Recovered from Covid-19? Take care of your gut health

Doctors say the coronavirus can cause several problems in the body. Most healthcare providers have noted an increasing incidence of digestive problems in patients after COVID. It should be noted that although there were such cases in the first wave, there were certainly more patients with digestive problems in the second wave.

While researchers and health care providers are still collecting data to understand the root cause of the problem, there is evidence of how the virus is affecting the digestive system.

Dr. Rakesh Patel, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Says: “Most studies show that the SARS-CoV-2 virus enters intestinal cells and airway cells by using angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) protein as a receptor. When SARS-CoV-2 particles leave an infected cell, it triggers the release of cytokines, small proteins that play a role in inflammation. This process can cause gastrointestinal complaints. ”

So caution is advised, state experts, as the virus disrupts the functioning of the GI and prevents it from doing its job. He adds, “Patients can even have gastrointestinal bleeding or blood clots in the blood vessels that lead to ischemia and gangrene. The disease can also destroy intestinal tissues and reduce bowel movement. ”These problems can become more serious if left untreated, state doctors.

Dr. Richa Lal explains: “The infection and inflammation due to the immune response in COVID 19 tends to lead to an imbalance in the intestinal flora or to helpful bacteria in our intestines. This is made worse by the drugs, especially the antiviral drugs, steroids, etc., that are given as part of the treatment process. As a result, this imbalance persists even after the virus is cleared from the body. There are various factors such as age, diet, environmental factors and genetics that act as key factors in the formation of the gut microbiota and can affect immunity, and therefore gut bacteria play an important role in overall health and wellbeing.

TIPS FOR IMPROVING INTESTINAL HEALTH IN COVID PATIENTS:

Experts say eating a healthy diet and taking precautions are the keys to recovery. Particular care should be taken to avoid an oily and excessively spicy diet. Doctors say it’s important to control sugar and try not to order outside food very often. Clinical nutritionist Rasika Parab, Dr. Patel and Dr. Lal share the following points that every patient recovering from Covid-19 should be aware …

· Make sure you have an adequate and healthy, nutritious diet. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids not only helps improve immune health, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that aid recovery from COVID. Flax seeds, almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and seafood are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Nuts and seafood are also packaged sources of zinc and selenium that have been shown to be very effective in recovery from COVID

Protein is the main component of the COVID19 recovery diet. Adequate protein intake should be ensured for a quick recovery. Including milk, dairy products, dal, legumes, legumes, soy and soy products, chicken, fish, and eggs in your diet are very helpful in recovery from COVID.

· Regardless of the presence of comorbidities such as diabetes and high blood pressure, extra caution should be exercised when using salt and sugar in daily meals. Many researchers suspect that excessive consumption of salt and sugar affects our immune response and thus increases the risk of infection.

· Make sure you have enough fiber in your diet

· Eat on time and avoid late night meals.

· Include salads, fruits and quark in your diet regularly.

· Try to avoid overeating and overeating, and refrain from smoking and alcohol.

· Practice mindful eating. Eat small meals at short intervals

· The intake of food supplements and medicines to strengthen the immune system should be controlled.

· Probiotics and vitamin supplements should be taken as directed by a doctor

· Avoid fast food and overeating.

· Do not self-medicate as there may be different interactions between different drugs

· Make sure you are hydrated and drink at least 2-3 liters of water a day. This helps with the absorption of nutrients and is therefore important in maintaining good colon health.

· Avoid overly spicy, greasy food as this could affect the digestive process

· Have freshly prepared food. Avoid junk food / canned and processed foods

· Ensure timely consultations with your doctor in order to maintain your health, especially if you have pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc.

· Keep stress under control by practicing yoga, meditation, and physical exercises regularly

HOW PROBIOTICS HELP

The inclusion of prebiotics and probiotics in daily meals helps keep the intestines healthy. Probiotics are good bacteria that improve gut health by promoting good immunity and improving nutrient absorption. Rasika adds: “Quark or yogurt is the most popular probiotic. Prebiotics are complex carbohydrates that our body does not digest and that encourage the growth of good bacteria in the intestines. This in turn aids the digestion of the food we eat. Prebiotics are found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains like oats, jowar, etc. Consuming sufficient amounts of prebiotics and probiotics keeps us away from acidity and other digestive problems. ”

SYMPTOMS:

· Acid reflux

· Loss of appetite or increased appetite

Flatulence

· Upper abdominal pain

·Constipation

·Diarrhea

·Vomit

· GI bleeding

· Inflammation of the intestine

source https://dailyhealthynews.ca/recovered-from-covid-19-take-care-of-your-gut-health/