Dear all
In this situations of carona pandemic what would be the role of Nutrition and nutritionists to combat this ?? Plz enlight if some approches can be made??
Balanced and prudent wholesome diet as per nationality, availability of seasonal grains/vegetables/fruits etc, appropriate diet in morbidities are the important domains where nutritionists could help us...
Especially in this pandemic... lots of consumption of Vitamin C was recommended.......
But recent researchers are saying that excessive Vitamin C won’t help against COVID-19.... More than 180mg/day consumption of this vitamin is useless....
Nutritionists will be able to tell us facts against circulating myths....
Thank you Dr Carole and Dr Rituja for your answers.
There a lot of myths related to feeding and habits. And most are with out scientific base.
As such anti oxidants may be useful in these stress period and good health and mind can prepare us to fight against the odds.
Perticular concern is feeding of nonveg diets vs veg diets is there any relation and to viral infections and are nonveg eating people are more susceptible to carona infections than vegetarians?
Please put some light on that
Regards
Partha
The angle that interests me is from the angle of improper nutrition due to lack of the availability of certain foodstuff and underfeeding or overfeeding. Nutritionists have a lot to do in these regard.
I saw a video today in my native language, showing those who may not understand the popular languages, how they could feed well and get enough exercise while under lockdown.
There's need more of such and in the appropriate quarters too.
Dear Dr Helen
Rightly pointed out. At gods grace once the carona Pandemic is over, then probable next problem will be acute shortage of foodstuffs and grain . the farmers have lost the crops and suffering a lot due to lock down and lack of market. After this episode the next challenge is to meet the requirement of the mankind and animals. strategies has to be prepared well in advance to combat the coming shortage of food and feeds.
Regards
Partha
Yes, survivors will still need good nutrition after this critical time. We all got work to do
Dear Sir,
Dr Partha Sarathi Swain, Greeting, depended to your question,, ..
The role of nutritionist is very important in this case , to guide people to consume a diet which contain enough protein and also all vitamins and minerals especially those that act as anti oxidants, vit C vit A vit D and...i recommended to have 2 cup of Green tea per day..since in this stress period lung is very sensitive to this fatal virus , and the good effects of green tea was established & demonstrated by a lot of scientific researches,...
Dear Dr Lily.
This is a good compilation of all critical nutrients for immunity but green tea is a good idea. Please share some articles on green tea effects.
Thanks and regards
Partha
We can help in few ways. Since we can not be on the first line in hospitals we can
1. Educate people what are facts and what is a fiction. I've been getting many messages how boiling 1/2 kg in water cures COVID-19, how teobromine is the only cure and so on. So, there must be an proactive educational line of work, mainly on social media and communicational applications.
2. Since statistic is very, very, not on the side of diabetic people and cardiovascular patients (acute or chronic) dietitians should try to spread the crutial importance od balances diet for these people (adequate meals, antioxidans, omega 3 oils in good balance with n-6 oils, Q10 supplementation for people on statins, vit C in adequate ammounts for blood vessels, vit B12 for RBC -they surely need them, Zn for WBC...)
3. Try to reach as many people as possible and explain why this is the time for increased need for antyoxidans BUT to be careful with green leafy - antycoagulants, specially those on antycoagulation therapy.
4. To inform people of the danger of taking too many suplements.
5. When this is over the public health will strongly shift to prevention where, we all know, nutrition plays very important role.
Stay safe!
Dear colleagues
As a nutritionist, I think this is a good time to clarify the population about myths related to food and nutrition. To answer one of the main ones we need to remember that, so far, there is no food or supplement capable of preventing or curing COVID-19. It is also our duty to encourage the consumption of fresh food (vegetables, legumes and fruit) produced locally. Remember the population that healthy eating is simple and, therefore, does not have to be the most expensive. Helping to combine food for the sake of food sustainability will also be our goal, possibly with a more plant-based diet but ensuring nutritional recommendations (for example vitamin B12 or D, calcium, iron or zinc). Helping parents, educators and teachers in the context of their educational activities, with knowledge about how to prepare quality family meals, simple rules for healthy eating for each age group, and with tools to deal with food advertising in digital media. It is important during this period to avoid the increase rate of childhood obesity. For all these reasons, I think that nutrition has an important role, not only now but also in the future.
Proper nutrition combination of both macro and micro nutrients as per individual requirement is fundamental of life. Balance diet guidelines can be followed to know the food amount to be consumed per day.immune system should be always strong whether we have Corona or other health problems. Nature has given us such a medicinal foods but our choice makes it limited.
Seasonal fruits and vegetable should be included in diet to boost up immune system.
During the lockdown, people post variety of cooked foods( as in festival) in social media,over or under nutrition both have negative impacts.
In these days nutritionist can educate people about proper nutrition and the methods to enhance nutrients. Everybody should know how to manage food crisis during critical periods.
To boost up immune system , can followed
Https://www.healthharvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system
Right from the ancient world, our food is our medicine and this even holds true now. barring the use of pesticides and other extraneous sources, natural food is alys preferred and is also eminent in the want of organic foods.
in the context of carona pandemic, we have seen that mostly geriatric cases are more. and those who have some other complications are also more vulnerable. this may also be correlated to their immunity and to some extent also true. personally i feel the time has come to suggest a specific recommended diet for diabetics, with kidney problem or some other issue pertaining to covid 19. all people cant be educated for scientific feeding and all dont have the interest as well. so if so diet schedules which can help the normal persons to improve their immunity will act as a boon in this scenario.
