The Nutritionist Talk on covid-19

With the shutdown COVID-19 has caused in the whole world, everyone is in panic and fear and we are all waiting for when there would be a cure and when everything would end and get back to normal. We can only survive this period if we know exactly what we are dealing with.

CORONAVIRUS OR COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses.

These viruses cause severe diseases such as;

• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
• The recent COVID-19

SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 DISEASE

• Fever, tiredness and dry cough (which are the common symptoms)
• In some cases, there may be aches & pain, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea.

HOW DOES COVID-19 DISEASE SPREAD

COVID-19 disease is gotten from others who have the coronavirus.

The COVID-19 disease spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth when the person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. And then, this small droplets lands on objects and surfaces around the person and anyone that gets in contact with these objects without proper needed hygiene (washing hands or using a sanitizer) gets infected.

Also, if you get in contact with the small droplets from an infected person’s nose or mouth when he/she coughs or exhales and your hands or place of contact touches your mouth or eyes without proper needed hygiene (washing hands or using a sanitizer), can cause being infected.

According to studies to date, it suggests that, the coronavirus is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets and not through air.

HOW TO PREVENT COVID-19 DISEASE

• Frequent washing of hands is the most effective way to prevent this disease, due to the fact that our hands touch different surfaces every day and we cannot be sure of what has been on these surfaces, washing hands is a safe way to prevent being infected.

• Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing whether infected with COVID-19 disease or not.
• Handle raw, milk or any animal organ with care by properly washing before consuming them.
• Cook food properly and avoid consuming raw or undercooked food.
• Do not wear your clothing more than one time without properly washing and sun-drying so as to remove and kill leftover viruses on the fabric.
• Only wear a mask if you are ill with the COVID-19 disease symptoms especially if you are coughing or if you are looking after someone who may have COVID-19 any other reason is unnecessary (face mask are meant to be worn once and then disposed of).

• When outside Avoid touching surfaces as much as possible but if you have to ensure to use an alcohol-based sanitizer. 

• Lastly, practice social distancing by staying home without a COVID-19 infected person to prevent the panic and stress of having to follow the rules of preventing this disease.

Source: World Health Organization

FROM THE NUTRITIONIST COLUMN: My advice this period is

• Consume more of natural fruits and vegetables such as oranges, lemon, cucumber, carrots, apple mangoes, banana and the list goes on. Take advantage of the fruits in season (these fruits are rich with a lot of vitamins and minerals and would be a great way to fill your body with “the good stuff”) but do well to properly wash them before consuming them.
• Eat home-cooked food that is properly cooked and ensure the food provides if not all but most of the nutrients from the different food groups. This is an opportunity to give your body the right nutrients so as to make the body strong for whatever kind of disease or virus that may affect it. Try to stay away from carbs this period
• Consume natural food product rich in antibacterial properties such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon by adding them to your home-cooked food and also drinks. This helps boost the immune system to fight against viruses.
• Stay hydrated as much as possible. Make a conscious effort to drink a lot of water especially for those that don’t do it before

Most importantly use this period to plan yourselves well. Do not stick yourself all through the day on the internet. Take some time off it to take care of your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual selves by reading books, taking online courses, learning a skill and staying active so as to stay sane this period.

Does COVID-19 have a cure? As of 4^th April 2020, we cannot say. What we can say is take every measure needed to prevent being infected with the coronavirus seriously. AND LET’S SAY YES TO STAYING HEALTHY.