Most healthcare professionals have reported a rising incidence of post-COVID digestive issues among patients. What’s important to note is that while there were such cases in the first wave too, the second wave has certainly seen more number of patients experiencing digestive issues.
Researchers and healthcare providers are still gathering data to understand the actual cause of the problem, but there is considerable evidence that indicates how the virus impacts one’s gut health.
EXPERTS SPEAKDr Rakesh Patel, consultant gastroenterologist, says, “Most studies show the SARS-CoV-2 virus enters intestinal cells and respiratory cells using the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) protein as a receptor. When SARS-CoV-2 particles leave an infected cell, it triggers the release of cytokines, small proteins that play a role in inflammation. This process may cause gastrointestinal symptoms.”
Therefore, it is significant to take care, state experts, as the virus disrupts the functioning of the GI and renders it unable to perform its duties. He adds, “Patients can even end up with bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract or have blood clots in the blood vessels, leading to ischemia and gangrene. The disease may also destroy bowel tissues and reduce intestinal movement.” These issues can become more serious if left untreated, state doctors.
Dr Richa Lal explains, “The infection and inflammation due to the immune response in COVID-19 patients tend to cause an imbalance in the intestinal flora or helpful bacteria present in our intestines. This is further aggravated due to the medications, especially the antivirals, steroids, etc. given as part of the treatment process. This imbalance tends to persist even after the virus is cleared out from the body. There are various factors like age, diet, environment and genetics that act as key drivers in shaping gut microbiota, which can influence immunity and that’s why gut bacteria plays an important role in overall health and wellness.”
TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR GUT HEALTHExperts say that following a healthy diet and taking precautions are vital for recovery. Special care must be taken to avoid oily and excessively spicy food. Doctors state that it is important to control sugar intake and try not to order food from outside very often. Clinical nutritionist Rasika Parab, Dr Patel and Dr Lal share the following points that every patient who recovers from COVID-19 should keep in mind...
* Maintain a healthy and nutritious diet. A diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids not only helps to improve immune health
but also has an anti-inflammatory property that aids in post-COVID recovery. Flax seeds, almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and seafood are good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids.
* Nuts and seafood are good sources of zinc and selenium that have been effective for post-COVID recovery.
* Ensure adequate intake of protein for a speedy recovery. Including milk, milk products, dal, pulses, legumes, soya and soya products, chicken, fish and eggs in the diet will be helpful.
* You should be extra cautious about the quantity of salt and sugar in your daily meals. Many researchers suggest that excessive consumption of salt and sugar impairs our immune response, and hence, increases the risk of infections.
* Ensure you incorporate adequate fiber in the diet.
* Eat on time and avoid late-night meals.
* Try to avoid overeating and excessive snacking, and refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol.
* Include salads, fruits and curd in the diet regularly.
* Practice mindful eating. Have small meals at frequent intervals.
* The intake of supplements and immune booster medicines should be in control.
* Probiotics and vitamin supplements should be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
* Do not self-medicate as there can be various interactions between different medicines.
* Stay hydrated and drink at least two to three litres of water daily. This aids in the absorption of nutrients, helping you maintain good gut health.
* Avoid spicy and fatty food as that might adversely affect the digestive process in many ways.
* Go for freshly prepared meals. Avoid junk food or canned and processed meals.
* Ensure timely consultations with your doctor to maintain good health, especially in the case of any pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, etc.
* Keep stress under control with yoga, meditation and physical exercises.
Watch out for these symptoms: * Acid reflux, especially when you consume unhealthy food
* Loss of appetite or increased appetite
* Abdominal bloating
* Upper abdominal pain
* Constipation
* Diarrhea
* Vomiting
* GI bleeding
* Intestinal inflammation
HOW PROBIOTICS HELPIncluding prebiotics and probiotics in daily meals help to keep the gut healthy. Probiotics are good bacteria that improve gut health by boosting immunity and enhancing nutrient absorption. Rasika adds, “Curd or yogurt is the best-known probiotic. Prebiotics are the complex carbohydrates which are not digested by our body, and they promote the growth of good bacteria inside the gut. This again promotes the digestion of the food that we eat. Prebiotics are present in fruits, vegetables and whole grains like oats, jowar, etc. Eating adequate amounts of prebiotics and probiotics keeps us away from acidity and other digestion-related problems.”
Start a Conversation
Post comment