With the spread of coronavirus all over the world, scientists suggest that practicing good personal hygiene is of utmost importance - this includes washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask, and practicing social distancing. However, what many people miss out on the most is that a good, healthy diet, staying hydrated, and staying away from smoking and drinking is also of utmost importance in building your immunity against the novel coronavirus infection.
Benefits of Water for Your Body During COVID-19
There have been several publications and people on social media voicing how water can keep coronavirus at bay. While they may not hold true, there is certainly some truth in the positive relationship between staying hydrated and your immune system.● Drinking water works towards oxygenating your cells, and when your cells have enough oxygen, they work to their full capacity, thereby guarding your body against foreign bodies.
● Being properly hydrated is also important as it helps in regulating your body temperature, as per the CDC.
● Plain water has zero calories, and is therefore good for weight management, especially during a COVID lockdown, when everyone is stuck at home and binge eating has become the norm. Opt for water, in place of soda or other unhealthy drinks.
● Drinking enough water prevents dehydration, which can result in constipation, unclear thinking, mood changes, and kidney stones among other health conditions.
● Water helps in removing waste and toxins from your body, via defecation, urination, and perspiration. Your kidneys also need sufficient water in order to push out urine from your body. Not only that, but water also ensures proper blood circulation throughout your blood vessels.
It is also important to note that the medicines that we take for any health condition, be it for cold, flu, or any serious health condition - can cause dryness in your body and mouth. At the same time, our body also loses water when we are sick - in the form of mucus, cough and more. In this way, drinking water also keeps us hydrated for longer and ensures that all the germs and bacterias are drained out of our body.
Water Intake During COVID-19
As per research, a person with COVID-19 should consume:● About 3 litres of fluid everyday
● 2000-2500 calories everyday
● 80-100 grams of proteins everyday
You should hydrate yourself every hour, with water, sports drinks, protein, and oral rehydration drinks. In other words, drink water even when you're not thirsty, as your body still requires it to function properly. Hydration will ensure you cover up on your fluid losses and thin your respiratory secretions, thereby making it easier for you to breathe.
Signs of Dehydration
You should also look out for any signs of dehydration during COVID-19. These would include:
● Increased thirst
● Dark colored urine
● Decreased urine output
● Dry mouth
● Increased heart rate
● Tiredness
● Confusion
● Fever
● Constipation
Please note, dehydration occurs when we lose more fluids than we take in, making it important to have a proper balance of it in our body.
While a cure still remains to be discovered for coronavirus, there are certain measures that can be taken in order to ensure we are better equipped to deal with the situation. Meanwhile, get vaccinated and help others during this pandemic as far as possible in your reach. You can also add supplements like Wellbeing Nutrition’s Daily Greens and Grandma’s Kadha to improve your immunity during these risky times - they contain a combination of herbs and veggies that all collectively help in improving your health and immunity.
References
● Get the Facts: Drinking Water and Intake (https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/plain-water-the-healthier-choice.html)
● Popkin BM, D'Anci KE, Rosenberg IH. Water, hydration, and health. Nutr Rev. 2010;68(8):439-458. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908954/)
● Hydration: An Important Step To Recovery From Illness (https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/hydration-an-important-step-to-recovery-from-illness/81702130)
● COVID-19: How staying hydrated boosts your body's first line of defence against the novel coronavirus (https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/covid-19-how-staying-hydrated-boosts-your-bodys-first-line-of-defence-against-the-novel-coronavirus/566311)
● Nutrition & Hydration: Quick Facts for COVID-19 Patients (https://www.nutritioncare.org/uploadedFiles/Documents/Guidelines_and_Clinical_Resources/COVID19/COVID19%20Patient_Nutrition%20Quick%20Facts.pdf)
● Nutrition & Hydration: Key Weapons In The Fight Against COVID-19 (https://www.nutritioncare.org/uploadedFiles/Documents/Guidelines_and_Clinical_Resources/COVID19/COVID19%20Patient%20Nutrition%20Paper.pdf)
● For Patients: Dehydration Infographic (https://anhi.org/resources/printable/dehydration-infographic-for-patients)
