Nutrition and Hydration Tips for Healthcare Workers

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Nutrition and Hydration Tips for Healthcare Workers.

As the first line of defense against the coronavirus pandemic, healthcare staffers put in long hours to give people the medical attention they need. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), including face shields or goggles, face masks, gowns and gloves, throughout their shifts helps them remain safe while tending to others. However, protective gear stays on for long stretches of time, which can make it difficult for essential workers to get enough food and water to safeguard their own health. 

The Role of Nutrition and Hydration for Immune Support

Nutrition and hydration aren’t just important. When you’re fighting a virus, they’re also crucial factors that support your lifelong health.

In the short term, staying hydrated and eating a nutrient dense diet can help prevent dehydration. Which can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, fainting, rapid heartbeat and other symptoms. In the long term, proper nutrition can help you avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies and support your immune system. Which is key to keeping you healthy and supporting recovery if you do become sick.

Frontline healthcare workers have a small window of time each day in which to eat and drink, so it’s especially important for them to focus on nutrients. That both satisfy their hunger and meet their nutritional needs. Here are four nutrients that should be prioritized.

1. Protein

What it does: Regular protein intake can help people feel full for longer periods of time throughout the day. To get more of this nutrient, try spreading your protein intake throughout the day and consuming high-quality protein with each meal.

Where you can get it: Some high-quality sources of protein include poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, soy products, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds.

If you can’t sit for a meal this is where a nutritional shake. It has complete, balanced nutrition with nutrients to support the immune system and is a good source of protein.

2. Fiber

What it does: Fiber contributes to feelings of fullness. That when compared to participants who consumed a low-fiber scone, participants. Who ate a scone made with resistant starch (a type of fiber) experienced decreased hunger levels for three hours after eating it. Fiber also helps with food digestion and helps the body absorb critical nutrients.

Where you can get it: A diet should incorporate fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains, beans, legumes, fruits and vegetables.

3. Healthy Fats

What it does: Fat has 9 calories per gram, as compared to the 4 calories per gram in carbohydrates and protein. Eating foods with healthy or คาสิโนออนไลน์ UFABET ฝากถอนรวดเร็ว เริ่มต้นเล่นง่าย good fats like nuts, olives, fatty fish and soybeans can help you meet your daily calorie needs more easily. Especially when you’re on the go.

Where you can get it: Foods with healthy fats include fatty fish, nuts, seeds, avocados and some plant oils like avocado or coconut.

4. Vitamins and Minerals

What they do: Meeting the daily recommendations for vitamins and minerals is an important step when building a healthy immune system. Specifically, vitamins A, C, E, and the mineral zinc can help support the immune system.