The immune system is an amazing thing and can be affected primarily by two things
- A busy workload
- Sub optimal environment
Busy workload:
If someone has co-morbidities, and they then get Covid-19, clearly, the immune system is already busy, stretched, and so will not be as effective as for someone with no conditions. Equally, rigorous, extended exercise, and other stresses require the effort of the immune system. So reducing the immune system ‘consumers’ would be an area of focus. NCDs have high prevalence and are significantly affected by diet.
Sub-optimal environment
There are tons of articles, tweets, blogs, and adverts recommending some or other immune boosting food or supplement. However, there is no evidence to show any dietary constituent can enhance the immune system. That said, a dietary deficiency can impact the effectiveness of a normal immune system. Therefore, tackling known deficiencies would be the area to address
Everyone is different, with different individual health status, diet, fitness, mental health, wealth, etc., so there is no one size fits all solution.
In general however, I would say the two main nutritional points to focus on would be
Hi everyone !
Indeed, adressing nutrients deficiencies for each patient appears to be the most suitable attitude, as each one might have snp's which may affect bio availability; without counting frequent unbalenced diets so frequent among western and westernized diet takers. So that testing the following nutrients could be quite appropriate in order to optimize their level:
AA/EPA ratio, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Vitamine D and A as both of those vitamines share the same transporter. There is also a snp on Vitamine D receptors apparently affecting The Th1 Th 2 balance. Vitamine D absorption, as Lymphocytes T Reg modulator, is also magnesium dependant.
Glutamine, Glutathion, Vitamine E, and a healthy microbiota of course.
All this is well documented but it is not convenient to attach the studies in this box.
Hope that will help
Take care
Pascal
We can suggest several things as follows:
1. Eat nutritious, balanced, and varied foods with the concept of my plate
2. The importance of active lifestyle and exercise
3. Implement a healthy and clean lifestyle
4. Maintain ideal body weight
5. Avoid excessive consumption of sugar, salt and fat
6. Enough water 8 glasses a day
7. Exposed to enough sunlight
8. Get enough sleep and rest
9. Eat lots of vegetables and enough fruits
10. Maintain physical distance from others
11. Consuming food that also strengthens immunity
Very interesting communications .. thank you all for interactions
Is there anything related to veg and nonveg diet. Even the frequency of non veg diets. During this carona pandemic so many persons are emphasizing on vegetarians diets and are advocating to avaod non veg diets. Is it a myth or has some pertinent scientific backup.
Thank you
Dear Dr Partha Sarathi Swain , thank you for raise this important discussion. Nutrition is essential in combating COVID-19. In this regard, we may need to change our attitude towards the virus as well as towards the whole microorganism community in the nature, as they are the indispensable source of essential nutrients like essential amino acids and essential fatty acids for human body. Without the human microbiome, malnutrition is inevitable.
We have just published a paper addressing the importance of microorganisms as nutrition to our health:
Article Commentary: Reconciling Hygiene and Cleanliness: A New Persp...
The full length paper can be accessed by the following link:
http://em.rdcu.be/ls/click?upn=1VX9wGiUV7k-2FG8imEHteF-2BzBihF-2B9OHNHZhJHf3-2F8xQ-3D-bYv_u5h8giayITz1NaGwqnOtdbTqp82NKN1P5FjOGQb8JxFfGFEeluqxS-2FVsJa66oX-2FmpIIRC6qpkAY-2F6eZ07kG4t6ySRzZ3ZmY6GEySlnZ7yl5yQ7R3-2BqFcfKNrlJlq9tRn324SjykiYpFtlDn5n7f6iyWLnJCCbQTvobOOu3j6WqzJS91LID6hsAwmrGmZfwkGBme1eROluixeqw-2BLwQsV-2FtxXL7-2BUy2nwK8VyIke4kM1qNNvy2MxdbtoUX-2BVj2nKmqGx5MsirSqeqeEjy0-2FsfYyIdvYS5ldx9gYrTp-2BXGj40-3D
We need to study more about the virus and ourselves to know that, under what circumstance, the interaction of the virus with human being will not bring us harm, and may actually be beneficial to human being. Also, as a proverb says: “Good fences make good neighbors.”, we need also to know how we can enhance our immune system by proper nutrition to successfully prevent the virus from doing harm to us.
I'd encourage them to understand the value of varied whole food diet in optimising cell function in general and immune function in particular. The circulating narrative is heavily focused on taking high doses of vitamin C, even though the evidence for doing so is very limited. Where there have been demonstrable benefits, they are usually due to intravenous doses and not the oral doses for which maximum absorption is limited to around 500 mg daily.
Apart from antioxidants I think schedule of feeding and dietary restriction may work as wonder. And due to lockdown throughout the globe people are not having junk foods and this has a a favourable effect.
An important aspect is people sld try to engage some way or other. The news and happening around the globe is causing depression and people are going through mental stress. This again may predispose to compromised immunity.
Regards
Nutrition and nutritionist role in the stuation of Covid19 can role in several things, namely; 1). increasing nutrition education about role of nutrition to enhance immunity aspecialy micronutrient, 2). Providing nutrition and food services for Covid19 patient and official at covid19 referal hospital, 3). Online nutrition consultation for comunity/public especially for pregnant woman, breasfeding woman and elderly. 4). Become a volunteer in Covid19 team.
In order to build active Vit D3 you should see to still get sufficient sunlight, despite quarantene. Another factor that may be overlooked is the active thioreductase mechanism that enhances microbicidal elimination of pathogens by monocytes/ macrophages. I have just asked in a separate post how much is known about nutrition with SH donor compounds such as contained in garlic, onions and similar plants. From my own work (1991, here on RG) I know that certain thio-group containing substance (dithiocarbamate) can enhance microbicidal activity of phagocytes against Mycobacteria (Incl. M tuberculosis) - I don´t know however whether this mechanism also helps against viruses (although quite likely)... Thanks!
