COVID spiking again: Top 6 nutrients you need to include in your diet for better immunity
As COVID-19 cases are rising again, it is important to prioritise your diet, as a nutritionally strong diet can strengthen your immunity and help your body fight infections more effectively. While precautions remain essential and nutrition alone can't combat the virus, having strong immunity supported by a rich, healthy diet is an advantage you will need this season.
Garima Dev Verman, Dietitian and Health Educator at The Healthy Indian Project (THIP) shared with HT Lifestyle a guide, covering the key nutrients one should add to the diet. Along with that, the guide also outlines some of the common health myths:
Gargling with warm water and salt, apple cider vinegar, or lemon can eliminate coronavirus from your throat.Fact: While these may soothe your throat, they cannot kill or remove the virus once it has infected your respiratory system.
Taking mega doses of supplements such as zinc,Vitamin C and drinking green tea or cow urine, have been shown to stop a COVID-19 infection.Fact: None of these supplements have been proven to prevent or cure COVID-19. Relying on unproven remedies can be really life threatening or dangerous and delay the needed proper treatment.
The coronavirus is foodborne and transmitted through the consumption of meat.Fact: COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory virus transmitted from person to person through tiny drops of saliva or mucus that come out of the mouth or nose when someone coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. . There is no evidence it spreads via cooked meat or other food items.
Eating alkaline foods or alkaline water with a pH above 8.5 can neutralise the coronavirus.Fact: The body tightly regulates blood pH, and diet cannot change this. Alkaline foods do not neutralise or kill the virus.
Eating a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, herbs, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds can provide immunity against COVID-19.
Fact: While a healthy, homemade, balanced diet supports overall immune function, it is effective only when maintained consistently over time. Starting to eat nutritious foods during the pandemic will not instantly build immunity against COVID-19. Immunity develops gradually and depends on multiple factors. No diet can prevent or cure COVID-19.
Adding to this, Sudipta Sengupta, Founder & CEO of The Healthy Indian Project (THIP), further unpacked how debunking myths is the need of the hour. He said, 'As COVID cases rise again in parts of India, we must remember that fighting the virus is not just a medical battle but also a battle against misinformation. During the last pandemic, the infodemic caused real harm. Despite growing awareness, low health literacy and a complex health information ecosystem still leave people vulnerable. It's critical for social media platforms and fact-checkers to stay vigilant.'
ALSO READ: Doctor shares top nutrients you need to include in your diet for good kidney health
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
25 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar reviews preparedness ahead of Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar on Friday conducted a review of the preparedness ahead of the annual Pandharpur Wari — a centuries-old pilgrimage that sees lakhs of devotees, known as warkaris, walking from Dehu and Alandi in Pune to Pandharpur in Solapur. This year, the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi will begin its journey from Dehu on June 18, Wednesday, followed by the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi from Alandi on June 19, Thursday. The spiritual procession is dedicated to Lord Vitthal and will conclude in Pandharpur on Ashadi Ekadashi, which falls on July 6. The pilgrimage spans around 20 days and covers nearly 250 km, with daily halts in towns and villages along the route. Throughout the journey, warkaris chant devotional songs and hymns. In view of the large gatherings anticipated and the surge in COVID-19 cases, state health officials have intensified preparedness measures. While most recent COVID-19 cases have been mild, authorities have advised individuals with co-morbidities to wear masks and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and incident-free pilgrimage. State officials said there will be small dispensaries (Aapla Dawakhana) every 5 km along the route and 331 ambulances that will be on call 24×7 (dial 108 or 102), besides identifying 45 intensive care units in case of emergencies. Around 1,300 healthcare personnel will also be deputed for the purpose, including 138 specialists and 149 medical officers. Around 437 nurses will provide care as part of the measures. 'There are cases of dysentery, diarrhoea, fever, and even heart-related issues, so we must remain extremely vigilant,' said a senior health official. Officials at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also emphasised that ensuring safe and hygienic conditions is a priority. 'There are numerous food stalls and hotels along the route serving devotees. It is crucial that the food provided is unadulterated,' they said.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Father's Day 2025: Urologist shares 6 lifestyle tips to prevent prostate and bladder cancer
