What should you eat in Covid era to develop a stronger immune system

With the sharp spike in Covid-19 cases in recent days, the UAE Government has been warning residents against letting their guards down. Wearing masks, physical distancing and maintaining good hand hygiene top the list of anti-Covid measures, but there's another that must be prioritised: Eating healthy.

Health experts have reminded that having the right, balanced eating habit - coupled with an active lifestyle - helps people develop stronger immune systems to fight the virus.

Archana Baju, a clinical dietitian at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, said people must make sensible choices when it comes to meals.

"No food can keep the coronavirus away. A nutritious balanced diet can build a better immune system and help one fight infectious diseases. Our immune system is complex. One single nutrient or food cannot build immunity," she said. "Every day, our body is exposed to harmful microbes. To fight against these microbes and infections, a healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants plays a major role."

Baju also stressed on eating fresh food and home-cooked meals, instead of processed and frozen food. "People should avoid salty, sugary and oily food."

Stay active

Radhika Movvar, a dietitian at Ahalia Hospital, said that apart from a balanced diet, people must focus on exercise to keep their weight under control.

"In the past few months, I have been receiving lots of patients with issues of weight gain. Many have become overweight because of staying indoors and the new normal of work-from-home. So, other than a fresh and balanced diet, I stress on doing daily exercises, getting sound sleep, and adequate sunlight."

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

Ashwani Kumar

I am a newspaperman from the emirate of Abu Dhabi. A journalist at heart. I get my stories from the streets. A south Indian born in the Hindi heartland, I easily connect with people from different nationalities and cultures. I am calm like a monk, sensitive and very patient reporter. On the ground, I cover a range of topics related to community, health, embassy, tourism, transport, business and sports. I will go out on a leg to do what’s right and stand by what I believe in.