There are several ideas been shared to prevent this disease but the most important one talks about boosting the immune system, therefore Nutritionist are the right people to teach the public on how they can boost their immune system especially in the natural way. They are the people who can direct the citizens on the type of diet they should be talking around this time amount to be taking within the day.They are to notify the people on the kind of food that will boost the immune system when taking in.
It was extraordinary irony that the food stuffs tgat were flying out of the supermarkets were bread past and rice, only the latter two being shelf stable. Fruits and vegetables are the answer to pretty much everything! They improve inflammation, immune function, and mucous membrane defenses.
From a herbal perspective the Mediterranean culinary herbs thyme, sage, oregano and rosemary are all antiviral. Thymus vulgaris in particular! The essential oil is ansorbed via the skin or gut and excreted into the lung mmembranes acting precisely where theyre needed as preventative and tgerapeutically against cold flu and COVID ( untrialled of course).
Finally if i or a family member where mortally ill with COVID, cold or flu, id want tsee intravenous vitamin C being administered, as has beenhappening in China! Good job PRC!
In summary
⮚ Daily intake of one multivitamin tablet containing vitamins A, E, C, and group B vitamins, selenium, zinc, magnesium, and omega-3 can help with a dietitians’ diagnosis.
⮚ Check vitamin D and iron levels and start supplementation, if needed.
⮚ Preferably, do not prescribe antioxidant supplements such as vitamins C, E, and selenium alone, and except in special circumstances. Try to prescribe them in the form of multivitamin-mineral.
⮚ Recommend a healthy diet for the survived people including at least three exchange of fruits and three units of vegetables (including at least one unit containing vitamin C, one unit containing vitamin A), consumption of fatty fish twice a week, daily consumption of whole eggs (in the absence of underlying diseases), meat and poultry, legumes, three units of probiotic milk and dairy products, walnuts and nuts.
⮚ Recommend consumption of flavonoid sources such as onions, celery, parsley, orange and lemon juice, and apples; these can be helpful in the recovering period.
⮚ Be careful about group B and fat-soluble vitamins, especially D, K and dietary antioxidants in the survived hepatic patients.
⮚ Consumption of vitamins and minerals in the survived pregnant mothers should be recommended by a gynecologist.
⮚ To get more polyphenols, focus on the consumption of vegetables and fruits, and if supplemented, the recommended dose is 500 to 1000 mg daily 24.
⮚ In survived individuals suffering from hypercholesterolemia, to reduce LDL, a diet with restricted solid fats and cholesterol level below 200 mg daily is recommended. Provide max up to 30% of the total daily calorie intake from fats (20% from unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA, olive oil) and 10% from PUFA and MCT) 20.
⮚ In the case of bedsore (pressure ulcer) in the elderly, a high-calorie, high-protein diet together with vitamin supplements containing vitamin C and vitamin E, zinc and adequate fluids is recommended for wound healing and new tissue formation.
It also meets the patient's needs including fluid and macronutrients based on the patient's clinical condition
Investigating drug-food interactions and malnutrition
Dear all.
We got a nutritional recommendation published on line. This may be help ful and plz comment if some modifications may be made to make it better
Thanks and regards
My immune protocol has four elements + exercise.
1. Vitamin D: a dose (D3) to bring the serum level to at least 40 nanograms/ml (2,000-5,000 IU/d). I take 7,000 units/day to get to 55-60 ng/ml for osteopenia (on the basis of a bone density 12+ years ago; I used to run distance without sunscreen and drank milk and had a low D level; as we get older, the sun loses its benefit) and an immune deficiency problem. I recommend 5,000 units/day, then check your D3 level later to fine tune the dose. Check vitamin D3 levels in a few weeks (should be in the 40-50ng/ml range with 100ng/ml the upper limit). In this time of coronavirus, you can safely take 5,000 D3 units/day; above 10,000 units/day kidney stones become an issue.
2. Zinc: 50 mg/d of any salt (gluconate most common at any drugstore). Zinc is antiviral for cold viruses (rhinovirus, coronavirus). It is also an important element in normal bone structure and for eye health (prevents macular degeneration).
3. Probiotic: 10-20 billion count/d. Flavored yogurts do not have adequate probiotics (multiple lactobacillus and bifidobacter species). Other fermentation products are good: kefir, kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut.
4. Prebiotic: soluble fiber for the probiotic to proliferate, the best are root vegetables (carrots, jicama, raw sweet potatoes cut up like carrot sticks, radishes, Jerusalem artichoke [sunchoke], turnips). Mother's milk is actually the best prebiotic, a reason breast feeding is so important for at least the first 6 months of an infant's life.
The supplements can be taken with breakfast (or any meal) as long as soluble fiber is part of the meal. Dried fruit (figs, dates, prunes, raisins, Craisins), bananas (less ripe better with its resistant starch) are also good sources of soluble fiber, especially in the morning to go with the probiotic dose.
Dear Dr Helman
Thanks for your detailed briefing. Hopefully this is the best answer so far.
Regards
Dear Dr Partha,
Greetings! 💐
It's a very relevant discussion in the apt time when the whole world is experiencing an unprecedented Covid-19 catastrophe.
As we know that nutrition being the foundation for strong and healthy immune system, I would recommend to go by ayurveda-based recommendations for boosting immune system and thereby staying healthy. Of particular interest are functional ingredients— turmeric, ginger, neem, tulsi (basil), garlic, honey besides fruits and vegetables that were otherwise followed traditionally in the country. In my opinion it's the high time for us to establish powerful immune system and antioxidant status by revisiting and relying on traditional food practices that are highly scientific and logical as against mere mouth-watering junk/fast foods.
