IndiaMicronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and phytonutrientsthat are primarily available in fruits, nuts, vegetables andwholegrains enhance both native and adaptive immune functionand prevent infection among others, the Indian Council ofMedical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN)here said.
The over a century-old NIN, which has attained globalrecognition for its pioneering studies on various aspects ofnutrition research, has given its suggestions to the Centre onnutrition and immunity in the backdrop of the fight againstcoronavirus and sent them to the Centre, it's DirectorHemalatha R said. It has also recommended the amount of food to bedistributed as free ration for the economically deprived,daily wage earners and migrant workers during the ongoinglockdown to keep them food and nutrition secure during thesetough times, she said.
Micronutrients also aid immune memory formation thathelps prevent reinfection with the same pathogen, helpscavenge toxins produced in large quantities in the bodyduring infection and immune response, and increase beneficialprobiotic bacteria in the intestine among other benefits,Hemalatha told here.
Fruits like papaya, guava, apple, grapes, mango,oranges, tangerines, lemons, sweet lime and goose berries, allseasonal vegetables, including green leafy, and spices,legumes, millets, flesh foods and fish are among those withrich sources of nutrients, she said.
"Curd is a source of many nutrients and it also improvesgut health by regulating gut bacteria, aidsimmunefunction and reduces inflammation," the Director said.
Suggesting dietary and lifestyle guidelines during thesetimes, she said consumption of highly processed foods shouldbe limited and fruit juices and carbonated drinks should beavoided. Consuming meat, poultry and eggs was not risky in presentcircumstances, but hand wash hygiene must be followed afterhandling raw meat, eggs or even vegetables, she said addingthoroughly cooked meat and poultry products may be included indiets in moderation.
Avoid too much fat (no more than 30 gm per person perday - preferably more than two varieties of oils), salt (nomore than 5 gm per person a day). Sugar is just calories withno nutrients, hence, keep it to bare minimum, she said.
Maintaining ideal body weight, keeping body hydrated withadequate water intake, taking up moderate physical activityincluding yoga to reduce stress and build immunity andavoiding smoking and alcohol consumption are among othersuggestions.
She said most infections can be prevented by practicinggood personal hygiene such as washing hands before preparingor eating food, washing hands after cleaning vegetables ormeat, covering mouth with a tissue or cloth while coughing orsneezing. People with diabetes or other chronic illnesses shouldcontinue their regular medication and prescribed healthydietary patterns along with adequate physical activity andkeep themselves stress free," Dr Hemalatha said, replying toa question. The NINs website provides additional information onnutrition, including dietary guidelines. When asked about ICMR-NINs role in the government'sfightagainst COVID-19,she said the institute has recommendedthe required quantum of food to be distributed as free rationfor people affected by the lockdown. Recommendation on amount of food to be distributed asfree ration for the economically deprived, daily wagers andmigrants during the lockdown was provided. "In addition, the Centre sought inputs on nutrition andImmunity from scientific and professional bodies. We haveformulated our suggestions and communicated the same, shesaid.
Additionally, the institute has been extending allpossible support to its parent organisation ICMR in the fightagainst COVID 19, Hemalatha said.
The NIN has been the nodal centre in Telangana forreceiving the COVID-19 test kits and reagents from ICMR andNational Institute of Virology, Pune and distributing them tovarious test centres, she added. SJR SSVS VS