Nutrition advice for diabetics to protect against coronavirus: Food Safety Agency

The Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency (AFSA) gave suggestions on how people with diabetes should eat to protect against coronavirus. The recommendation states that COVID-19 is more common in the elderly, as well as in people with somatic diseases. It is said that people with diabetes are also at high risk for contracting the coronavirus, but the mechanism of impact of the virus can vary from person to person. It is important for such patients to follow the recommended preventive, daily prophylactic measures in the first place. By strengthening the immune system, as well as following the rules of the diet, it is possible to minimize the negative effects of the disease.

The agency reminded that diabetes is a disease characterized by metabolic disorders in the body. The immune system of diabetics is very weak. The main ways to strengthen the immune system are proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate rest, and a healthy sleep pattern. Diet plays a critical role in the treatment of these patients and helps maintain normal blood sugar levels. A person with diabetes should follow a number of rules in nutrition. It is advisable to avoid sugar and sugary foods. Natural fruits should be preferred instead of fruit juices. Bread made from rye flour or whole grains can be consumed instead of wheat flour.

Rice and rice dishes should be avoided. Canned fruits and acids contain large amounts of sodium, which overloads the kidneys. Canned food should be completely excluded from the food ration. Steamed or oven-baked meat products should be preferred over high-fat and fried meat. Remove skin from chicken, rooster, duck, turkey, etc. Stay away from food that has been processed several times.

The following products recommended for people with diabetes to strengthen the immune system.

Foods rich in vitamin C - citrus fruits, green and red peppers, black currant, kiwi, strawberries, broccoli, parsley, pineapple, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mango, peas, tomatoes.

Foods rich in vitamin E - whole grains and nuts in the amount allowed

Foods rich in omega-three fatty acids - flax and other seed oils, oily fish species such as tuna, salmon, mackerel

Foods rich in zinc - turkey, legumes, nuts, whole grains

Fruits - in addition to having natural fat, balanced consumption regulates blood sugar levels.

Red fruits - help insulin synthesis, especially for patients with type II diabetes, and they are vital in balancing blood sugar for patients with type I diabetes.

Milk and dairy products - especially useful for patients with type II diabetes. It also activates the gastrointestinal tract.

Tea - helps to regulate blood sugar due to its high content of antioxidants.

Flavonoids - found in large quantities in black and green tea, citrus fruits

Fungus - increases the production of cytokines in the body to fight infections.

Drinking plenty of water is very important for the gastrointestinal tract, as well as against influenza of viral origin.

Chicken soup - very suitable for healthy protein content

Products such as onions, garlic, carrots, ginger help regulate blood sugar and balance cholesterol.

Snack Habit - Diabetics should not go hungry at all, and should even get into snack habits as much as possible.