I hope that you too agree on these points.
Regards,
Mahesh
Dear Dr Mahesh.
You have pointed really practical and need of the time points. I do agree that these herbal products will not only boost the immunity byt also has multifacted activities like detoxifying the toxins deworming. Most importantly these are mostly available at home. Fruits and vegetables are also not available in pleanty. And the situations will be worsen with time
Thank you sir.
This is a new dimension to this burning discussion.
Waiting for more
Regards
Partha
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionst (RDN) and Ed.D in Nutrition Education from Columbia University. I am director of Nutrition at Pace University. I'm doing a research study using a survey that has been distributed nationwide on social media. The working title is: "What you are eating during COVID-19 and why." I want to probe into what people can access/not access in terms of food; whether they are eating more or less; whether they are snacking more or stress eating; or whether they are cooking more and eating in a more relaxed manner because, after all, we can't go anywhere.
Prevention starts the previous year, with sensible sun exposure to build up your vitamin D, without covering yourself with clothes or using sunscreen, but making sure you do not burn. Build up iodine levels by eating fish. The thyroid needs iodine. and low thyroid activity encourages infection. Have vitamin C and magnesium from plenty of vegetables. Keep the respiratory tract healthy with vitamin E from avocado. Eat a few brazil nuts a day for selenium. Eat meat for zinc. Eat mushrooms for beta glucans. Avoid sugar, amalgam dental fillings and smoking, which all increase your need for vitamin C. Avoid vaping, which may expose your respiratory system to glyphosate. Have enough to drink. Minimise exposure to chemical and electromagnetic pollution, which increase your need for nutrients. Have a form of exercise that you enjoy, preferably outdoors in clean air. Have plenty of sleep.
Only take medicines if absolutely necessary, as they reduce your nutritional status. Many medicines reduce vitamin D levels. In particular, avoid ARBs and ACE inhibitors, which assist the entry of corona viruses into cells. Instead, control blood pressure with magnesium, taurine, ubiquinol and potassium. Avoid PPIs, which increase pneumonia risk. If you have an acid reflux, supplement with manganese. Avoid cholesterol lowering drugs, which reduce immunity.
Supplement vitamin D, especially if you have dark skin and live far from the Equator. Supplement vitamin C together with L-lysine, which reduces the amount of vitamin C you need. Take a good quality multivitamin/mineral, without harmful excipients, with breakfast. Eat garlic, ginger and turmeric.
If you become infected, take vitamin C, as much as you can, without having diarrhoea. The sicker you are, the more vitamin C you tolerate. Increase your vitamin D supplement. Have about 20 mg of a well absorbed form of zinc, like glycinate, at bedtime. Chew vitamin E capsules, and do not eat or drink for an hour, to allow them to heal before being washed away. Put half a flat teaspoon of Epsom salts in a litre of water, and drink it through the day, as it soothes the throat. Chew 500 mg of L-lysine when you start to cough, or ideally before coughing starts. Have up to 6 of these a day. Supplement 100mg of vitamin B1. Chew 100 mg of magnesium as glycinate three times a day. Sniff iodine from a salt pipe.
If you become really ill, try to find a doctor who will give you intravenous vitamin C. If you develop sepsis, ask the doctor to provide vitamin B1 and a steroid as well.
Chewing L-lysine works within a few minutes against sore throats, coughs and thick mucus. Has anyone any idea how it does this?
@margaret How can you tell people not to take their prescribed medication??? It is up to a doctor to regulate medications. Only if you are a MD you can modify medications and ONLY to your patients.
And sure you can not be in a septic shock and order doctor what to give you. They know their job better than we do.
If you become ill go to a hospital.
You never know whether someone could have a fatal CVI due to an uncontrollerld blood preassure or a heart attack due to a cholesterol build up.
Please, modify your regular medications intake ONLY after a consultation with your physician on that matter.
Dear Dr Cooper..
Best wishes for the study. Please add the quantum of nonveg and veg diet. And if possible their daily routine also. Along with food they are going through many changes like sleep pattern, working pattern, hobbies, food habits, drinking and smoking habits even exercise as well. These are also having a great importance along with food
Regards
Dear Dr Moss and Ivana
Thank you for your fees back. I think you both are correct as emergency medicine sld not be stopped and I guess Dr Moss pointed out at taking optional medications like for flu pain killer etc.
But nutritional point of view Dr Moss has pointed out some food sources of nutrients.
Looking for some more interesting updates.
Regards
Partha
It is definite that nutrition must be focused in the pandemic of corona virus. As immune response is compromised due to COVID- 19, nutritionists must do all their bests to disseminate information the nutrition messages to the needy people all over the world, based on foods that boost immunity. It must be noted that messages must be suited to local conditions e. availability, affordability and accessibility of foods.
Nutritionist play critical role in the following areas
1. Intervention that promote the immunity
2. Symptomatic treatment including enteral and parenteral support where applicable
3. Supporting maternal and infant feeding for suspected and confirmed cases
A doctor may prescribe a drug in normal times, feeling that the benefit is more than the risk. This risk to benefit ratio may change when there is a pandemic. In a pandemic, a drug may become more risky. Of course patients can discuss the changed situation with the person who prescribed the drug, querying whether the advice still stands.
Doctors have different approaches from one another. Families may be able to ask for treatment by someone who shares their understanding.
Treatment should be done as a partnership between patient, family and health professional. The assumption that the doctor always knows best is dangerous. It encourages arrogance, and an unwillingness to learn lessons from patients.
