COVID-19: Here's what you should eat in the post recovery period

Coronavirus affects your immune system immensely, so it important to trigger the immune response back to form by consuming healthful foods.

The aftermath of this lethal infection is many, it makes you exhausted, and drains out all your physical and mental energy. The common thread of complaints that emerges from their post-recovery experience is all about fatigue, weakness, and the loss of energy, appetite, strength, muscle mass and weight. 

The road to complete recovery from COVID-19 is tiring and long. Besides sleep and rest, one needs to eat healthy in order to heal.

When the body is combating an infection, it naturally needs more energy and fluids, hence it is pivotal to fuel the system with the right amount of nutrients than you usually need. Even if you have recently recuperated from COVID-19, you must adhere to a strict diet and healthy lifestyle.

Benefits of a protein-rich diet

• A protein-rich diet strengthens muscles.
• It will also strengthen the respiratory muscles.
• It contains essential amino acids that protect us from harmful microorganisms.
• Micronutrients are also important for your body. They also come from a protein-rich diet.

The diet should include these foods:

Soaked Almonds and Raisins - Start the day by eating soaked almonds and raisins to avoid fatigue. Almonds are rich in protein and raisins provide good iron to the body. So regular consumption of soaked almonds and raisins is beneficial.

Nachani or ragi dosa and porridge - Eating nachani dosa or a bowl of oatmeal is a great way to relieve fatigue. This is a great diet for the morning. It gives energy to the body and it does not feel tired.

Jaggery and Ghee - It is beneficial to consume jaggery and ghee after lunch or meal. This mixture rich in nutrients can also be eaten with chicken. These help in speedy recovery. Both jaggery and ghee help to keep the body warm and strong.

Eat a light meal for dinner

Dinner should not be heavy after COVID-19. Have a light meal at night. Eating khichdi at night is a good option. Khichdi contains all kinds of nutrients. You can add vegetables to it to enhance its taste.

Stay hydrated

The body needs to remain hydrated, therefore, drink at least 8-10 glasses of water every day. Besides drinking enough water, one can also drink homemade lemon juice and buttermilk regularly. 

You can also consume other fluids like hydrating foods, soups and herbal teas. Restrict intake of too much caffeine and avoid consuming sweetened fruit juices, syrups, fruit juice concentrates and carbonated beverages.