Question

1. Based on the effects of proper diet and nutrition on reducing susceptibility to COVID19, distinguish between diet and nutrition; and malnourishment and undernourishment. Using specific instances and real-life examples, briefly discuss how nutrition and diet may be used as a tool to fight COVID19.

Answer 1

Diet and nutrition need to work together to improve health and lives of peoples.

Diet is the food that a person habitually eats. Nutrition differs from diet, it refers to the quality of food itself. Diet has to be associated with an individual’s overall food experience intake and should not just focus on restrictions. Everyone has to be aware of nutrition and how crucial it will be for the improvement of one’s health. Examples of specific diet include vegetarian, keto diet, paleo, gluten free etc. A proper nutrition consist of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants. Limit salt, sugar and fat intake and take enough fibre. Peoples should stay hydrated and limit use of alcohol in the current situation.

The malnutrition takes place as a result of Excess nutrition loss or excess utilisation of nutrients. Inappropriate combination or proportions of food that we consume can result in malnutrition. Inadequate vitamin C intake can affect the immune which is very essential in this COVID situation. Under nutrition is caused by inadequate intake of dietary energy regardless of whether any other type of nutrients is a limiting factor.

WHO has developed a healthy diet plan for the control of current pandemic COVID-19. Fresh and homely food with good physical exercise can have a positive impact on the health of individual. Increased consumption of highly processed foods tends to be high in fats, sugars and salt which leads to have negative impact on health.  Good nutrition is essential as in times when immune system might need to fight against infection.