To date, the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) calculated that there are more than 7.08 million cases of COVID-19 and 204 million death. When I published this blog in May of this year (2020) the cases of COVID -19 was less than million and the deaths less than 1 million. This pandemic has taken changed our way of life as we know it. It continues to be formidable as the nation get ready for a second wave. No longer does the nation fear that only the the sick and elderly are at risk but our youths are also victims to this disease. Individuals who have recovered from the coronavirus still have to maintain caution that they might be re-infected. These individuals also need to continue with proper hygiene, social distancing as recommended, and last but not least return to or change to healthy nutritional habits to sustain good health.
According to an article by ASPEN (American Society for Parental and Enteral Nutrition) hydration, eating a high-calorie, high protein diet, and weight daily are key factors to support the body’s immune system when recovering from COVID-19. On April 21, I posted a blog “Eating Healthy During COVID-19,” the blog highlighted some important factors to consider when making food choices to stay healthy during COVID-19.
Nutrition Tips
Keep Hydrated
Drink water or clear liquid even if you are not thirsty
Drink water or clear liquid every hour at least 2-4 oz every 15 minutes
Drink clear liquid beverages with protein and calories like oral hydration solutions or sports drinks
Drink about 3 quarts (3 liters) of fluids per day (vary by body weight)
Nutritional Needs
Caloric intake should be ~ 2000-2500 for a person with a healthy weight (amount vary depending on weight)
Protein intake should be 75-100 gm which is 10-14 ounces of protein source (needs differ according to weight)
Consider using an oral supplement (e.g. Ensure) between meals or for meal replacement if unable to eat regular foods
Choose high protein meals and snacks throughout the day
Follow healthy eating recommendations from my blog https://www.keizenutritionkeys.com/post/eating-healthy-during-covid-19
Weigh Daily
Daily weight will keep you abreast of your nutritional and hydration status
Monitor your weight daily for weight and muscle loss
Muscle loss makes you feel weak and may affect your walking ability and the performance of activities of daily living
Bottom Line
Eating healthy is a major factor in preventing and recovering from COVID-19. For more details on
recovery after the coronavirus please visit nutritioncare.org/COVID-19.
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