People will have to consume sufficient vitamins and other nutrients as this is being considered a key to make a functioning immune system in the fight against Covid-19.
As a nutrient deficiency can open the door to the viruses because of the body’s inability to defend itself against the invaders, dietary vitamin supplements – including vitamin C and vitamin D-are a must to consume to protect oneself from the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic, experts suggest.
They emphasized that, as no vaccine for the deadly virus has yet been discovered, so therefore there is no alternative but to increase the body's resistance to disease and fight the virus in accordance with hygiene.
Physicians highlighted that, long-term illness, insomnia, stress, excessive drinking and smoking reduce disease resistance. Lack of proper nutrition at this time can have a significant effect on the immune system. Therefore, in addition to exercise, one needs to eat some foods that will strengthen the body as well as prevent disease, they suggested.
Medicine specialist Dr Z M Kabir Chowdhury told The Bangladesh Post that, “Immunity can be enhanced by adding nutritious fruits to regular diet. To keep the body healthy, it is essential to take 75 to 120 grams of vitamin C daily.”
“Especially, ahead of winter to contain corona and other cold related diseases we must make a routine for foods and fruits which meet the body's need for vitamins and eliminates chronic diseases, ” he suggested.
At the same time adequate hygiene rules must be followed while going outside, he added.
Another medicine specialist Dr Abul Kalam Azad at the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) echoed similar. He said “Eating an orange every day helps to keep the body healthy. It is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit, which also contains rich fiber and beneficial for skin and hair. At the same time, it is rich in antioxidant which plays a role in cell formation. This makes it easier to prevent the deadly symptoms of coronavirus infection, to be precise respiratory and digestive infections.”
“Not just C or E, vitamin D-rich foods and fruits should be consumed to boost up immune system. As the winter is approaching, an absolute attention should be given to vegetables,” he said.
He continued “Many of us are unacquainted with benefits of vegetables, such as medium-sized potatoes contain 40 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin C. It is rich in carbohydrates. It can be dined in many ways and easily helps the human body to absorb iron.”
Furthermore, he mentioned that the first step in coronavirus prevention is to build personal awareness and boost the body's immune system as well as following the health instructions given by the appropriate authorities.
