What should you supplement to avoid flu and Covid-19 in erratic weather?

(Mr. Manh Hung, residing in Hiep Hoa ward, Bien Hoa city)

Doctor replied:

Hello Mr. Manh Hung!

In the case of his mother, who is elderly and has underlying diabetes with eye complications, and is in poor health, we need to pay special attention to preventing cold-season diseases, especially flu and Covid-19.

During the changing seasons, special attention should be paid to nutrition to enhance resistance for the elderly, especially those with underlying diseases such as diabetes with complications.

For a 76-year-old woman in this case, the diet needs to be adjusted to both control blood sugar, improve immunity, and support overall health:

1. Increase foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants such as: Vitamin C helps increase resistance: found in guava, orange, tangerine, grapefruit, kiwi, green vegetables, broccoli...; vitamin A and provitamin A (beta-carotene): helps protect the respiratory tract mucosa, vision - found in carrots, pumpkin, spinach, Malabar spinach...; vitamin E and zinc: help the body fight inflammation, support healing of eye injuries and prevent disease. Found in nuts such as almonds, cashews, sesame, and seafood such as oysters, small sea fish.

2. Choose quality protein sources: Prioritize easily digestible protein from fish, eggs, tofu, and skinless chicken. Protein helps maintain muscle mass, supports immunity, and prevents exhaustion in the elderly. If you eat less, you can supplement with formula milk for diabetics to ensure adequate energy and nutrition while still controlling blood sugar.

3. Supplement good fats such as vegetable oils (olive oil, sesame oil, soybean oil...) to provide omega-3 and omega-6 - support anti-inflammation and protect the cardiovascular system. Limit animal fat, chicken skin, and fried foods with lots of oil.

4. Ensure adequate water and fiber: Elderly people often feel less thirsty and are easily dehydrated - so remind her to drink warm water regularly, about 1.5 liters/day. Or 30-35 ml/kg of body weight. Increase green vegetables and low-sugar fruits to both provide fiber and avoid constipation - a common problem in sedentary elderly people.

5. Consider supplementing micronutrients through functional foods: If your diet is not adequate, you can talk to your doctor about supplementing vitamin D3, zinc, omega-3, probiotics, which help improve resistance, good for the eyes and immune system. Note that you should not buy and use it on your own, you need a prescription from a doctor or specialist.

6. Pay attention to how you prepare and eat food. Families should cook soft, easy-to-digest foods, reduce salt and sugar. Divide meals into smaller portions, avoid overeating or being too hungry. Avoid raw or undercooked foods to prevent the risk of infection - especially during times of high risk of infection like now.

It is important to note that you should not take any medication or dietary supplements without a prescription. In addition to diet, you should remind the elderly woman to keep warm, wear a mask in public, wash her hands regularly, and do light exercise at home.

Wishing your family good health and safety this season!

Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong,

Head of Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Hoan My Dong Nai Hospital