many diseases. Vitamin D has an immunomodulatory effect, that is, it affects the immune processes and the body's resistance. Therefore, it is extremely important in the context of the prevention, treatment and recovery of most infections, including the one caused by the coronavirus. The main source of vitamin D is skin synthesis that occurs under the influence of exposure to sunlight and, unfortunately, it is not possible to provide adequate amounts from the diet. Therefore, its supplementation is very important, especially in the autumn and winter period, when weather conditions prevent sufficient skin synthesis.

Vitamin D can also lower the inflammation that damages the lung lining.

“Findings of this study shows that vitamin D supplementation is effective in reducing COVID-19 severity. Hence vitamin D should be recommended as an adjuvant therapy for COVID-19.”[1]

Zinc

Zinc is another very important nutrient for post covid patients. It has a positive effect not only on immune functions, but also on the perception of appetite and the sense of taste. Studies have shown that patients with coronavirus had a lower level of zinc compared to healthy people. In addition, more complications occurred with zinc deficiencies, there was a longer time of hospitalization. Research suggest that zinc can reduce the risk, duration and severity of coronavirus infection therefore, its supplementation in groups exposed to its deficiency is recommended.

“Zinc is a relatively inexpensive mineral nutrient that is an effective prophylactic agent to prevent and mitigate the potentially deadly symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.”[2]

Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids are the healthiest of all fats. They have a strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effect. The right amount of Omega 3 in the diet of patients after COVID causes the suppression of inflammation. The latest research shows that omega fatty acids can mitigate the course and effects of COVID-19.

“Very-long chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 infection. We conducted a pilot study in 100 patients to test the hypothesis that RBC EPA+DHA levels (the Omega-3 Index, O3I) would be inversely associated with risk for death by analyzing the O3I in banked blood samples drawn at hospital admission. Fourteen patients died, one of 25 in quartile 4 (Q4) (O3I ≥5.7%) and 13 of 75 in Q1-3. After adjusting for age and sex, the odds ratio for death in patients with an O3I in Q4 vs Q1-3 was 0.25, p = 0.07. Although not meeting the classical criteria for statistical significance, this strong trend suggests that a relationship may indeed exist, but more well-powered studies are clearly needed.”[3]

Probiotics

Some COVID-19 patients develop gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain and diarrhea). This is due to the direct effects of the virus on the intestinal mucosa, or to the effects of antiviral and anti-infective drugs causing diarrhea / vomiting in patients.

Coronavirus has a very negative effect on the bacterial flora. intestinal microbiota disorders are detected in COVID-19 patients, manifested by a significant reduction in the content of commensal Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bacteria in the intestine. An imbalance in the gut microbiota can lead to bacterial translocation across the gut barrier and secondary infection.

For this reason, it is particularly important to maintain the balance of the gut microbiota through the use of probiotics and nutritional support.

“A recent randomized clinical trial from the United States (US) shows how daily use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) probiotic may protect against symptom development in instances when it is used as post-exposure prophylaxis within seven days after exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2).”[4]

A long, serious illness results not only in exhaustion of the body, but also in the depletion of many vitamins and minerals that must be supplemented to speed up convalescence.

Important would be not only an nutritious diet that provides the necessary vitamins, but also by appropriate supplementation with probiotics and preparations to strengthen the immune system. It is also worth taking care of the regeneration of the body. The best way is to rest and get enough sleep.