While researchers and healthcare providers are still gathering data to understand the actual cause of the problem, there is evidence that indicates how the virus impacts the digestive system.
Dr Rakesh Patel, consultant gastroenterologist says, “Most studies show the SARS-CoV-2 virus enters intestinal cells, and respiratory cells using the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) protein as a receptor. When SARS-CoV-2 particles leave an infected cell, it triggers the release of cytokines, small proteins that play a role in inflammation. This process may cause gastrointestinal symptoms.”
Therefore, it is significant to take care, state experts, as the virus disrupts the functioning of the GI and renders it unable to perform its duties. He adds, “Patients can even end up with bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract or have blood clots in the blood vessels leading to Ischemia and Gangrene. The disease may also destroy bowel tissues and reduce intestinal movement.” These issues can become more serious if left untreated, state doctors.
Dr Richa Lal explains, “The infection and inflammation due to the immune response in COVID 19 tend to cause an imbalance in the intestinal flora or helpful bacteria present in our intestines. This is further aggravated due to the medications especially the antivirals, steroids etc. given as part of the treatment process. As a result of which, this imbalance tends to persist even after the virus is cleared out from the body. There are various factors like age, diet, environmental factors, genetics that act as key drivers in shaping gut microbiota which can influence immunity and that’s why gut bacteria plays an important role in overall health and wellness.”
TIPS TO IMPROVE GUT HEALTH IN COVID PATIENTS:
Experts say that a healthy diet and precaution is key to recovery. Special care must be taken to avoid an oily and excessively spicy diet. Doctors state that it is important to control sugar and try not to order food from outside very often. Clinical nutritionist Rasika Parab, Dr Patel and Dr Lal share the following points that every patient who recovers from Covid-19, should keep in mind…
· Ensure an adequate and healthy nutritious diet. A diet rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids not only helps to improve immune health but also has an anti-inflammatory property that aids in post COVID recovery. Flax seeds, almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and seafood are good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids.
· Nuts and seafood are also packed sources of Zinc and Selenium that have been shown very effective for post COVID recovery
· Protein is the major component of the COVID19 recovery diet. One should ensure adequate intake of proteins for a speedy recovery. Including milk, milk products, dal, pulses, legumes, soya and soya products, chicken, fish, eggs in the diet are very helpful in post COVID recovery.
· Irrespective of the presence of comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension, one must be extra cautious about the use of salt and sugar in daily meals. Many researchers suggest that excessive use of salt and sugar impairs our immune response, and hence increases the risk of infections.
· Ensure adequate fiber in the diet
· Eat on time and avoid very late-night meals.
· Include salads, fruits, and curd in the diet regularly.
· Try to avoid overeating and excessive snacking, and refrain from smoking and alcohol.
· Practice mindful eating. Have small meals at frequent intervals
· The intake of supplements and immune booster medicines should be in control.
· Probiotics and vitamin supplements should be taken as prescribed by a doctor
· Avoid fast food and overeating.
· Do not do self-medication as there can be various interactions between different medicines
· Ensure adequate hydration and drink at least 2-3 liters of water daily. This helps in the absorption of nutrients and thereby is important in maintaining good gut health.
· Avoid excessive spicy, fatty food as it might adversely affect the digestive process
· Have freshly prepared food. Avoid junk food/canned and processed food
· Ensure timely consultations with your doctor to maintain good health especially in the case of any pre-existing health conditions like Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart diseases etc and keep them under control
· Keep stress under control by regularly practicing yoga, meditation and physical exercises
HOW PROBIOTICS HELP
Including prebiotics and probiotics in daily meals help to keep the gut healthy. Probiotics are good bacteria that improve gut health by promoting good immunity and enhancing nutrient absorption. Rasika addsm, “Curd or yogurt is the best-known probiotic. Prebiotics are the complex carbohydrates which are not digested by our body and it promotes the growth of good bacteria inside the gut. This again promotes the digestion of the food that we eat. Prebiotics are present in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains like oats, jowar, etc. Eating adequate amounts of pre and probiotics keeps us away from acidity and other digestion-related problems.”
SYMPTOMS:
·Acid reflux
·Loss of appetite or increased appetite
·Abdominal bloating
·Upper abdominal pain
·Constipation
·Diarrhea
·Vomiting
·GI bleeding
·Intestinal inflammation