Since this seems to be a group of COVID-19 thinkers, has anyone seen any peer-reviewed articles on nutrition during COVID-19? I'm writing a literature review for my paper and other than market data on how people are doing more online shopping, I can't find much about how people are changing their dietary patterns and/or behaviors. I looked through studies during SARS, MERS and other epidemics, but didn't see much in the way of peer-reviewed articles.
Dr cooper this is a great time to review on such an important aspects. The discussion was meant to share the research we have as very less literatures are available and many Nutrition related questions are either avoided or are unanswered. Best wishes for your attempt and do share the article with us. Definitely we will share if we come accross any such materials you asked for.
Regards
Partha
Thank you very much, Partha! You are so correct. Not much out there. I've really only found literature on stress eating and so forth.
Guiding citizens to consume fruits and seasonal food that allows them to strengthen the immune system. Also helping or guiding with special diet regimes for people from risk groups, to maintain a healthy and balanced condition. For example
See answer to my question:
Do you think that diet can reduce the incidence of COVID-19?
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Do_you_think_that_diet_can_reduce_the_incidence_of_COVID-19
This link below can be used:
https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/what-are-dietitians-doing-as-part-of-the-covid-19-response.html
Avoid eating out. Eat at home to reduce your rate of contact with other people and lower your chance of being exposed to COVID-19. We recommend maintaining a distance of at least 1 metre between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. That is not always possible in crowded social settings like restaurants and cafes. Droplets from infected people may land on surfaces and people’s hands (e.g. customers and staff), and with lots of people coming and going, you cannot tell if hands are being washed regularly enough, and surfaces are being cleaned and disinfected fast enough.
http://www.emro.who.int/nutrition/nutrition-infocus/nutrition-advice-for-adults-during-the-covid-19-outbreak.html
Eat less salt and sugar. When cooking and preparing food, limit the amount of salt and high-sodium condiments (e.g. soy sauce and fish sauce).
Limit your daily salt intake to less than 5 g (approximately 1 teaspoon), and use iodized salt.
Avoid foods (e.g. snacks) that are high in salt and sugar.
Limit your intake of soft drinks or sodas and other drinks that are high in sugar (e.g. fruit juices, fruit juice concentrates and syrups, flavoured milks and yogurt drinks).
Choose fresh fruits instead of sweet snacks such as cookies, cakes and chocolate.
http://www.emro.who.int/nutrition/nutrition-infocus/nutrition-advice-for-adults-during-the-covid-19-outbreak.html
Eat moderate amounts of fat and oil. Consume unsaturated fats (e.g. found in fish, avocado, nuts, olive oil, soy, canola, sunflower and corn oils) rather than saturated fats (e.g. found in fatty meat, butter, palm and coconut oils, cream, cheese, ghee and lard).
Choose white meat (e.g. poultry) and fish, which are generally low in fat, rather than red meat.
Avoid processed meats because they are high in fat and salt.
Where possible, opt for low-fat or reduced-fat versions of milk and dairy products.
Avoid industrially produced trans fats. These are often found in processed food, fast food, snack food, fried food, frozen pizza, pies, cookies, margarines and spreads.
http://www.emro.who.int/nutrition/nutrition-infocus/nutrition-advice-for-adults-during-the-covid-19-outbreak.html
Chinaza Godswill Awuchi. Thank you for your recommendation. I'm actually analyzing data from a large study I performed on what Americans are eating during COVID-19 and why they are eating. As predicted, lots of snacking, but also much more at-home cooking. I noticed you are interested in waste, many people have expressed that they feel they are wasting more food because they are buying groceries in bulk so as to avoid making multiple trips to the market. Very interesting stuff.
While Covid-19 can come for anyone it is best to keep your physical and immune health as pristine as possible. We eat a lot of junk food nowadays. Cut back on the sugary sweets and get your needed macro- and micro-nutrients.
Dear all.
The recent trend is people are focusing on fruits, vegetables, viz. vegetarian diets. can we project that this Novel carona Pandemic will shift the world towards a vegetarian world than a non-veg diet.?
Vegetables are highly nutritious, with vitamins, minerals and fibre. Fruits are less good, because of the fructose content, although they also have vitamins, minerals and fibre. You can eat plenty of vegetables, whether or not you are an omnivore or a vegetarian. There are good vegetarian diets and good omnivore diets, bad vegetarian diets and bad omnivore diets. Many junk food vegetarians hardly eat any vegetables. I suggest in the Covid crisis, we concentrate on promoting nutritious diets, and leave the choice of vegetarian or omnivore to the individual.
Eat vegetables rather than fruits. Eat cheese rather than milk, to avoid the galactose. Eat starch rather than sugar. Starch breaks down to glucose. The body has mechanisms for dealing with glucose, whereas fructose and galactose cause problems.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/eating-during-covid-19-improve-your-mood-and-lower-stress-2020040719409
https://www.pcrm.org/news/blog/diet-can-fight-diseases-linked-poor-covid-19-outcomes
https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/1887725/beating-covid-19-risk-avoidance-better-health-and-diet
The development of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic (causing Covid-19 disease) has caused many people to become more aware of healthy lifestyles to strengthen the body's immune system. Some people quit smoking, some people began to eat healthier, etc. Therefore, the role of dietitians in the current pandemic situation may be the development of healthy eating diets, which should have the potential to strengthen the body's immune system and improve overall health.