Father's day 2025: Father's Day, celebrated every year on the third Sunday of June, is a heartfelt tribute to the love, support, and guidance of fathers and father figures. Beyond the celebrations, it can serve as a timely reminder for men to prioritise their health. As they age, health concerns like prostate and bladder cancer become increasingly common, but with the right lifestyle choices, the risk of these diseases can be significantly reduced. Also read | Should men be screened for prostate cancer? Father's Day is the perfect opportunity to not only honour fathers but also raise awareness about the importance of regular health checkups, preventive care, and healthy habits for long-term well-being. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Shalabh Agrawal, consultant, urology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon said, 'Prostate and bladder cancers are among the most common urological malignancies affecting men. While genetics and age play a role, several modifiable lifestyle factors can significantly reduce the risk.' Increase intake of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, especially tomatoes (lycopene), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower), and leafy greens. Limit red and processed meats – high consumption is linked to increased prostate and bladder cancer risk. Choose whole grains over refined carbs and include foods with omega-3 fatty acids (like walnuts, flaxseeds, and fatty fish). Drink plenty of water daily to flush out toxins from the bladder and reduce the concentration of harmful substances in urine. Avoid sugary sodas and limit caffeine and alcohol which can irritate the bladder lining. Smoking is the leading preventable risk factor for bladder cancer. Chemicals from tobacco accumulate in the urine and harm the bladder lining. Quitting tobacco significantly lowers cancer risk over time. Also read | Oncologists reveal who is more at risk of aggressive prostate cancer, explain why early detection is crucial Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to maintain a healthy weight and improve hormone regulation. Physical activity may reduce inflammation and boost immunity, key factors in cancer prevention. If working in industries involving dyes, rubber, or leather, follow safety protocols and use protective gear to limit chemical exposure. Screenings like PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) tests and urine cytology can help in early detection. Men over 50, or earlier if there's a family history, should consult their doctor for routine screening schedules. Also read | Blood sugar to prostate cancer: Doctor shares 12 health screenings that men should prioritise Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Punjab prepared to tackle dengue, Covid, heatwave, says health minister
Punjab health and family welfare minister Dr Balbir Singh has assured that the state is fully prepared to deal with the threats posed by dengue, COVID-19 and the ongoing heatwave. Under the statewide 'Har Shukkarvaar, Dengue Te Vaar' campaign, Dr Singh visited Balongi, a semi-urban village near Mohali, on Friday. During the visit, he interacted with residents, demonstrating how everyday water containers — such as air cooler tanks, refrigerator trays, flower pots and bird water vessels — can serve as breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes. He emphasised that the health department is educating the public on preventive measures to mitigate the risks of vector-borne diseases and weather-related health complications. Recognising field efforts, Dr Singh awarded cash prizes of ₹500 each to ASHA workers Sompreet Kaur and Saroj for detecting mosquito larvae in a cooler tank. He informed that over 50,000 field teams, including nursing students, multi-purpose health workers, breeder checkers and school teachers, are mobilised every Friday for door-to-door inspections and community sensitisation. Speaking to the media, Dr Singh highlighted the success of last year's campaign, which led to a 50% reduction in dengue cases. 'This year, we aim to reduce dengue incidences by 80%. With public cooperation, this is achievable,' he added. Addressing the rising concern of heatwaves, the minister advised residents to avoid outdoor activities between 12 pm and 3 pm. He recommended wearing light-coloured clothing, using wet cloths to cover the head and staying hydrated with fluids like lemon water and salt water, to prevent dehydration. On the COVID-19 front, he noted that while neighbouring states such as Delhi and Haryana have reported a rise in cases, Punjab has only recorded 31 mild, asymptomatic infections so far. He added that the two reported COVID-related deaths involved patients with co-morbidities and could not be definitively linked to the virus. 'We urge people to avoid closed-door gatherings and prefer well-ventilated areas. Our healthcare infrastructure is fully equipped with oxygen supplies, essential medicines and emergency beds,' he said.
