Nutrition & COVID-19
For many of us, it is hard to believe the situation our world is facing right now. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we face many challenges and hardships, including; lay-offs, food insecurity, and an overburdened health care system. During this time we are all looking for ways to keep our family safe, supported, and of course, healthy. With much misinformation out there on social media, I figured I would take this time to provide some information on Nutrition & COVID-19.
Immunity & Preventing the Spread
The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to WASH YOUR HANDS & STAY HOME!
Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20secs and practicing social distancing will help flatten the curve and lessen your risk of contracting COVID-19.
The immune system is complex and requires the involvement of many nutrients to function - there is not simply one specific food or supplement that will prevent COVID-19. To keep your immune system strong, I would recommend eating a varied diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods - just as stated in Canada's Food Guide (https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/). Depending on where you live (and keeping in mind during quarantine we are all spending more time inside), a Vitamin D3 supplement (1000IU/d) would not be a bad idea (remember to always speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking a new medication or supplement to ensure there are no contraindications). I would also recommend incorporating foods that you find fun to make and eat. For me, that means making some cookies!
Note: To date there are no Government of Canada approved products to prevent or treat COVID-19 - watch out for misleading information online!
What about Grocery Shopping?
Right off the bat, if you are sick or feel unwell - stay home. See if a friend or neighbour can drop off some groceries to you (contactless of course) if you need anything.
Many grocery stores are offering free grocery pick-up and/or delivery - this is an excellent option, especially if you are at high risk for acquiring COVID-19. If this is not an option and you need to go to the store, there are many things we can do to keep ourselves and others safe. Here are some tips:
Unfortunately during this pandemic there have been countless lay-offs and school closures, which may be causing more members of our communities to use local food banks. If this is the case for you or someone in your family, ensure to reach out to get access to the resources you need. If you are looking to help out with this situation, many food banks are continuing to take donations (food and monetary) and looking for volunteers. Don't hesitate to reach out to your local food resource centers to see if there is anything they need in particular. Also, many local businesses (food and otherwise) are offering contactless delivery - this is a great option if looking to stay home and support the community.
Overall
Hopefully this helps you sift through the vast quantities of information out there. When taking advice from sources, ensure they are credible - turn to your allied health professionals. Registered Dietitians are a regulated health professionals, making us a trusted source for information. If you have any other questions pertaining to COVID-19 you can find resources here: https://www.dietitians.ca/News/2020/Advice-for-the-general-public-about-COVID-19
It is important that we all take responsibility for our actions and do our part in helping stop the spread of COVID-19. I wanted to extend a big THANK YOU to all the healthcare and essential service workers out there!
Don't forget to stay active and keep reaching out to friends and family. As Premier McNeil would say - Stay the BLAZES home!
#ourjourneythroughfood #fortheloveoffood
Immunity & Preventing the Spread
The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to WASH YOUR HANDS & STAY HOME!
Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20secs and practicing social distancing will help flatten the curve and lessen your risk of contracting COVID-19.
The immune system is complex and requires the involvement of many nutrients to function - there is not simply one specific food or supplement that will prevent COVID-19. To keep your immune system strong, I would recommend eating a varied diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods - just as stated in Canada's Food Guide (https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/). Depending on where you live (and keeping in mind during quarantine we are all spending more time inside), a Vitamin D3 supplement (1000IU/d) would not be a bad idea (remember to always speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking a new medication or supplement to ensure there are no contraindications). I would also recommend incorporating foods that you find fun to make and eat. For me, that means making some cookies!
Gluten-Free Monster Cookies (Recipe from 'The Baker in Me' by Daphna Rabinovitch)
Note: To date there are no Government of Canada approved products to prevent or treat COVID-19 - watch out for misleading information online!
What about Grocery Shopping?
Right off the bat, if you are sick or feel unwell - stay home. See if a friend or neighbour can drop off some groceries to you (contactless of course) if you need anything.
Many grocery stores are offering free grocery pick-up and/or delivery - this is an excellent option, especially if you are at high risk for acquiring COVID-19. If this is not an option and you need to go to the store, there are many things we can do to keep ourselves and others safe. Here are some tips:
- Designate a household grocery shopper to help limit the amount of people in the store.
- Prepare your shopping list ahead of time - this will help limit the amount of time you are in the store and the number of trips you need to make (ideally limiting to one trip per week or less).
- Note: There is no need to panic buy at this time. It may be a good idea to purchase a few extra dry goods in case you can't get to the store but no need to make large bulk purchases.
- Wipe down your cart and hands upon entering and exiting the store (at least a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer).
- Listen to the Essential Service workers. Most (if not all) grocery stores have guidelines in place to help keep social distancing during your shopping experience. Do your part - including respecting seniors hours!
- Touch only what you are going to purchase and tap for payment if possible.
- When you get home it may be a good idea to wipe down packaging prior to putting it in your cupboard. Wash produce as usual (cold water) and WASH YOUR HANDS (when getting home, after handling groceries, prior to cooking and eating). If using reusable shopping bags, throw them in the wash.
- Note: Research is ongoing to determine the role food packaging plays in the transmission of COVID-19. If you feel more comfortable wiping down packaging and disposing of any bulk packaging - go for it.
- As always, respect those around you and be kind :)
Unfortunately during this pandemic there have been countless lay-offs and school closures, which may be causing more members of our communities to use local food banks. If this is the case for you or someone in your family, ensure to reach out to get access to the resources you need. If you are looking to help out with this situation, many food banks are continuing to take donations (food and monetary) and looking for volunteers. Don't hesitate to reach out to your local food resource centers to see if there is anything they need in particular. Also, many local businesses (food and otherwise) are offering contactless delivery - this is a great option if looking to stay home and support the community.
Overall
Hopefully this helps you sift through the vast quantities of information out there. When taking advice from sources, ensure they are credible - turn to your allied health professionals. Registered Dietitians are a regulated health professionals, making us a trusted source for information. If you have any other questions pertaining to COVID-19 you can find resources here: https://www.dietitians.ca/News/2020/Advice-for-the-general-public-about-COVID-19
It is important that we all take responsibility for our actions and do our part in helping stop the spread of COVID-19. I wanted to extend a big THANK YOU to all the healthcare and essential service workers out there!
Don't forget to stay active and keep reaching out to friends and family. As Premier McNeil would say - Stay the BLAZES home!
#ourjourneythroughfood #fortheloveoffood
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