When someone gets COVID-19, one of the most common questions families ask is: What should the patient eat, and what should they avoid? Can they have ice cream or cold things? In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, clears up these common doubts.
There is no special food that cures COVID-19, but the right diet helps the body fight the infection, maintain strength and recover faster. Fever, weakness and loss of appetite are common during the illness, so the focus should be on simple, nutritious, home-cooked food eaten in small, frequent meals. Plenty of fluids such as water, soups, dal water, coconut water, buttermilk and lemon water help prevent dehydration, especially during fever. Protein-rich foods like dal, pulses, eggs, paneer, curd and milk help the body repair and keep the muscles strong, while fresh fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Patients should avoid oily, fried and junk food, which is heavy to digest and can worsen weakness and acidity. Very spicy food, excess sugar and packaged foods are best limited. Alcohol and smoking must be strictly avoided, as they harm the lungs and slow recovery. Patients with diabetes should be careful with sugar intake, as blood sugar levels often rise during COVID-19 infection.
What about ice cream and cold food? Eating ice cream or cold food does not cause COVID-19 or make the infection worse. However, if the patient has a sore throat or cough, cold items may irritate the throat and increase discomfort. In such cases, warm fluids and soft, warm food are more soothing. Once the throat feels normal, ice cream in moderation is not harmful.
Along with a good diet, it is important to take medicines as prescribed, rest well and keep checking oxygen levels. If breathlessness increases or oxygen levels fall, consult a doctor immediately without delay.
Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com
A COVID-19 patient should eat light, home-cooked food in small, frequent meals, including dal, rice, khichdi, roti, vegetables, fruits, curd, eggs or paneer, and plenty of fluids such as water, soups and coconut water.
Avoid oily and fried food, junk food, very spicy food, excess sugar and packaged foods. Alcohol and smoking should be stopped completely, as they damage the lungs and delay recovery.
Ice cream does not cause or worsen COVID-19. However, if you have a sore throat or cough, cold items can irritate the throat, so it is better to prefer warm fluids until the throat feels better.
Patients should drink enough fluids to stay well hydrated, especially during fever. Water, soups, buttermilk, coconut water and lemon water are good options. Patients with heart or kidney problems should follow their doctor’s advice on fluid intake.
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