When you get sick, what are the types of foods you tend to choose? Soup it’s likely to be an option because it’s comforting, hydrating, and rich in nutrients. Orange juice is probably another one you’re used to drinking while you’re sick, and you’ll probably think about turning to it if you have omicron—an infectious variant of COVID-19 that has spread around the world. However, according to one doctor, citrus-based drinks like orange juice aren’t really the kind of food you want to consume if you end up testing positive for COVID-19.
Robert G. Lahita MD, Ph.D. (“Dr. Bob”), Director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases at Saint Joseph Health and author of Strong Immunity, shares his reasoning behind this theory, along with others drinking habits to avoid if you end up going down with Omicron. Here’s what he recommends, and for more of his immunity tips, read on. Best Foods To Eat For Omicron Symptoms, Doctor Says.
Although it may not be clear if Orange juice it can actually help prevent a cold, in the case of Omicron, it’s not really the drink you want to reach for. Although orange juice is high in vitamin C and potassium, both essential nutrients for recovery from illness, the acidic nature of orange juice will actually cause even more discomfort if you are sick with Omicron.
It all leads to a severe sore throat, which is one of the main symptoms you will experience if you get sick with this variant of COVID-19.
“Foods that consist of citrus and foods that are a bit acidic, are going to be very, very difficult to swallow,” says Dr. Bob. “This is all with the Omicron variant, with extreme sore throat. Some of these foods will be hard to swallow.”
Instead, Dr. Bob suggests starting “very gently with bland foods like yogurt and other probiotics.”
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While Dr. Bo notes that people who are sick have higher nutritional requirements (meaning they may need to consume more calories, for example), drinking alcohol it is not a solution to adding more calories to your diet while you are sick.
“That’s not a good idea if your throat hurts a lot,” says Dr. Bob. “That alcohol is going to burn your throat.”
Relaxing drinks, such as smoothies, for example, are a Dr. Bob recommended food that may increase your calorie intake, give you some milk protein (or extra protein powder), but not give you an extra sore throat when you have Omicron.
rehydrating your body is hugely important when you have Omicron, which is why Dr. Bob suggests having a drink that is high in electrolytes.
“Something like Gatorade or something you can drink like water so it doesn’t irritate a sore throat,” says Dr. Bob. “It’s always good to make sure you have some electrolytes, especially if you have diarrhea and are vomiting. If you have electrolytes, which Gatorade provides, and other nutritious drinks, so you’re not running out of potassium and your sodium levels stay normal.”
Forgetting to drink something can cause severe dehydration when fighting an illness like Omicron, so it’s important to make sure you drink fluids if you test positive.
According to the American Society for Parental and Eternal Nutrition, hydration plays an important role in recovery from COVID-19. Because the body is working hard to fight off illness, such as fighting a high fever and a fast metabolism, your body will need to hydrate. Not drinking anything does not support your body’s ability to fight the virus and support your immune function.
Here it is The #1 Unexpected Food To Eat If You Have Omicron, Doctor Says.