Greetings,
Dariusz Prokopowicz
In order to improve nutritional status in older people, we need to enhance a balanced diet and increase protein intake. Sarcopenia is really a problem in this population, so diet and supplementation with glutamine, arginine and leucine, also, a resistance exercise program, it is crucial to reduce mortality in case they need mechanical ventilation and intensive care
Thank you Miss Erika
But higher protein diet may be an issue in old as related to its metabolism. and mostly older age people are either kidney issues or uric acid-related issues. so needs to be addressed along with its precaution as well. As things are getting standardized and people are now realizing that we have to live with carona. so Balanced food, Healthy food habits, Less tension, Regular yoga, and Meditation will make us healthy and can combat carona pandemic.
Regards
Partha
Partha,
As an older person, I eat more protein without renal disease or hyperuricemia, but is important in preventing sarcopenia (Erika, you are correct) and for inducing satiety while preventing the usual hypoglycemia that too many elderly experience as they are more likely to be over-consumers of carbohydrates with their relentless hyperinsulinemia in pursuit of the quick "sugar" fix with the immediate dopamine and serotonin gratification. This leads to resistant insulin, fat deposition and vulnerable immune system that promotes infection, cancer and cognitive decline.
A pearl of wisdom: vegetarian protein is better tolerated than animal protein re: kidney load. Beans and corn together constitute a complete protein. Tofu goes well with vegetables, fruits and spices.
Dear Dr Jerome.
Right sir. But in geriatic cases diets has to be monitored on regular basis. And during the pandemic most susceptible are old aged persons with ailments. We are considering their cases. And for kids proteinaceous feeds are more essential to sustain growth and immunuty.
Apart from that prtein content and its origine also has to be mentioned.
Thanks and regards
Partha
Dear Partha and Jerome,
Totally agree with your view. I strong recommend protein intake from both sources, plant base and animal (50/50). Below 3g protein x kg body mass, except if there is any kidness pathology, it is safe. I suggest 1.5 g per day, that is an affordable ingesting. Example: an egg, 100 g bread, 300g beans and rice dish, 200 g of chicken or fisch, and 50 g of parmesan cheesee every day. It is not so hard to achive it and represents mediterranean diet pattern. (60 kg body mass reference).
Erika,
Maybe not the parmesan, too salty; I favor low fat mozzarella, nonfat Greek yogurt and the "good" fats from unsalted tree nuts, avocados and olive oil supplements (the fish is a given). Together, the protein and fat produce satiety, while too many processed foods (bread, pasta, crackers, cookies, packaged cereals) add the insulin stimulators with the eventual hypoglycemic trigger to hunger, more carbs with its brain receptors now activated and poor diet control.
Jerome,
Parmesan is one the richest protein and calcium sources in cheese. It is true, that's salty and has more fat, but 30-50 g is like a matchbox, inside a balanced diet has their benefits in older population, of course is an example and variety is the key. In addition, is fermented so is a probiotic food.
Erika,
Good point taken, but with a caveat: our brain receptors love the fat, salty as well as sugary foods we encounter in foraging for what sustains us. Even a "matchbox" of parmesan is too much for my palate and brain receptors. As to the probiotics we require, I rely on a better measure (10-20 billion count) guaranteed in the supplements I trust and use as well as other low sodium, fermented products.
Many things have rediscovered by the elite members and things are getting interesting. Waiting for some new exciting facts and figures..
Regards
Hi, well nutrition helps to develop excellent immune system and then prevent CVID to attack person
Nutrition advocacy should geared towards high and continuous intake of fruits and vegetables to boost the immune system. Nutritionist should carryout research to identify more neglected fruit and vegetables that can boost immune system inorder to diversify diet.
Dear madam / Sir
Along with all these points if we will see closely the following points can be re assessed
1. Level of nutrition. If we will compare the affected and casualties with their plain of nutrition we can get some indication towards prevalence of Covid 19 pattern
2. Is this situation related to geographic location. Even the virulence can change with location and feeding habits as well
3. WHO sld make some alarms measures to boost the immunity globally and which has to be done through improved nutrition and healthy living.
Apartfrom all these this covid situation urges towards many unseen and unaddressed problem to think upon.
Do respond with your opinion
Regards
Partha
Well done Dr. Swain, You have stated a nice discussion on the important subject. In my opinion, as far as Covid 19 is concerned. It is basically disease caused by Virus spread through contaminated surfaces, droplets and even airborne. Most of the cases (almost about 85 %) are asymptomatic. We can avoid Covid 19, by strict social distancing (Physical distancing), wearing masks and following hand hygiene. As an animal nutritionist, we should promote the use of animal products like milk, egg, chicken and fish in the diet of human being. Value added products rich in zinc, chromium, selenium, vitamin A and vitamin D would boost the immunity in terms of raising antibodies against virus.
If you see most affected states like Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka all are affulent and noway their dietary regimen is inferior.
Nice study can be done by correlating eating habits, with infection rate, travel history, attending parties, ceremonies.
Some of my thoughts on the above subject initiated by my student.
Vitamin D is part of food, but it is also something we synthesise. It helps prevent infections becoming severe, and also regulates the immune system, to avoid a cytokine storm. Affluent people in India may well spend more time in offices and big houses, while less affluent people may be in the sunshine in the fields, or sitting outside smaller houses. Affluent people may wear more clothes, reducing synthesis of vitamin D. Large buildings in cities provide shade, reducing synthesis of vitamin D.
A study in Asian countries of laboratory confirmed Covid-19 infection found that only 7.2% of those with normal vitamin D levels became severely or critically ill, while 72.8% of those with deficient vitamin D became severely or critically ill.
Affluent people in some countries may be able to buy more sugar, reducing the effectiveness of the immune system.
