What to Do When COVID-19 Affects Your Diet After Hospitalization

 

Those infected with COVID-19 often report a loss of taste and smell as a primary symptom. Although those vaccinated are less likely to be infected by COVID-19, immunity is not available to everyone. With over 300 million cases worldwide, you probably already know someone who is or was infected- including yourself.

Hospitalization due to COVID-19 is both emotionally and physically stressful. It is also expensive. Aside from the medical bills, the cost of food, lodging, and medicine can all add up to a lofty some but it should not be a matter of concern for the infected individual. They ought to focus on recovery and find distractions that can improve their mental health, which might have a positive effect on their physical health.

Food intake tends to vary greatly from the first notice of losing your appetite to recovery. The virus might not let you consume any food, making it difficult to eat anything no matter how hard you try. But, as you recover, your appetite will improve. Here is some advice to help you overcome the changes to your food intake as you recover:

 

1. Eat Frequently But With Smaller Portions

A great indicator of your recovery is the return of your appetite. Once you become less dependent on the nutrients you receive from intravenous therapy, the corticosteroids in your medication will increase your desire to eat. The sudden food intake can come as a shock to your psychology as well as your body. You should start slowly: take your time to consume the food you like.

Having access to food that you enjoy is can reinforce the need to eat, and might even speed up your recovery. But make sure you have access to healthy food as well. The challenge comes in the cost of the food you will have to eat. Some patients report eating 6 to 8 times a day as a result of the drugs administered to them. You can consume products such as Fit n' Right control juice drink to reduce your appetite and help you reach a normal frequency of food consumption.

Remember to avoid preventing yourself from consuming food. You have to eat to recover. Whether it is a healthy, fibrous drink, or a packet of biscuits, it is important to give your body what it needs to overcome the virus. You could eat as often as you want but try to consume smaller portions of meals so that you can save money and gain less weight.

 

2. Drink More Water

Dehydration is common when your immune system is being overworked. Drink as much water as you can so that you can provide your body with the fluids it needs to flush the virus out of your system. White blood cells, along with antibodies, are the mainline of defense in your body. By providing them with enough water, they can continue to conduct the chemical processes required to overcome any illness. This is why it is important to stay hydrated.

 

3. Exercise To Counter Any Bloating

Along with the effects of the corticosteroids and the high sodium content that you might consume from snacking, bloating can occur in your entire body. You will notice it in your hands, feet, arms, legs, and back. Body ache can also be experienced by someone who is bloated due to the water trapped by the salt in some parts. Anyone who undergoes bloating will feel a jiggly, fluid-like movement in the aforementioned parts when they are poked or moved around.

Exercising is one efficient way for you to sweat out excess water and counter the body ache that you will experience. Do not stop drinking water to avoid water weight gain- it is inevitable and you need to stay hydrated to recover. Bloating eventually subsides after a few days or a couple of weeks. It goes away a lot faster if you exercise. This can also be a great way to reduce some weight gain from incessant snacking.

You do not have to perform intense workouts. Instead, look for easier, beginner workouts. You are still in recovery and have muscle soreness from the bloating so simpler exercises are a better approach. The important thing is to keep moving and keep your feet elevated.

Those infected with COVID-19 may be concerned with the uncertainty of recovery and things going back to normal. But, as all humans portray resiliency, you have to overcome it and recover so that you can see a better day. Just make sure you drink your water, exercise, and eat well.

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