Around 40-75% of people with Covid-19 suffer from loss of smell and taste. Patients who have experienced these symptoms also have an increased risk of developing other Long or Post Covid symptoms. The sensory deficits in smell and taste can also be linked to anxiety and depressed mood. The impaired mental health favours malnutrition.The connection has not been proven for Long or Post Covid. However, it is known from other chronic diseases that there is a connection between malnutrition and inflammatory activity. This means that the body releases pro-inflammatory messenger substances when malnourished.

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Plant-based diet as a potential treatment option for Long Covid

A plant-based diet is currently being investigated and appears promising. Nutrition researchers know from previous studies that a plant-based diet can help with symptoms that also occur with Long Covid. These include, for example, nervousness, sleep problems and pain. In addition, a predominantly meat-free diet reduces the amount of pro-inflammatory substances in the body. It is hoped that this will provide a therapeutic option that could reduce the prolonged inflammatory response to Long Covid.The benefits of a plant-based diet include

• Can reduce nervousness
• Can alleviate sleep problems
• Can alleviate pain
• Reduces pro-inflammatory substances in the body

A plant-based diet is anti-inflammatory. It contains many important vitamins and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system. A diet rich in fibre also promotes the natural bacterial flora in the gut. In addition, a large part of the protein requirement can be covered by plant-based foods. Beans, pulses, tofu, nuts and seeds, for example, are rich in protein. In addition, a plant-based diet provides healthier fats, e.g. olive oil or avocados.

By the way: you don't have to give up animal products completely. Eggs and fish can help you to absorb the necessary amino acids and fatty acids such as omega-3.

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Mindful eating

A lesser-known side effect of Long Covid is a reduced appetite and premature feeling of fullness. Perceiving food with all five senses is an important part of the interplay between hunger and appetite. If there is a loss of taste or smell, an important component in the generation of appetite is missing. The result could be malnutrition, which can have a negative impact on symptoms.

Scientists are currently researching the possibility of mindful eating in Long Covid patients. By consciously paying attention to the sensory impressions one feels when eating, the relationship to hunger and satiety should be normalised. This is usually achieved by reducing the speed of eating and focussing on sensory impressions at the same time. What do I taste? What do I smell? How does the food feel?

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Limitations of nutritional therapy for Long & Post Covid

In this article, we refer to a review article that shows possible links between the plant-based diet and common Long Covid symptoms. However, the scientific evidence as to whether this form of nutrition actually alleviates symptoms is still pending. In addition, test subjects who eat a vegetarian diet are generally more health-conscious, smoke less frequently and often exercise more. There are therefore many factors that play a role in addition to diet, which is why it is not so easy to research the pure effects of a plant-based diet.

But regardless of this, a balanced diet can help you stay healthy and prevent chronic diseases. So it's always worth paying a little attention to what you eat.

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