The Best Foods for Covid Patients During Recovery

Getting infected with Covid-19 can take a major toll on the body. In addition to dealing with symptoms like fever, cough and fatigue, Covid patients need to focus on nourishment and proper recovery through their diet. The foods eaten during illness and convalescence make a big difference. Here are some of the best foods for Covid patients that provide necessary nutrients and support healing from the virus.

Hydrating Beverages

Staying hydrated is crucial when sick with Covid. Dehydration is common and can worsen symptoms. Water should be the main beverage, drinking small sips throughout the day even if not feeling thirsty. Beyond water, hydrate with electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water, broth or oral rehydration solutions. These help replace lost salts and minerals lost through sweat or fluids. Fruit juices diluted with water also get fluids in along with antioxidants. Avoid sugary, carbonated or alcoholic drinks which can deplete hydration levels further.

Bone Broth

Homemade bone broth or stock is one of the ultimate recovery foods. It contains collagen peptides, gelatin, glycine and other protein compounds that support gut, joint and immune health. The minerals in broth provide electrolytes to address dehydration too. Broth helps soothe throat irritation from coughing and tastes great warm. Enjoy broth on its own or use as the base for soups or stews. Bone broth offers nutrients in an easy-to-digest form for Covid recovery.

Fruit

Fresh and frozen fruits provide important hydration as well as antioxidants and electrolytes. Berries like blueberries and strawberries contain antioxidants to prevent further cell damage. Citrus fruits like oranges supply vitamin C to boost immunity. Bananas and melons give fluid and potassium for electrolyte balance. When tasting acidic fruits causes discomfort, opt for mellow fruits like peaches, pears or grapes which aid gentle digestion. Fruits support recovery and lower inflammation.

Vegetables

Brightly colored cooked or raw veggies make a nutritious meal for fighting illness. Leafy greens contain antioxidants like vitamins K and A along with minerals to lower inflammation. Carrots and sweet potatoes supply antioxidants and vitamin A to protect cell membranes. Bell peppers contain vitamin C. Root veggies offer fiber, electrolytes and prebiotics for gut health. Choose vegetable broth-based or light soups to boost intake when appetite lags. Aim for a rainbow plate of nutrient-dense veggies.

The Best Foods for Covid Patients During Recovery

Getting infected with Covid-19 can take a major toll on the body. In addition to dealing with symptoms like fever, cough and fatigue, Covid patients need to focus on nourishment and proper recovery through their diet. The foods eaten during illness and convalescence make a big difference. Here are some of the best foods for Covid patients that provide necessary nutrients and support healing from the virus.

Hydrating Beverages

Staying hydrated is crucial when sick with Covid. Dehydration is common and can worsen symptoms. Water should be the main beverage, drinking small sips throughout the day even if not feeling thirsty. Beyond water, hydrate with electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water, broth or oral rehydration solutions. These help replace lost salts and minerals lost through sweat or fluids. Fruit juices diluted with water also get fluids in along with antioxidants. Avoid sugary, carbonated or alcoholic drinks which can deplete hydration levels further.

Bone Broth

Homemade bone broth or stock is one of the ultimate recovery foods. It contains collagen peptides, gelatin, glycine and other protein compounds that support gut, joint and immune health. The minerals in broth provide electrolytes to address dehydration too. Broth helps soothe throat irritation from coughing and tastes great warm. Enjoy broth on its own or use as the base for soups or stews. Bone broth offers nutrients in an easy-to-digest form for Covid recovery.

Fruit

Fresh and frozen fruits provide important hydration as well as antioxidants and electrolytes. Berries like blueberries and strawberries contain antioxidants to prevent further cell damage. Citrus fruits like oranges supply vitamin C to boost immunity. Bananas and melons give fluid and potassium for electrolyte balance. When tasting acidic fruits causes discomfort, opt for mellow fruits like peaches, pears or grapes which aid gentle digestion. Fruits support recovery and lower inflammation.

Vegetables

Brightly colored cooked or raw veggies make a nutritious meal for fighting illness. Leafy greens contain antioxidants like vitamins K and A along with minerals to lower inflammation. Carrots and sweet potatoes supply antioxidants and vitamin A to protect cell membranes. Bell peppers contain vitamin C. Root veggies offer fiber, electrolytes and prebiotics for gut health. Choose vegetable broth-based or light soups to boost intake when appetite lags. Aim for a rainbow plate of nutrient-dense veggies.

Whole Grains

When feeling up to chewing, whole grains provide fiber, energy-releasing carbs and B vitamins. Brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, oats or other grains give lasting energy. Sourdough or gluten-free breads aid easy chewing. Fiber from grains regulates digestion which can slow during recovery. When appetite returns, complex carbs from grains, starchy vegetables and legumes boost calorie intake for healing without heaviness. Small portions enable gentle chewing and digestion.

Proteins

Protein builds and repairs tissues damaged by illness. Natural sources aid recovery without stressing digestion. Bone broth provides collagen protein and amino acids for rebuilding cells. Eggs are gentle and bioavailable. Fish gives anti-inflammatory omega-3s. Hummus, lentil soup or beans add plant protein. For strength, aim for the size of the palm at each meal. Meats may be too heavy during acute sickness but provide nutrients once recovering. Whey or nutritional shakes fill any nutrient gaps.

Nut Butters

Peanut, almond, sunflower or other nut butters are nourishing portable snacks for Covid recovery. They contain healthy fats, protein, vitamins and minerals to replenish and heal. Choose natural nut butters to gain antioxidants without added sugars. Just one to two tablespoons snacks healthy fat and protein for energy when appetite waivers. Nut butters deliver nutrition easily and satisfy for long making them ideal healing foods. Focus on natural nut butters without palm oil or other fillers.

Herbal Teas

Staying hydrated involves more than water. Herbal teas soothe without caffeine and supply antioxidants. Peppermint, ginger and chamomile reduce nausea or aid digestion. Elderberry, echinacea or others provide immunity support. Licorice root, thyme or lemon flavors lift mood and calm cough. Experiment to find favorites. Avoid very hot liquids if experiencing headaches or sensitive throat. Room temperature teas gently deliver hydration and healing compounds. Focus on traditional single herb teas without sugar.

Spices

Fragrant spices add antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and appetite stimulation to boring illness foods. Turmeric, ginger and garlic hold powerhouse curcuminoids, gingerols and allicin to reduce swelling naturally. Cinnamon and cloves improve taste without fat or sugar. A dash enhances ease of meals for those recovering. Choose dried whole spices versus processed versions to retain phytonutrients. Add a pinch of warming spices to grains, lentils, eggs or buttery nut spreads for flavor and healing power.

In summary, focus recovery eats on whole foods, vibrant produce and lean proteins that supply antioxidants and immunity support without irritating the digestive system. Mindful prep eliminates unnecessary fat, sodium or sugar. Gentle attention to nourishment aids healing from Covid through providing essential nutrients and hydration efficiently to the recovering body. The right healing foods shorten recovery time while also preventing malnutrition risks during illness convalescence.