After the weather got colder, the time spent indoors also increased. Experts warned that diseases spread faster in closed areas and stated that there is an increase in upper respiratory and lower respiratory tract cases due to the increased frequency of being in shopping malls and crowded environments during the winter season.
IMPORTANT ADVICE TO PREVENT DISEASES AND VIRUSES
Experts pointed out that diseases last longer due to the combination of the combo virus and infections, and emphasized the strengthening of the immune system.
“WE NEED TO ADOPTE A RICH AND FASTY NUTRITION ROUTINE”
Drawing attention to the Mediterranean type of nutrition, dietitian Gizem Bakar said, “Among the issues that everyone is curious about during the epidemic period, the question of which food we consume will keep our immunity strong, whichever food we consume will protect us better from the virus, is among the topics that are researched and wondered by everyone. Assuming that we are out of the pandemic and a significant part of the society has gone through this epidemic, we may be faced with some nutritional deficiencies in our body. If we have not been able to replace the stores we lost by providing adequate, balanced and optimal nutrition after the pandemic, our body becomes more vulnerable to infection. In this current epidemic, when it comes to influenza infection, which we call combo virus, one of our most important things is to minimize this risk factor by providing adequate, balanced and optimal nutrition before contracting the infection. Recent studies have also shown that individuals with weight problems and low vitamin D are also more vulnerable to infection. How we need to strengthen our immunity in this current epidemic. “We need to adopt what we call the Mediterranean diet, a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, containing dairy products, predominant in white meat such as chicken and fish, rich in legumes and high in fiber,” he said.
“WE NEED TO PREFER FOODS THAT HEAL OUR INTESTINES”
Pointing out that greenhouse products should not be consumed, Gizem Bakar said, “Of course, the important factor here is seasonal nutrition. So we need to provide food according to the season. We especially should not consume greenhouse products. We should definitely eliminate packaged products and processed products from our diet. We need to choose foods that heal our intestines. Because gut health and our immune health are interrelated. Finally, we should definitely include legumes, antioxidant-rich oil seeds, vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, and a fiber-rich nutrition routine in our lives. Adequate sleep, adequate water consumption and 150 minutes of weekly exercise will help you keep your immunity strong. The reason why we do not consume greenhouse products is because of foods containing GMOs and herbal agricultural products. When we consume these, we cannot access the nutritionally rich vitamins and minerals in the food. “That’s why we definitely don’t want seasonal nutrition and consumption of greenhouse products,” he said.
RECIPE SUGGESTION THAT PROTECTS FROM DISEASES
Bakar, who also suggested foods that strengthen the immune system, said, “We can also make some nutritional supplements during this epidemic period. We have a very easy little recipe for you. If we look at its content, you can consume up to a tea glass a day after mixing 1 tangerine, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 piece of fresh ginger and 1.5 glasses of water. It both strengthens your immunity and protects us from the current virus. “You can store this mixture in a glass jar,” he said. (UAV)