Amidst the appearance of Variations of Omicron BQ.1 and BQ.1.1, XBB, is not highly infectious but also avoids immunity from past infections and vaccines, so you need to eat healthy and strengthen your immune system to prevent Covid infection . Diet can play an important role in preventing Covid because it helps build resilience against infection. From the addition of foods rich in Vitamin C, Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin D For natural immune boosters like ginger, amla, and turmeric, it’s important to follow a healthy eating plan. (Also read: New sub-omicron spreads rapidly; foods you must eat to strengthen immunity)
“Immune has become a top priority after the Covid-19 global pandemic as newer variants keep popping up from Delta to Omicron. Building strong immunity is what we should focus on.” , Prachi Shah, Clinical Dietitian and Nutrition Consultant, Founder, Health Habitat, says.
ANTI-NEW OMICRON VARIETIES DIET
Here are some nutrients that can help boost your immunity during Omicron spread:
• Check your protein intake: Include protein in main meals in the form of eggs, seafood, foods and legumes, milk and dairy products.
• Vitamin A: Foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, and red bell peppers are rich in Vitamin A. This vitamin is called an anti-inflammatory vitamin because it helps boost immune functions.
• Vitamin C: The season of amla and guava is here. They are a good source of vitamin C.
• Omega 3: It is known to promote heart, brain and eye health but did you know it is also important to support optimal immunity? Foods like walnuts, flaxseeds, seafood, fortified foods are rich in omega 3.
• Zinc: It helps your metabolism and immunity. A lot of people start taking zinc supplements right away, but what is the dietary source? Foods like eggs, nuts, seeds like pumpkin seeds, shellfish, legumes are the richest sources of zinc.
• Vitamin D: This vitamin plays an important role in enhancing one’s immunity. The best way to get this vitamin is through the sun.
• Avoid refined carbohydrates present in items such as bread, puff pastry, cakes and other bakery goods.
• Turmeric: It has always been a popular ingredient for immunity as it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The best way to have it is in the form of warm turmeric milk.
“In addition to diet, there are other factors that help you build immunity such as good physical activity, good sleep, a stress-free life, and hydration,” concludes Shah.
