5 Frequently asked questions about Nutrition and COVID-19

Q11. What healthy food practices to be followed at home to minimize the risk of contamination from COVID-19 infection?

• Wash vegetables and fruits before eating.
• Wash, rinse, and disinfect objects and surfaces every time before and after use.
• Keep cooked and raw foods separate, as it would prevent the harmful microbes from raw foods spreading to cooked foods.
• Use different chopping boards and utensils for cooked and raw foods to prevent cross-contamination.
• Use gloves while preparing a meal.
• Frequently disinfect surfaces which came in contact such as door knobs, grocery items etc.

Q12. Do people with diabetes have a higher chance of experiencing serious complications from COVID-19 infection?

People with Diabetes are not more likely to get the virus compared to the general public. However, if they contact COVID-19 infection, people with diabetes are more likely to have serious complications and become seriously ill from COVID-19, than those who do not have diabetes. Hence, follow a healthy diet and exercise, take  medications regularly and test sugar levels frequently so as to keep your diabetes under control. When diabetic patients become sick, they may require frequent monitoring of blood glucose and adjustment of drugs including insulin, small frequent meals and adequate fluids.

Q13. Does regular physical activity prevent you from COVID-19?

No, Regular physical activity does not prevent from COVID-19 but it benefits both the body and mind. It can reduce high blood pressure, help manage weight and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers – all conditions that can increase risk to COVID-19 infection.

Q14. How to maintain easy, affordable and healthy eating during COVID-19?

• Keep up fruit and vegetable intake rich in plenty of minerals and vitamins including antioxidants which help boost immunity.
• Swap in healthy dried or canned alternatives when fresh produce is not available like (like dried beans, pulses and grains such as lentils or canned beans and chickpeas, which provide an abundance of nutrients)
• Rolled oats cooked with milk or water can serve as an excellent breakfast option, and can be spiced up with yoghurt, chopped fruits or raisins.
• Build up a stock of healthy snacks like nuts, cheese, yoghurt (preferably unsweetened), chopped or dried fruits, boiled eggs, or other locally available healthy options as these foods are nutritious, more filling, and help build healthy eating habits that last a lifetime rather than consuming sweets or salty snacks
• Limit highly processed foods like ready-to-eat meals, packaged snacks and desserts are often high in saturated fat, sugars and salt.

Q15. Is it safe to get vaccination for a breastfeeding mother against COVID-19 infection?

Yes, It is totally safe to get vaccinated. There are not any studies found which claim that it can risk a baby’s health or the mother’s. There is evidence that after vaccination, antibodies are found in breast milk, which can prevent babies from infection.