In fact, malnourished patients have reduced CD4 and CD8 immune cells, which will be a great disadvantage when patients have to deal with acute respiratory infections caused by SAR-CoV-2. Thus, to be healthy to overcome COVID-19 or prevent it, you need to have a reasonable and appropriate nutritional regimen for each person (according to age, according to current medical condition).
According to BS.CK II Nguyen Viet Quynh Thu (Head of Nutrition & Dietetics Department - FV Hospital), a reasonable nutritional regimen will need 05 factors:
- Eat 3 main meals (can add 1 - 3 snacks),
- Eat a variety of foods to meet nutritional needs,
- Drink enough clean water according to your body's needs (from 2 - 2.5 liters), drink slowly, in small sips, even when not thirsty, drink a lot of fruit juice and do not drink soft drinks instead of filtered water.
- Limit alcohol
- Finally, consult your doctor if you are suffering from chronic diseases (diabetes, high blood pressure, bad blood fat,...).
Patients and those who prevent disease need to supplement substances to help strengthen the immune system and eat enough foods according to the nutritional pyramid issued by the Institute of Nutrition, Ministry of Health, specifically as follows:
| Nutrients | Uses | Food sources |
| Protein (also known as protein). | Fundamental components that make up immune cells and antibodies, participating in the body's immune responses. | Need to eat a combination of foods rich in animal protein (such as fish, chicken, beef, eggs, milk...) and protein plants (from beans, peas...). |
| Vitamin A and Beta-carotene: | Maintains the integrity of the respiratory and digestive tract mucosa, creating antibodies on the mucosal surface. | Animal liver, egg yolk. Vitamin A in the form of Beta-carotene such as: papaya, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, orange, mango, gac, broccoli, spinach... |
| Vitamin C | Enhances immunity, fights oxidants. | Fresh fruits, vegetables and fruits such as: oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, guava, papaya, mango, apple, grapes, kiwi, tomatoes, cauliflower, radishes, spinach, bell peppers, spinach... |
| Vitamin D | Supports the immune, digestive, circulatory and nervous systems. | Arrange isolation in a well-ventilated area, there should be a private area/lounge with sunlight or a private room with a window, so the patient can be exposed to sunlight for 15-30 minutes a day. You can increase foods rich in vitamin D such as fish liver, egg yolks, fish and foods fortified with vitamin D (milk, cereals)... |
| Vitamin E | Promotes the development of immune organs. | Seeds such as sunflower seeds, soybean products, wheat, bean sprouts, sprouts, spinach... |
| Selenium | Strong antioxidant, helps enhance the body's ability to fight infections. | Brown rice, sprouted rice, sprouted rice, fish, shrimp, seaweed... |
| Iron and zinc | Helps maintain normal functioning of the immune system. | Poultry meat (chicken...) and shellfish and seafood such as oysters, crabs, scallops... Animal liver and lean meat are also rich in easily absorbed iron. |
| Omega 3 | Anti-inflammatory and improves the immune system. | Fish oil, cod liver oil, sardines, salmon, basa fish, flounder, herring, tuna, oysters and some nuts... |
| Flavonoids | Increases antioxidant capacity and strengthens the body's immunity. | Spices such as: basil, perilla, broccoli, mustard greens, apples, green tea, ginger, garlic, turmeric, green leafy vegetables. |
| Live microorganisms that are beneficial to health (Probiotics) | Supports strengthening the body's immune system. | Cheese, fermented soybeans (miso, natto)… |
Another important issue is ensuring food safety during home quarantine and the entire epidemic season. It is necessary to choose food sources of clear origin, grown far away from waste storage areas. Besides, you should calculate the amount of food used to limit the need to travel to buy food multiple times. During preparation and processing, pay attention to hand hygiene, use protective clothing (masks, gloves), and carefully clean cooking and eating utensils.
For COVID-19 patients with symptoms of loss of smell, taste, loss of appetite, or patients suffering from chronic diseases, the issue of nutritional supplementation needs special attention. At this time, you should consult a nutritionist to receive specific supplement instructions, prescribe alternative foods, supplement pills or provide nutrients by some more suitable methods. It is important to help patients maintain their physical condition and improve their immune system to overcome epidemics.
Currently, you can schedule a visit with the doctors of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics - FV Hospital, via phone number (028) 5411 3333, extension 1419 and telemedicine service. Doctors will advise on nutrition, prescribe nutritional supplements and functional foods, and assist in building a diet suitable for each patient's condition in case the patient has loss of taste, exhaustion, or has an underlying disease... In addition, FV Kitchen will also help prepare these treatment meals upon request from the nutritionist and deliver them to the patient's home.
Source: https://www.fvhospital.com/tin-tuc/khuyen-cao-dinh-duong-cho-benh-nhan-covid-19-khong-trieu-chung-va-du-phong-cho-f1-dang-cach-ly-tai-nha/