Nutritional Advice for Recovery Following COVID-19 Treatment

Patients often experience nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition following a COVID-19 infection. Nutrition is critical for post-COVID-19 recovery. A balanced diet helps improve nutritional status and facilitates rapid health restoration.
Below are some nutritional recommendations for recovery after COVID-19.

Monitor body weight

Balanced diet: ensure sufficient energy, high protein content, and essential micronutrients in the daily intake.

        ✨ Consume 3 main meals and 2-3 snacks daily.

        ✨ Maintain a diverse diet, combining and frequently rotating food types throughout the day.

        ✨ Consume adequate amounts of grains: rice, vermicelli, pho, tubers, etc.

         ✨ Daily intake should balance animal and plant-based protein sources. Opt for high biological value proteins that provide essential amino acids: meat, fish, eggs, milk, legumes, etc. Consume at least 3 servings of fish per week, 3 eggs per week, and drink 1-2 glasses of milk per day.

          ✨ Incorporate both vegetable oils and animal fats; for adults, the ratio of animal fat to total fat should not exceed 60%. Prioritize fats derived from fish and vegetable oils, while limiting fats from beef, pork, etc.

          ✨ Increase intake of foods rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin D, zinc, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and dietary fiber.

• Vitamin C: supports a healthy immune system. Found in many fruits and vegetables: guava, grapefruit, melons, dark leafy greens, etc.
• Vitamin D: enhances bone health, muscle function, and immune system performance. Engage in outdoor activities at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes each time to synthesize Vitamin D. However, for the elderly, the conversion efficiency of sunlight into Vitamin D is lower, so supplementation may be considered. Additionally, Vitamin D is found in fatty fish, milk, and eggs.
• Zinc: a mineral essential for a healthy immune system. Zinc also stimulates appetite and helps prevent diarrhea. It is abundant in seafood, meat, etc.
• Calcium: a vital nutrient for bone health. Muscle loss following intensive COVID-19 treatment can lead to reduced bone density. Calcium-rich foods are essential to help maintain bone mass. Sources include: seafood, snails, cheese, milk and dairy products, and egg yolks.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: help reduce inflammation. During recovery, the body may experience inflammatory responses to combat the effects of COVID-19. Omega-3 is found primarily in fatty fish: salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, sea bass, and mackerel. Chia seeds and red beans also provide healthy omega-3s. Seafood should be consumed twice a week to meet recommended omega-3 requirements.
• Gut health, probiotics, and fiber: the gut is the frontline defense against infectious agents. Especially for the elderly, maintaining a healthy gut is challenging; therefore, daily probiotics should be supplemented via yogurt or live cultures. Fiber helps maintain beneficial gut bacteria and prevents constipation. Consume 300-400g of vegetables and fruits daily.

         
          ✨ Increase intake of milk and dairy products: yogurt, cheese, etc., as milk contains all necessary nutrients in a balanced ratio, making it easy to digest and absorb.

          ✨ Maintain adequate hydration: 2-2.5 liters per day.

          ✨ Avoid foods high in cholesterol: animal organs, brains, etc.

          ✨ Prepare food in soft, finely chopped, and well-stewed forms to facilitate digestion and absorption.

          ✨ Opt for boiled, steamed, or poached dishes instead of fried, deep-fried, or grilled options.

          ✨ For individuals unable to meet recommended nutritional requirements, multivitamin-mineral supplements may be considered. Consult a physician before deciding to use any product.

SPECIALIZED NUTRITIONAL CARE AT THE HANOI MEDICAL UNIVERSITY NUTRITION CLINIC AND CONSULTATION CENTER