Maintaining a Healthy Diet during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The announcement of the first corona virus positive case in Kenya early this year forced the head of state to take stronger measures to contain the spread of the virus. Those arriving in the country were put on mandatory self-quarantine for fourteen days, schools were closed, there was the cessation of movement in and out of major cities, including Nairobi and Mombasa, with the dusk to dawn curfew initiated in the whole country. 

It is now nine months down the line, and Kenyans have adjusted to the new normal, the bleeding economy is slowly healing, with most people running their businesses as usual. No sooner had everyone thought that the number of infected cases had reduced, than Kenya started experiencing the ‘second wave’, with an increasing number of deaths, reported daily.

Research conducted by the World Health Organization reveals that consumption of a well-balanced diet during this pandemic plays a crucial role in boosting our immune system.

“Good nutrition is crucial for our health, particularly in times when the immune system might need to fight back. It is also important for everyone to remain physically active, for optimal health,” WHO

It is also recommended that people should consume plenty of vegetables, fruits, sesame, peanuts, whole grains and low-fat dairy sources. Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods with high calories and salt. It is also important for one to stay hydrated.

How the coronavirus affects the body

Coronavirus gets into the body via the nose, mouth, or eyes, it then flows into the healthy cells and creates multiple virus particles which inactivate the cells and make them dormant.

The body tries to fight the infection in vain, hence causing inflammation, making it hard for the virus to duplicate. A situation that makes most people experience COVID-19 symptoms such as; Fever, dry cough, tiredness, aches and pains, sore throat, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, headache, loss of taste or smell, a rash on the skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure and loss of speech or movement.

The virus makes its way down to the lung to become inflamed, hence causing pneumonia. Fluid leakage into tiny air sacs in the lungs can result in Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) which makes it difficult for the lung to move oxygen from the air in the lungs to the bloodstream.

COVID-19 prevention measures

Prevention is better than cure, therefore, the spread of the virus can be combated through maintaining social distancing, washing hands regularly with soap and running water for not less than 20 seconds, and wearing your facemask.