Foods to avoid when you are Covid positive

Proper nutrition, balanced diet and hydration are vital for keeping ourselves healthy and fit. While the global pandemic has affected us adversely it is now even more important for us to practice a healthier lifestyle. The Covid virus first affects our strength making us feel weak, so the stronger the immune system the lower risks of chronic illnesses and infectious diseases. With the media talking about the Do’s of what to do when diagnosed with Covid 19, they often forget to alarm us with the type of food which should be avoided if a patient suffers Covid. Harleen Gulati, Health Coach, gives out tips for a healthy recovery from the infection.
Foods to avoid when you are Covid positive:

1. Avoid Packed and Processed Food: The processed foods are high in salt increasing the probability of the patient suffering with inflammation and acidity. This can cause discomfort to the body and lead to further complications or symptoms like vomiting or stomach infection. Rather, consuming fresh food with less than five grams of salt daily is recommended by WHO. Also, one must avoid eating food from outside as it may be infected or unhygienic.
2. Avoid intake of excess Fats: Saturated fats raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol and high LDL cholesterol increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, which is one of the main concerns in covid positive patients. Therefore, patients should not exceed more than 10% of saturated fats of their daily calorie intake. They should rather consume healthy fats like eggs, avocados (rich in fibre also) and dry fruits like nuts, almonds and cashews.

3. Avoid drinking coffee,tea or caffeinated fizzy drinks: It leads to dehydration of the body and might affect the sleeping pattern of the patient. Drink water as it helps to regulate human body temperature. Limit intake of packed sugary juices and fizzy drinks, thinking that they might energize the body, rather drink glucose water, fresh coconut water, hot vegetable soups or hot turmeric milk. “Get rid of all the cold beverages and switch to room temperature/hot drinks when covid positive. Drink caffeine-free herbal tea or Lemon Ginger Honey in warm water, it really helped me,” says Harleen.

4. Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking: Smoking while suffering from the virus can lead to breathing problems, stroke, lowering oxygen levels and affecting lungs.