Affluent people may afford more drugs, increasing susceptibility to disease. Many drugs cause vitamin D deficiency. Statins reduce immunity. PPI drugs increase the risk of pneumonia. ACE inhibitors and ARBs may assist Covid-19 in entering cells.
Affluent people may live longer, becoming more susceptible to Covid-19.
Cities like Delhi and Chennai have worse air pollution than many rural areas, making lungs less resistant to infection.
Like much disease, Covid-19 involves many factors, like food, hand washing, attending large gatherings, pollution and sunshine.
Dear Partha Sarathi Swain,
please check the website of The European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians where you can find a collection of documents and webinars regarding the role of nutrition during COVID-19 pandemics. It starts with prevention, reducing other risk factors, and then supporting patients during disease and rehabilitation.
http://www.efad.org/en-us/covid-19/
Dear Katarzyna Janiszewska ,
This is very informative and even a special chapter dealing with dieticians roles. This will be helpful for many. Thanks for sharing the details.
Regards
Partha
It improves your immunity which is a plus in fighting the virus and its resultant effects. Immunocompromised persons are at high risk of covid-19 compared to those of high immunity
Dear all.
From the discussion we may conclude that the nutritionists should aware people to consume feeds aiming at immune modulation. I feel fatty food sld be avoided and fresh vegetables and fruits sld be consumed im plenty. Apart from that supplemental ingestion of Zn and Se, vit E C and A along with b complex vits will prepare our immunity to combat the situation of covid 19.
Plz supplement if anything left.
Regards
Partha
Hi All,
Here is an answer that I offered in a similar conversation on this site.
Yes, good nutrition and supplementation are more important now than ever before. The medical/pharma/vaccination model has many flaws, and they are becoming more apparent now. It is however a shame that the medical profession does not consider the use of herbs and nutrition as 'real medicine'. They do not practice 'host' based medicine (maintaining the immune system of the host). This area of discussion would require a great deal more space than we have to go into here. One nutrient that stands out that helps viral patients, and that is Vit D3 (as others have mentioned here). The last time I checked there were 12 clinical trials that are on going, and there have been dozens of papers that have already been published on this and other related topics. The medical profession has to start asking the important questions, why are so many people asymptomatic? If their systems can defend against the virus, why can't others? This again would require more space than we have here to discuss this here. One hypothesis however is that the hosts system is healthy and able to protect itself.
Another area of research revolves around the status of the gut (microbiome) and its impact on the immune system. Those individuals who have had a course of antibiotics may now be more prone to getting sick. And when you add in a nutrient deficit and other environmental exogenous stresses on the body...the end result can be devastating. I know it is heresy to speak of such things, however even if the host gets infected, if they are 'healthy' they may have the capacity to defend themselves. Protocols that include the below (and others) have been used with great success, some practitioners claiming 100% success in treating the disease. NOTE: There are specific forms of the below that work best. Calcium Lactate Magnesium Vit. D3 Selenium Vitamin C complex (with bioflavonoids) Fish oil (36% EPA/24% DHA) and organic Flax oil Licorice extract Zinc glucanate Ozone Iodine Turmeric Cannabis (CBD)...and others. A trained practitioner will know how to use this information. And I have no doubt that some of our medical friends will want to have me burned at the stake for even suggesting the above. But you can't argue with success. There isn't any reason (other than the AMA) why a clinical and nutritional format could not be used together, their isn't any reason why we can't all work together on this problem, we can save lives, we just have to think outside the box. I hope this hasn't been too long of an answer, and I could go on. It is however a very complicated topic and deserved a proper response. I hope this helps, James
I'd like to add to the excellent contributions from Partha Sarathi Swain and James Lembeck. If possible eat salmon for astaxanthin, fish for iodine, fermented foods for vitamin K2, and mushrooms for beta glucans, or else use supplements for these . Eat garlic, ginger and turmeric. Supplement L-lysine. Avoid sugar. Avoid hydrogenated oil and fried oil. Eat nuts and seeds for omega six fatty acids for the immune system, but balance any omega 6 with good amounts of omega 3 from fish or flax, to counteract the tendency of omega 6 to cause inflammation and clotting.
For serious infections, use intravenous vitamin C.
Dear all. Thank you for all the responses. I think there are many fruits like amla guava greean leafy vegetables ahould be consumed to boost the immunity. Please provide your responses towards daily usable food resources. Guava is alos an option.
A lot of integrative natural researchers/practitioners recognized many months ago that there is a way to prevent and treat this virus. It is only now that some mainstream medical practitioners are coming forth with their own versions of the natural way to alleviate this problem e.g. https://covid19criticalcare.com/. It is a slightly different version of what I (and others) have been using for some time. It however is nice to see that there are some medical professionals that are now getting on board. People don't have to die from this.
Besides Immune Optimization ( a better term than "boost") we MUST ADDRESS insulin resistance which is at the root of all chronic disease, as well as mitochondrial health and function, and severe outcomes with respiratory infections-diet and exercise needs to be addressed
My Covid protocol is as follows: (it's robust, and I've used it with Covid patients very successfully)
Zinc-up to 50 mg
NAC
Quercitin
NAC 500 mg AND QUERCITIN 500 mghave a starring role here for their direct function on the lungs, anti inflammatory properties, and NAC as a glutathione precursor
Liposomal Vitamin C- 2000mg enables higher doses without gastrointestinal distress
Vitamin D 5000mg/daily
Magnesium 400 mg-has a role in immunity as well as liver function/detoxification
Ubiquinol/Berberine/PQQ- mitochondrial health, glucose regulation
EGCG and Quercitin are Zinc ionophores
Selenium 200 mcg- Anti inflammatory and another glutathione precursor-rather than take yet another pill, I recommend a multi that includes selenium in proper dose and bioavailable form
Fish Oil (EPA/DHA) and curcumin could also be used for inflammation-both proven potent anti inflammatories
This can be used as prevention.
