Doctor's guide to foods to improve lung function after Covid-19
According to doctors, F0 who recover from the disease have a complete, balanced diet with vegetables, fresh fruits, protein, and limit processed foods and will not need to take additional vitamins or supplements.
What to eat to improve lung function in post-Covid-19 patients?
Nutrition and exercise play an extremely important role for patients not only during the F0 period but also help patients recover their best health after recovery.
Regarding the fact that many people arbitrarily supplement and take multivitamins with the aim of improving the health of patients who have recovered from Covid-19, Dr. Do Tuan Anh - Pediatric Center, Bach Mai Hospital said that a balanced diet and adequate hydration are important keys to the recovery of F0 patients.
A proper diet also helps improve lung function in patients.post Covid-19. The most important thing is that we need to provide enough energy, protein, vitamins and minerals to help regenerate the muscular system, immune system and energy for the body to function.
 |
| Milk has enough nutrients in balanced proportions, is easy to digest and absorb, and is suitable for people who have just recovered from illness. Illustration photo |
When the patient has a complete, balanced diet with vegetables, fresh fruits, protein, and limited processed foods, there is no need to take additional vitamins or supplements. In case of not being able to supplement enough nutrition from food, the patient should consult a nutritionist to supplement the necessary micronutrients for the body.
According to Dr. Do Tuan Anh, patients and their families can refer to the following food groups: First, the group of fresh fruits includes pears, apples, grapefruit... These are fruits that contain many vitamins, are rich in antioxidants, are very good for the respiratory system, and enhance immune function.
Second are green vegetables such as: bok choy, spinach, kale, cabbage, tomatoes... These vegetables contain many essential vitamins as well as minerals, helping to increase the body's resistance. In particular, garlic and ginger are two spices that are very good for the body's detoxification process as well as having the effect of killing viruses. Third, in terms of drinks, you should drink green tea, because it has strong antioxidant effects, strengthens cardiovascular health, fights cancer... Dishes that help support the immune system against Covid-19 include chicken soup, potatoes, coconut water, oatmeal, yogurt...
Exercises to improve lung function after Covid-19
In addition, shortness of breath is one of the problems of post-Covid patients. To improve lung function after Covid-19, Dr. Do Tuan Anh shared: “In addition to supplementing nutrition with food and vitamins, patients need to have a suitable lifestyle and exercise regimen for the body to recover completely. Simple breathing exercises to improve blood flow to the lungs and the conduction pathways in the chest, helping to enhance lung function”.
Accordingly, we should do exercises such as brisk walking, aerobics, cycling, push-ups, squats... with moderate intensity and gradually increase. This helps increase heart rate and promote blood flow, which can help the lungs recover faster.
If a person who has just recovered from Covid-19 is subjective and still maintains the same exercise intensity as before the disease, the body will not have time to recover from the damage (muscle damage/metabolic/nutritional disorders). In addition, rushing to return to exercise and practicing incorrectly will lead to a longer recovery time, even a relapse of the disease and additional damage (extra layer of complexity) such as: shortness of breath, chest pain, reduced mobility, muscle stiffness, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness and other cardiovascular and respiratory problems.
According to Dr. Do Tuan Anh, the recommended optimal and safe time to exercise is 7-10 days after the symptoms of Covid-19 have disappeared. Patients should not exercise again when symptoms persist, but should wait at least 7-10 days after symptoms have disappeared. When exercising again, exercise slowly and gradually increase the intensity. Especially those with cardiovascular or respiratory problems, fever, cough, shortness of breath or prolonged chest pain need to pay more attention. Listening to your body is always the right advice in all situations because recovery and adaptation depend on each person's body.
 |
| F0 after recovery should eat a lot of vegetables and fruits. Illustration photo |
For those who enjoy high intensity exercise, it is recommended to discuss with your doctor/trainer. The recommended schedule is 4 weeks of training to return to normal exercise status.
Dr. Do Tuan Anh added: "Some cases after recovering from the disease only achieve 50% of their previous productivity and strength. That makes them stressed and sleepless. Don't worry too much if your body doesn't recover immediately after recovering from the disease. Even if F0 has no symptoms or mild symptoms, and heals on its own, after 7 days, you should only practice again at 50% of your ability and intensity compared to when you were healthy...".
To gradually improve health, patients should have a reasonable rest regimen and get enough sleep. This will help strengthen the immune system against Covid. In addition, yoga should be practiced. In fact, it has been proven that practicing yoga and meditation helps improve lung health and restore the body after Covid-19 infection.
Patients should also not smoke, limit exposure to polluted smoke and dust, and toxic chemicals to avoid increasing the risk of lung infections and developing other respiratory diseases. At the same time, strictly follow the 5K to avoid reinfection with other strains of Covid-19.