Have you recovered from a COVID infection, and yet do not feel fully recovered at all? If you are feeling washed out even after the disease is over, it can be a sign of post-COVID fatigue, a condition which many people have experienced during this pandemic.
Feeling fatigue is a normal body response due to fighting a viral infection and one can experience it for a prolonged period of time, such as weeks, months, or even years after the initial infection. This can disrupt your daily activities by making you feel easily tired and affect your ability to focus and concentrate.
This should not be taken for granted, and you have to take necessary steps to completely get rid of the lasting impact of COVID on your body.
Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar has shared 5 tips in a recent YouTube Shorts video, following which may help you to feel better and recover faster. Here are the easy-to-follow tips:
1. "Have a glass of nimbu-sharbat, but crush a little black pepper and add to it. It will ease your digestion."
COVID or any other viral infection can make you dehydrated and lethargic, which is why it is important to ensure proper fluid intake everyday. Along with drinking plenty of water, include a glass of lemon water with a pinch of black salt, in your daily diet. This will refresh you and also improve your energy levels. Avoid using chilled water or ice in your drink. Drinking enough fluid is also important for you to pass urine with normal frequency and volume.
2. "Have a bowl of steaming hot dal and rice with a dollop of ghee for lunch. It will accelerate your recovery."
This simple, home cooked Indian meal is perfect to provide you with nourishment and protein, carbs, healthy fats. A protein-rich diet accelerates the healing process and helps the body regenerate in the post-COVID phase. Carbohydrates such as rice are essential to fuel for your body.
Healthy fats, such as ghee, contribute to the proper functioning of the hormones. Ghee will boost your immunity and help you recover from post COVID fatigue.
3. "Eat a banana, either to start your day or post a meal. It will maintain your electrolyte balance, it will boost your energy levels, it will improve your digestion."
Bananas are rich in potassium, carbs and fibre and work as an excellent energy booster. It also helps in improving your digestion and improving your overall health. Instead of drinking too many cups of tea or coffee for short bursts of energy, it is better to eat these filling and nutritious fruits like bananas for proper recovery.
4. "Workout at 50 percent lesser intensity, don't be in a mad rush to get back where you just left."
All kinds of activities, whether physical or thinking, require energy. Instead of rushing into getting back to your old, active routine, take it slow. If you think you are able to workout, start slow as you can get exhausted easily. You can start by slowly resuming with your chores and for workouts, stick to walking and stretching. You can increase the intensity when you feel completely recovered and ready.
5. "Prioritise your sleep, rest and recovery."
Sleeping helps to boost your recovery process. A lot of people in their recovery periods get hooked to their phones or televisions. It’s great to relax and seek entertainment during sickness, but do not strain your mind and eyes from constant Netflixing or social media scrolling.
Fix your sleep cycle and get ample rest every night. Avoid caffeine, eating late and gadgets before bedtime. Also take time out for activities that have a calming effect on you - such as meditation, breathing exercises or getting a head massage.