When patients are sick at home, I administer 4x/daily with green tea
If in the hospital, IV administration is in order and they will leave ICU within 48-72 hours And leave hospital therafter without side effects or death. Consideration of possible drug interactions are recommended by a nutritionist trained in this area.
Dear all.
As the situations are getting stabilised and the impact and tension related to carona are somehow getting diluted but not solved, is there any new idea or research finding anywhere in The World ta share and update?
Diets are crucial to the health status of people around the world. Malnutrition also severely weakens people’s immune systems, increasing people’s chances of getting ill, staying ill, and dying because of illness. Iron, iodine, folate, vitamin A, and zinc deficiencies are the most widespread, with over 2 billion people affected worldwide. This “hidden hunger” not only increases the risk of morbidity and mortality, but also contributes to poor growth, intellectual impairment, and perinatal complications. This lowers countries’ human capital and development prospects.
Dear all.
Thanks for all responses. In recent times we can find many articles with different dimensions and impacts of COVID 19. Any new thing to share and add to above points.
Recently we came across a peculiar question of incidences of Covid 19 in veg vs non veg diets. Anybody can put some light on that aspect.
Respected all,
Hope all are doing well during this Covid-19. A new update on COVID is the time for second wave. By this time, so many attempts are made to nullify the effects of COVID virus and mostly we have followed the preventive and defensive method to prevent it. Some how we were partially successful and waiting for more effective methods to prevent and treat?. Is there any new update or strategy against Covid.
Regards
Partha
Nano-clays as Potential Pseudo-antibodies for COVID-19
Abduljauwad S.N. et al. Nanoscale Res Lett 2020 Aug 28;15(1):173.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7453700/
Indeed, nutritional habits can influence the efficacy of immune defenses. However, there is no specific nutritional approach to “boost” the immune system. Generally speaking, the idea of nutritionally “boosting” individual immunity is conceptually wrong because it seems to indicate that it is possible to “overpower” immune defenses with some foods and beverages regardless of how healthy (or unhealthy) our underlying lifestyle habits are.
As a physician, I think that the correct integrative approach is to “shape” our daily diet in such a way as to provide the immune system with all nutrients it requires for functioning well. With this regard, it is important to pay attention to the following points:
- Proteins: a healthy diet should include an adequate protein intake (0.9 g/kg/die). Among amino-acids, keep in mind that arginine, glutamine and cysteine are essential for the immune system.
- Vitamins A, B6, B9, B12, C, D, E are all useful for the immune system, and a deficiency of one (or more) of them can be associated with weaker immune defenses.
- Minerals: zinc, selenium, iron and copper are all important micro-elements for the immune system.
- Fibers: a sufficient amount of fibers (25-30 grams a day) is useful to “feed” the gut microbiota, which plays a key role in regulating our immune system functions, as underscored by recent research works.
- Fats and sugars: limit the intake of saturated fatty acids and simple carbohydrates.
It is also demonstrated that doing some physical activity on a regular basis and quitting bad lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol binge drinking, sedentarism) are useful strategies to keep our immune system (and our body) as healthy as possible.
Post Scriptum
This is our viewpoint about vitamin D and COVID-19, based on a critical overview of available evidence:
Poster Vitamin D and COVID-19: a PubMed-based overview of reviews
Davide Donelli
Fabio Firenzuoli
Hi,
There are already a lot of great answers here that have shown to be highly effective, not just in the field but also in the lab. It is a travesty that so many people have died because of the way this virus is being treated medically. This is not to take anything away from the great people (nurses and some Dr.'s) that are doing their best with the limited tools that they have to work with.
I will add that the medical professions use of antibiotics is causing a great of the damage that we are seeing today. Below is just one great example of how the use of antibiotics is causing the very issues that we hear are are killing people. Antibiotics are broad spectrum and kill an enormous amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut that help us to survive. You may have noticed that there are an increasing number of viral related circulatory issues cropping up.
Well, the antibiotics they are using are killing the very bacteria that help us to make the vitamin K we need for proper blood flow. It is well known that our intestinal bacteria helps convert ingested K precursors into the active form we need. Not to mention the fact that this beneficial bacteria is also responsible for how well the immune system works!
This is a complex subject to discuss here, but let it be known that supplementing the diet with vitamin K, or eating foods high in K will have a direct effect on inflammation and thrombosis (e.g. unrefined Red Palm oil ). Article Palm Oil: Biochemical, Physiological, Nutritional, Hematolog...
This is just one great example (there are others) of how certain fatty acids can be added to the list of nutrients that help to prevent/treat viral infections and inflammation. I could go on and on...but I will refrain from doing so. I will add that it is very painful for me to watch people suffer needlessly when the answers are right there for the taking.
may be the nutritionist can be help to formulated best formula for optimize the immune system.
Thank you all for enlightening on this sensitive and burning topic. Waiting for some new exciting responses.
Regards
Partha
It is tragic that medical schools teach students to use ventilators, but not to use vitamins B1, B2, C, D3, E and K2, magnesium, zinc, selenium, L-lysine, garlic, ginger and turmeric. Many drugs and flu vaccine increase susceptibility to Covid-19, as does pollution. People living far from the Equator need to take advantage of sunshine, when it is available, and this applies especially to those with darker skin. They also need to take vitamin D3. Doctors' phobia of fat has led to high consumption of sugar. Governments need to promote health, rather than buying more and more drugs.