How should the elderly eat scientifically after being infected with the new coronavirus?

Most elderly people have declining physical functions and poor appetite, which affects the intake and digestion of nutrients. With the spread of the new coronavirus, how the elderly can eat scientifically after being infected with the new coronavirus has attracted attention. So, what nutritional supplements do the elderly need to pay special attention to after being infected with the new coronavirus? How can the elderly eat scientifically? To this end, Science and Technology Daily interviewed Professor Guo from the Nutrition Center of West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University.

Balanced supplement of various nutrients

"Protein is the primary nutrient for maintaining immunity. The digestion capacity of protein in the elderly decreases by 20% to 30% or even more compared to when they were young. Therefore, it is recommended that those who can eat normally, on the basis of normal staple food, consume one egg, half a catty of milk or yogurt, two taels of tofu or one cup of soy milk every day." Cheng Guo said that after being infected with the new coronavirus or during the recovery process, if the elderly lack potassium, it will cause panic, muscle weakness, slow intestinal peristalsis and decreased digestive function. At this time, potassium deficiency can be prevented by supplementing stewed lean meat. "Lecithin is a basic nutrient for brain cells, a basic component of cell membranes and a neurotransmitter. A lack of lecithin can cause or aggravate headaches."

Chengguo said, "Eating foods such as soy milk, milk, yogurt, and fish soup can supplement lecithin and improve headaches caused by nerve conduction disorders." Some elderly people do not go out much, and have fewer opportunities to get sun in winter. Chengguo said that this will lead to a lack of vitamin D3 in the elderly population, which in severe cases will increase the risk of developing severe symptoms after being infected with the new coronavirus, and symptoms such as cramps, allergies, eczema, and urticaria are also prone to occur during the recovery period. "Old people who are deficient in vitamin D3 need to increase their sunshine time appropriately, and can also be supplemented through oral preparations, taking 0.125 to 1.25 mg per day for 2 to 4 weeks. During this period, the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in the blood should be monitored in a timely manner. If it can reach a medium range of 60-80ng/L, it will have a good preventive and protective effect on the development of mild to severe cases in elderly new crown patients." Chengguo said.

The results suggest that the elderly can also improve their antioxidant and repair abilities by supplementing nutrients. "Supplementing vitamin C can weaken the pathogenicity of the virus, supplementing vitamin A can help reduce infections of the respiratory mucosa, improve the body's antioxidant and immune capacity, and help the elderly sweat normally, and it is easy to reduce fever when encountering a fever." For the elderly who have cardiovascular diseases during the infection period and take lipid-lowering drugs, hypertension drugs and other drugs for a long time, the results suggest supplementing coenzyme Q10 to protect cell mitochondria from peroxidation damage and ensure the normal generation of cell energy. "And the elderly who have hypertension and diabetes during the infection period often have high levels of homocysteine ​​in their bodies, which can easily lead to low antioxidant capacity and poor resistance. It is recommended to reduce homocysteine ​​levels to normal by supplementing vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid." The results said.

Food is mainly steamed and stewed, with appropriate amount of snacks

Most elderly people have a decline in physical function, among which the decline in taste, smell and visual sensitivity can significantly reduce the appetite of the elderly. "The elderly are often accompanied by fever, throat discomfort or indigestion after the new crown infection, which is manifested as a decrease in the number of meals and food intake. At this time, if the food variety is single, it will be detrimental to the absorption of nutrients in the body." Chengguo said. In order to improve the appetite of the elderly, Chengguo suggested changing the properties of food and refining the food appropriately. "Try to focus on liquid and semi-liquid foods that are easy to swallow and digest. You can use a wall breaker to cook all kinds of food and mix them to make a 'homogeneous meal'." Chengguo said, "In addition, sweet and sour tastes can also help stimulate appetite and promote taste recovery." For the elderly who have mild symptoms after infection and are in the recovery period, Chengguo suggested that 2 to 3 additional meals can be added on top of three meals. For severe patients, Chengguo suggested eating small meals and multiple meals, and eating 6 to 7 liquid foods that are easy to swallow and digest 6 to 7 times a day. "At the same time, you should drink a small amount of water frequently. It is recommended to drink more than 2000 ml per day. It is recommended to drink boiled water as the main food. Rice soup, vegetable soup, chicken soup, fish soup, etc. are also good choices. Pay attention to a light diet and soft food." Chengguo said. In terms of cooking methods, Chengguo suggested that cooking should be simple and easy to operate, which can save caregivers' physical strength while serving meals quickly. Steaming, boiling and stewing are preferred to reduce the impact of oil smoke on the pharynx. "Avoid smoked, pickled, spicy, fried and rough-tasting foods to reduce irritation to the digestive tract." Chengguo said.

Source: Science and Technology Daily