Dt. Saroj Shrivastava, Consultant Dietician, Orchid Medical Centre
After the second wave of coronavirus, experts have cautioned people about the third wave and according to the experts, third wave of COVID-19 can have an adverse effect on your child’s health. Children are not yet shortlisted to get vaccinated and have not developed immunity against this COVID-19.
Here is some dietary advice for children to be safe during the pandemic.
Consume food which helps in:
Rebuilding muscle,
Increasing Immunity and
Increasing energy levels.
The foods which are recommended are:-
High Protein Diet: Protein has a major role in building immunity which fight off infections and gives protection. Sufficient intake of protein keeps in faster recovery and regaining the lost strength post – covid-19. So with each meal, inclusion of protein is suggested. The good sources are chicken, fish, eggs, paneer, tofu, soya, curd, yogurt, milk, pulses and legumes.
Inclusion of complex carbohydrates like ragi, oats and amaranth.
Proper hydration:- Hydration plays a crucial role in viral infections. So atleast 2-3 litres of fluid is recommended per day. Water is the best choice and along with water, tender coconut water, vegetable, soup, chicken soup, buttermilk, and lemon water can be included.
Include Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties. Walnut, almonds, flax seeds, chia seeds and oily fishes are the best options.
Eat five servings of coloured fruits and vegetables to get adequate vitamins and minerals. Do not overcook vegetables which reduces which reduces the vitamin content.
Include essential fats – as fats are good lubricants for lungs, ghee, olive oil, sesameoil, Mustard oil, groundnut oil, rice bran oil and sunflower oil are healthy choices of good MUFA and PUFA content.
Include Vit-C Rich foods as its deficiency leads to higher susceptibility to infections. To build your immunity include:
Amla,
Guava,
Orange,
Lime, and
Capsicum
Zinc – rich foods to boost your immunity:
Cereals,
Dals,
Pulses,
Black Til,
Nuts & Seeds, and
Eggs.
Remember, not a single food builds immunity in a single day so have varieties of foods regularly which develop immunity in a long run
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