Most coronavirus survivors recover within a few weeks. But in some patients, unpleasant symptoms can persist for much longer. Understanding how to reduce the likelihood of complications after COVID-19.
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How COVID-19 affects the body
The new coronavirus infection affects not only the human respiratory system: it can affect almost any organ. The fact is that the COVID-19 virus binds to the recipes of the ACE2 enzyme, which are present in the cells of blood vessels, lungs, heart, liver, brain, intestines, pharynx, disrupting the functioning of these organs.
The human intestine is particularly sensitive to the influence of the COVID-19 virus. Patients with COVID-19 often complain of a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms3: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or bloating, lack of appetite, and other gastrointestinal discomfort3.
Image: gpointstudio/freepik
In the presence of severe gastrointestinal symptoms, an assessment of the patient's nutritional risk is required (that is, the risk of a change in the state of the body associated with a lack of nutrition. Deficiency of important nutrients can affect the outcome of the disease in both the long and short term3.
Why deficiencies occur
It is quite difficult to eat well during an illness, as some manifestations of coronavirus infection can negatively affect eating behavior4:
● shortness of breath physically interfere with eating;
● Lack of smell and changes in taste affect appetite; contributes to the loss of muscle mass, and as a result, severe weakness after an infection.
How to reduce the risks of complications after COVID-19
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Don't forget to get vaccinated — timely vaccination reduces the risk of developing post-COVID syndrome in case of infection5.
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Get your medical check-ups on time — it is important for patients with long-term COVID-19 to have a comprehensive health assessment before and after rehabilitation6.
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Stay physically active – World Health Organization experts emphasize7 that physical exercise is essential for post-COVID-19 health recovery. Gradually increasing physical activity will help improve fitness, reduce breathlessness, increase muscle mass, increase mood and energy levels, and restore brain function. Scientists recommend8 considering the duration and severity of symptoms, the presence of comorbidities, current fitness and the sensations during exercise when developing an exercise plan.
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Provide nutritious food. A diet with adequate amounts of vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E, folic acid, iron, selenium, zinc, magnesium and copper plays an important role in maintaining the human immune system9. Conversely, micronutrient deficiencies negatively affect immunity and may reduce resistance to infections10. To provide the body with the necessary nutrients, experts advise filling half the plate at each meal with non-starchy fruits, herbs and vegetables (spinach, carrots, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, cucumbers, beets and peppers). Another quarter of the plate should be occupied by whole grains — brown rice, various cereals, pasta or bread. And the last quarter is protein, such as skinless chicken or turkey, fish and other seafood, beans, soy or lean beef, and pork.
Image: freepik «>Unfortunately, during COVID-19 and after recovery, it is not always possible to provide the body with good nutrition. Deterioration in nutritional status can occur as a result of malnutrition due to decreased appetite, impaired absorption and loss of nutrients due to medication and gastrointestinal disorders, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and others11.
At the same time, malnutrition is a serious problem that can negatively affect the course and prognosis of the disease in patients at risk (elderly, with chronic diseases or a severe course of the disease), increase the length of stay in the hospital, the risks of clinical and pulmonary complications, and re-hospitalization in intensive care. . As a support, patients can be recommended specialized nutrition (SEM), providing intake of at least 400 kcal/day, including at least 30 g of protein per day12.
Specialized nutrition Nutridrink 200 ml helps to recover from coronavirus even with diagnosed nutritional deficiencies. One bottle of Nutridrink 200 ml contains 12 g of protein, 300 kcal and an optimal ratio of key nutrients: proteins, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, carbohydrates, as well as 13 vitamins and 15 minerals. Such additional nutritional support will help not only during treatment, but also during the rehabilitation period after COVID-19: the composition of the nutrient mixture helps to increase muscle strength, accelerates the recovery of the body and reduces such asthenic manifestations as weakness and fatigue13.
Information for patients with novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) undergoing recovery or rehabilitation. It is not a dietary supplement and a drug. There are contraindications, you need to consult a specialist before use.
Age restrictions: Nutridrink 200 ml with strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, banana flavors are intended for nutrition adults over 18.
[1] Mayoclinic/COVID-19: Long-term effects https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus -long-term-effects/art-20490351
[2] PubMed: Impact of COVID-19 on the Gastrointestinal Tract: A Clinical Reviewhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9017282/#:~:text=Patients%20with%20COVID%2D19 %20can,acute%20cholecystitis%2C%20and%20acute%20pancreatitis
[3]PubMed: Inflammatory effect on the gastrointestinal system associated with COVID-19 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /pmc/articles/PMC8311540/
[4] MDPI/The Role of Nutrition in the COVID-19 Pandemichttps://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/4/1093/htm< /p>
[5] ons.gov.uk/Self-reported long COVID after two doses of a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine in the UK https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/conditionsanddiseases/bulletins/selfreportedlongcovidaftertwodosesofacoronaviruscovid19vaccineintheuk /26january2022
[6] The Lancet/Post-infection rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients: Findings and prospectshttps://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(22)00192 -2/fulltext
[7] WHO/Guidelines to Support Self-Rehabilitation after COVID-19 Illness https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/333288/WHO-EURO-2020-855-40590-54572-eng. pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
[8] PubMed: Return to exercise post-COVID-19 infection: A pragmatic approach in mid-2022 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC9170595/#:~:text=Return%20to%20exercise%20after%20COVID,in%20approximately%207%E2%80%9314%20days
[9] MDPI/Optimal Nutritional Status for a Well-Functioning Immune System Is an Important Factor to Protect against Viral Infections/https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/4/1181/htm
[10] Mayo Clinic: Planning healthy meals: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/multimedia/healthy-meals/sls-20076445?s=5
[11] PubMed: Nutritional support protocol for patients with COVID-19 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8915452/
[12] recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation/Nutritional support and rehydration of adults in need of palliative care https://palliativemed.sechenov.ru/upload/iblock/cb5/x2b5e7ghfzyoyuv8uvlqp4wtrlbt47kn.pdf
[13] Sviridov S.V., Krylov K.Yu., Vedenina I.V., Rubenas M. The impact of specialized therapeutic nutrition on improving the quality of life and recovery of patients with COVID-19: a prospective, open, multicentre, two-group comparative observational study //Clinical Nursing anemia and metabolism. 2020;1(4): 165–177. https://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=46548096