Ms Mayuri Bhagat

In March 2020 when the Covid-19 cases started taking a toll, a lot of information was circulated over the internet. After ‘number of cases’ the most searched term on the internet was how to build a strong immunity. It was because The World Health Organisation stated that a strong immunity can help fight against the virus. ​ Healthy food is crucial in building a strong immunity and the health status of people. Before building a strong immunity and knowing what are the factors that help in building a healthy immunity, the source you seek your information should be authentic. Over the lockdown a lot of information on how to build a strong immunity was circulated on the social media, for example, “Coronavirus can be cured by one bow of freshly boiled garlic water”, “Gargle with warm and salt water kills the virus in the throat”, “Take Vitamin C, Zinc, B complex daily”. Instead of blindly following any piece of information that is being circulated on the internet, check its authenticity. The trusted sources of information are The World Health Organisation, Ministry of Ayush, Qualified Doctors, Dietitians or Nutritionist.

With so many people falling ill from the coronavirus (COVID-19), unhealthy diets are contributing to pre-existing conditions that put them more at risk. Risk for hospitalization and mortality rate was higher among the people suffering from metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, Chronic heart diseases etc. All the major metabolic disorders are a cause of improper lifestyle and unhealthy eating. A balanced diet that includes all the important food groups is the key for a stronger immunity.

Including sources rich in the aforementioned nutrients in moderation can aid in building a healthy immunity.

In people affected with Covid-19 lack of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea, loss of weight like symptoms have been identified. Another study reported that low prealbumin (protein) levels are strongly related to Covid-19. Based upon the Malnutrition Universal Screen Tool (MUST), a high risk of malnutrition in 45% of Covid-19 patients was found. Nutrition is part of the treatment regimen. Emerging literature on patients with Covid-19 indirectly highlights the relevance of nutrition. An energy dense meal is needed to overcome malnutrition. Research recommends a rapid intravenous administration of protein, vitamins and, minerals (and cholecalciferol if insufficient).

The pandemic situation has severely undermined the psychological stability of the worldwide population, causing adverse psychological effects. A study called “The eating habits and lifestyle changes in Covid-19 lockdown” stated- With regards to the emotional eating behaviour during the COVID-19, almost half of the respondents declared to have felt anxious due to the fact of their eating habits. They admitted to having used food as a means of comfort in response to their anxious feelings and to being prone to increasing their food intake to feel better. A sudden urge to build a strong immunity led to people believing and adapting to different methods to build immunity which majorly included consuming certain food items.