Your Immune System & Eating for COVID-19

How can I boost my immune system, so I don’t catch COVID-19?

Well, we don’t exactly want to “boost” the immune system. Having an overactive immune system can actually turn against us!

However, we can support our immune system, so that it is strong enough to fight the virus. The consensus among dietary professionals is that the best thing we can do is hydrate properly and eat a diet full of:

different fruits and vegetables,
high quality proteins,
and whole grains.

For the most benefit, pair this with healthy lifestyle choices, such as:

exercising consistently;
practicing self-care to reduce stress;
getting enough sleep;
staying connected online with friends and family; and
limiting intake of processed foods, sugar sweetened drinks, tobacco, and alcohol.

You can learn more from Canada’s Food Guide.

Isn’t there a superfood or supplement I can take to stay safe?

Dietitians of Canada states that “there is no single food, supplement or natural health product that will prevent you from catching COVID-19”. If it sounds too good to be true, it often is!

Stay away from any product online that claims to prevent, treat, or cure COVID-19.

It has not been approved by the Government of Canada.
It is being sold illegally with no clear benefit.
The risks/harm/side effects are unknown, and overdosing can be a REAL threat.

A balanced diet should give you all the vitamins you need! Taking supplemental vitamins/minerals when you are not deficient will NOT increase your immunity. If you have any concerns or specific nutrition needs, please reach out to a registered dietitian!

In the end, what’s the best way to “stay safe”? Follow all official recommendations for hygiene (e.g. 20-second thorough handwashing), physical distancing (6 feet/2 metres apart), and facial covering/non-medical mask use (whenever social distancing can not be maintained).

What should I do to prepare in case I need to self-isolate/quarantine?

Dalhousie Food Services has a sick meal program available, so that you can focus on getting better. Food packs will be delivered up to your room! However, if you have any favourite non-perishable snacks or hygiene items (e.g. facial tissue, feminine products, and soap), it may be a good idea to buy a small stock for your room. That way, you can still enjoy your favourite things in quarantine.

Other than that, there isn’t much to prepare! Try your best to maintain proper nutrition and hydration if you get sick, even if you don’t have much appetite. This will help you recover faster. Please follow any additional guidance given by your healthcare provider(s). There are different phone lines you can call regarding your symptoms or mental health.

Can I catch COVID-19 from food?

According to Health Canada: “Currently, there are no cases reported of COVID-19 being spread through food. Researchers and food safety experts continue to closely monitor the spread of COVID-19 in Canada and around the world”.

All staff at Dalhousie Food Services are dedicated to your safety. Not only do we strictly follow safe food practices, but we have also implemented many COVID-19 safety procedures to protect you. At dining halls, all food contact and non-food contact surfaces are cleaned and disinfected on a set schedule to make sure nothing is missed.

What precautions should I take for food delivery?

Use contactless delivery and payment if possible (e.g. maintain 6ft distance from delivery workers at all times and use tap/online banking).

If you want to be extra safe, wash your hands after handling the outer bag or box and again after handling food packaging (before eating).

The above information has been gathered from the following sources: