NUTRITION AND LONG COVID

 

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Long Covid and Nutrition

This time last year the term long covid was not known and medical services were coping with the pandemic.

It was clear that there was no diet that could prevent or cure Covid 19 and that remains the position.

A year later, a condition known as Long Covid has presented which can affect those who have been severely ill or had relatively mild symptoms.  Statistics from the Office of National Statistics show that one in ten who have suffered from Covid 19 may have symptoms persisting after 12 weeks.

These symptoms vary and may include 

• breathlessness, 
• fatigue,
•  joint pain 
• as well as bowel and gastrointestinal tract issues

Centres have been set up providing multi-disciplanary team support from doctors, specialist nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists plus dietitians.

Normally an assessment of the diet is made as well as weight. 

Those who have been extremely ill may have lost weight while in hospital, while others feel so fatigued that they are not able to cook so just snack. 

Some may have lost the sense of taste and do not feel like eating or enjoy items.

If people are not eating well supplements of vitamins (including vitamin D) and minerals or other nutrients are often advised.

Regular meals with adequate protein to maintain muscle mass are encouraged, as well as adequate fluid.

Improvements are often quite slow but sustained and it is important this is recognised as overdoing rigorous diets can be counterproductive as can taking excessive exercise.

PLEASE NOTE For specific advice on diet please consult your dietitian, doctor, or health professional