How to supplement nutrition after being infected with the new crown? What should I pay attention to?

In view of the current gradual weakening of the pathogenicity of the new coronavirus, on the basis of the experience gained from partial liberalization, prevention and control measures
have been further optimized across the country.
After the gradual liberalization, the ubiquitous virus has led to an increasing
number of positive infections.
There is plenty of scientific evidence that food and nutrients affect the function of the immune system, and many diseases are linked
to poor diet and lifestyle.
Differences in COVID-19 mortality rates between European countries suggest that diet may play an important role
in maintaining stability in the internal environment necessary to fight infection.
Although there is little scientific data, diet may be a potential risk factor
for COVID-19.

According to the "New Coronavirus Self-Recovery Guidance Manual (Second Edition)" issued by the World Health Organization, combined with the "Nutritional Dietary Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia" and other relevant literature, we propose the following dietary strategies for home treatment of adult patients with mild, common or convalescent COVID-19:

carbohydrates

Carbohydrates in the diet are the most important source of energy for humans, and energy intake should be balanced
with energy expenditure.
200-300 grams of cereals should be consumed per day, since the intake of foods with a high glycemic index is associated with an increase in inflammation and oxidative stress, it is recommended to consume carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains, including whole grain bread, rice, flour, etc
.
Daily intake of 50-100 grams of potato foods, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, taro, etc
.
should also be consumed.

protein

Most antibodies are immunoglobulins, which belong to proteins, and antibodies can improve the body's resistance and remove bacteria and viruses that invade the body, so it is especially important
to ensure adequate daily protein intake after infection with the new coronavirus.
Choose foods rich in high-quality protein, about 150-200 grams per day, such as various legumes, fish, eggs, and lean meats
.
Try to make 1 egg, 300 grams of liquid milk or equivalent dairy products per day (yogurt provides additional intestinal probiotics).

fat

To avoid unhealthy weight gain, fat intake should be less than 30% of total energy intake, and try to choose unsaturated fats from fish, avocados, and vegetable oils instead of saturated fats
found in fatty meats, butter, cream, and lard.
Interestingly, studies have shown that Ω-3 fatty acids (mainly derived from deep-sea fish, chia seeds, flaxseeds) may inhibit viral replication of enveloped viruses such as COVID-19 and reduce the risk of
infection.

Vegetables and fruits

Intake of vegetables and fruits may be associated with a reduced risk of coronavirus infection due to the presence of antiviral and immune-stimulating compounds, especially flavonoids such as legumes, red wine, and citrus fruits
.
To eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, more than 500 grams of vegetables and 200-350 grams
of fruits per day.
Ideally, they should come in different colors and undergo minimal processing
.

Drink plenty of water

Adequate water intake is conducive to reducing fever and accelerating the body's metabolism
.
Ensure to drink at least 1500-2000 ml a day, about 6-8 cups, a small amount of many times, mainly boiled water or light tea, vegetable soup, fish soup, chicken soup, etc.
before and after meals are also a good choice
.

vitamin

Vitamin C is involved in immune-related physiological processes and blood clotting processes, which are important
in the onset of COVID-19.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2022), the daily intake of vitamin C should be about 100 mg, and foods with high vitamin C content include lemons, citrus, rape and other vegetables and fruits, which can meet the needs of the human body by eating them in moderation every day
.

Vitamin D receptors are found in many immune cells in the body and regulate the response to viral lung disease, so vitamin D is an important factor
in preventing infectious respiratory diseases.
Previous published findings have shown that vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated
with a more severe COVID condition and a higher risk of death.
The daily intake for vitamin D is 10-15 mcg, supplementation methods include sun exposure, diet (such as marine fish, egg yolks and lean meat, animal liver, etc.
), and vitamin D preparations
.
Experts recommend that new crown patients should consume the recommended daily intake of vitamin D, especially for patients
with low sun exposure.

trace element

Selenium plays an important "role" in protecting the respiratory system, especially to help prevent viral infections
.
Selenium deficiency in the diet affects the immune response and pathogenicity
of the virus.
Appropriate doses of selenium are beneficial
to the immune system of people infected with the new crown.
The recommended dose of selenium is 100-200 micrograms per day, mainly found in
animal offal, seafood and other foods.

Zinc is involved in regulating the inflammatory response and has a direct antiviral effect
.
Coronaviruses appear to be sensitive to zinc's antiviral activity, which prevents the coronavirus from entering cells and reduces its virulence
.
In older adults, low zinc levels have been shown to be a risk factor for pneumonia, but testing zinc levels before supplementation is necessary
because high zinc intake can interfere with copper balance.
The daily dose of zinc is 15-30 mg, and seafood and lean meats contain higher
zinc.

Notes

(1) Decreased sense of smell or taste: brush your teeth twice a day to ensure oral hygiene
.
Conduct olfactory training, including smelling lemons, roses, cloves, and eucalyptus twice a day for 20 seconds
each.
Try adding herbs and spices to your food, such as peppers, lemon juice, and fresh herbs
.
However, use with caution as this may worsen gastric reflux
.

(2) Patients with poor appetite, insufficient food and elderly and chronic diseases: use nutritionally fortified foods, formula foods for special medical purposes or nutrient supplements, appropriate supplementation of protein and B vitamins and micronutrients
such as vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin D.

(3) Sore throat, irritating cough and phlegm: a small amount of water intake many times, replenish enough water
.

(4) Difficulty swallowing: Keep your body upright during and after eating, and try soft and smooth food
.

(Song Jitao: Expert of Chinese Food Think Tank, Vice Chairman of Gastroenterology Branch of Heilongjiang Medical Care International Exchange Promotion Association, Chief Physician of Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, M.
D.
)

Preliminary review: Li Song Responsible editor: Ouyang Meihua Review: Peng Zonglu