Union Health Ministry issues generic diet plan to boost immunity

Mysore/Mysuru: The Mysuru District Administration has come up with a unique 5-point plan of action to control the spread of COVID-19. Calling the plan ‘COVID Mithra Pancha Sutra’, Mysuru Deputy Commissioner Rohini Sindhuri has urged the people to follow the guidelines:

1. As soon as you get COVID symptoms, isolate yourselves at home and stay away from family. Mandatorily wear a mask. 

2. Take medication in consultation with your doctor and inhale hot steam. Sleep in prone position — patients are made to lie on their abdomen to boost their oxygen levels. Proning has its immediate benefits. Have healthy and nutritious food. 

3. Instead of panicking and struggling to get into a hospital following symptoms, call COVID Mitra Helpline 0821-2424111. In case of requirement, beds will be allotted and patients taken to the hospitals. 

4. Don’t wait for RT-PCR tests. Call the doctor and start taking antibiotics. Chest CT Scan, CRP-D-Dimer tests must be done. 

5. COVID pandemic cannot be curbed if all people go for RT-PCR tests. Only precautionary measures taken in five days after symptoms surface, consultation with doctors and timely medication will help. 

Amid India’s fight against the Coronavirus, the Health Ministry has issued an advisory suggesting the generic diet plan to boost immunity of COVID patients.

For those suffering from COVID-19, the Centre recommends dark chocolate, turmeric milk, and protein-rich foods. The Government suggested a basic diet plan, through mygovindia’s Twitter handle, to help improve immunity and preserve muscle strength and energy. COVID-19 causes patients to lose their sense of taste and smell, as well as their appetite and ability to swallow food. Since it could lead to muscle loss, the Government recommended consuming soft foods at regular intervals and adding amchoor to the diet. 

What should you eat to boost immunity amid COVID?

Here’s what the Government of India says:

• The main focus for COVID patients is to consume foods that would help rebuild muscles, immunity and energy levels.
• Whole grains like ragi, oats and amaranth are advised.
• Good sources of protein such as chicken, fish, eggs, paneer, soy, nuts and seeds recommended
• Healthy fats like walnuts, almonds, olive oil, and mustard oil recommended
• Regular physical activity (yoga) and breathing exercises advised (pranayama), as per tolerance
• 5 servings of coloured fruits and vegetables to get adequate vitamins and minerals recommended
• Small amounts of dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa to get rid of anxiety
• Take turmeric milk once a day to boost immunity
• Most COVID patients experience loss of smell and taste or difficulty in swallowing. It is important to eat soft foods at small intervals and to add amchoor (dry mango) in the food.