GETTING A GRIP ON YOUR LIFE POST-COVID
Entertainment & Promotional Features of herbs, A well-balanced diet, sufficient intake vitamins and minerals, yoga and meditation — follow these tips to regain your strength
You know that feeling when you swim a lap and feel like the water has drained all your energy? Or when you return to the football field after two weeks and it becomes a struggle to constantly run through the length and breadth of the field trying to strike that one goal, something which you could manage easily only two weeks prior. Imagine that feeling of fatigue, multiplied by 100. That is what Covid-19 patients are undergoing. The virus and the resulting inflammation damages the lung tissue. As a result, the patient’s lung function may dramatically decrease. When the lungs cannot properly fill with air, the rest of the body suffers from reduced oxygenation. This leads to fatigue and weakness, even with the slightest physical effort.
Dr Ravindra M Mehta, consultant and HoD, Pulmonology and Interventional Pulmonology, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Jayanagar, says adequate amount of rest, good diet, hydration and mild exercise help in getting your strength back. Also deficiency of vitamins like vitamins B, B12, and others should be taken care of.
Coronavirus patients undergo a ton of stress and the medicines prescribed can debilitate the body. A few patients experience unexplained weight reduction or weight gain. Thus, a well-organised eating regimen loaded with organic products, vegetables, eggs and safe poultry would compensate for the lost appetite and help regain strength.
Neha Pathania, chief dietitian, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram, says, “Post Covid-19 infection, feeling tired or lacking energy, breathlessness or lack of stamina after performing daily activities is common. Sufficient intake of herbs, vitamins and minerals through can treat muscle weakness. Minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium improve the strength of your muscles.”
When the human body is fighting an infection, it needs more energy and more fluids; therefore it is imperative to eat and drink more than you would usually do if you were well. The body needs more building blocks (from protein foods) to support the immune system and help repair the body tissues.
Aditi Sharma, dietitian, Columbia Asia Hospital, Ghaziabad, says, “Protein is an important nutrient for the growth, development and repair of muscle and body tissues. It has a higher metabolic rate than fat, so an individual can burn more calories. It is also said to increase satiety, which prevents a person from overeating. Healthy sources of protein include nuts and for non-vegetarians lean chicken, fish and eggs.”
Sharma suggests incorporating yoga and meditation to increase the body’s strength and ability to handle stress after being affected by Covid-19. Shikha A Sharma encourages to try a simple kadha recipe. “Start your morning with this drink - take 5 glasses of water, add one tsp turmeric, half tsp coriander powder, half tsp ginger and half tsp of mustard seeds, boil it and take it thrice a day,” she says. Deficits in breathing, moving, and thinking can take a major toll on your quality of life long after the virus leaves your body. If you are struggling with daily functions after Covid-19, follow these simple points.
Nutritionist
Yoga and meditation increase the body’s ability to handle stress
PHaving nariyal paani will keep you hydrated
Features patients should look for while choosing a glucometer?
Clear strip expiry: Choose a glucometer system with test strips that offer one clear expiry date rather than a 90-120 days expiry after first opening. Otherwise, patients may forget the date of first opening and end up using expired strips.
Ease-of-use: Choose a glucometer that’s convenient to use on a long term basis. Evaluate features to see what meets your specific needs. Easy-tohandle features may include
Covid-19 taxes the body and depletes it of nutrition, immunity and strength. The recovery period should include a healthy and balanced diet to gain strength MANISHA CHOPRA,