Omicron is a mild disease, just like a cold, so why should we be afraid of it? Supplement vitamin C, probiotics, 4 key nutrients, improve immunity

The Omicron variant has defeated Delta to become the world's mainstream variant. The domestic epidemic is also spreading. Since most patients have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic, they may not notice it. The main symptom is sore throat. Although the symptoms are mild, you should be alert if they seem to be there but not there. To avoid being hit by the darts, it is important to build up immune protection on a daily basis, especially the four key nutrients. Nutritionists say that in addition to taking more vitamin C supplements, you can also eat good bacteria and replenish good oils to reduce inflammation.

Omicron infection is usually asymptomatic or has mild symptoms such as sore throat and runny nose

Studies have shown that infection with Omicron is more likely to be asymptomatic or result in mild symptoms such as sore throat and runny nose, unlike the breathing difficulties that occur after early infection with the new coronavirus. This has led many people to believe that infection with Omicron is like a cold and the risk is smaller than before. However, if the disease spreads widely, in terms of "absolute numbers", it is still possible that many people will develop severe symptoms. The best way to prevent the disease is to avoid infection.

First, let’s understand what is the difference between Omicron, Delta, and the original novel coronavirus? What are the key nutrients for enhanced protection? Nutritionist Gao Minmin suggested that in addition to preventing the epidemic, everyone must also understand the symptoms so that they can detect them immediately and prescribe the right medicine.

British study: More than 80% of Omicron patients have sore throat

What are the symptoms of Omicron? According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), only 13% of people lose their sense of smell and taste, but as many as 80% experience sore throats. But don't underestimate the infectiousness of Omicron, which can spread as much as 1 to 50 people.

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), only 13% of people lose their sense of smell and taste, but as many as 80% experience sore throats.

Comparison chart of the original and variant coronavirus. (Photo provided by nutritionist Gao Minmin)

Omicron is highly contagious and its symptoms include:

1. Loss of smell and taste is rare, and there is no significant decrease in blood oxygen

2. Mild headache/dizziness

3. Fatigue/pain in limbs

4. Cough/dry cough

5. Nasal congestion/runny nose

6. Fever

7. Itchy and painful throat

8. Night sweats

Although Omicron has mild symptoms and a low mortality rate, we should be more careful because vaccination does not make us invincible and necessary preventive measures are still necessary.

Nutritionist Gao Minmin said that in addition to this, you can also take in more of the following four key nutrients to improve your immunity:

1. Probiotics: Eat good bacteria to nourish your intestines and improve your immunity

Clinically, it has been found that the level of probiotics in the body of individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 is reduced. Therefore, people who take probiotics regularly and long-term will have a lower chance of inflammation and better immune system. The intestine is the largest immune organ in the human body. If you want to have a good intestinal flora environment, you need to increase the number of good bacteria. Good bacteria are like soldiers in the body. They can inhibit bad bacteria, regulate digestive tract function, and naturally increase the body's defenses. It is recommended to take yogurt as a daily dairy drink.

And choose strains that can pass the test of gastric acid and bile acid, such as common A bacteria and B bacteria, which can not only increase the probiotics in the intestines, but also supplement the dairy nutrients needed daily.

Omega-3 is something our body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained from food. It is recommended to eat deep-sea fish three times a week, such as mackerel, saury, tuna, salmon, and to consume good fat foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids such as seaweed, nuts, hemp seeds, linseed oil, and perilla oil every day.

2. Omega-3: Eat good oils to fight inflammation

Omega-3 helps reduce chronic inflammation in the body and prevents overwork of immune cells. If the diet lacks these good oils, the skin will be sensitive and the immunity will be poor. If you consume enough of these good oils, the activity of white blood cells in the body that fight bacteria will also increase.

However, our body cannot produce Omega-3 on its own and must be obtained from food. It is recommended to eat deep-sea fish three times a week, such as mackerel, saury, tuna, salmon, and to consume good fat foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids such as seaweed, nuts, hemp seeds, linseed oil, and perilla oil every day.

3. Vitamin C: Eat fresh fruits to improve antioxidant capacity

Nutritionist Gao Minmin said that vitamin C can also increase the activity of immune cells in the body that fight against bacteria, but vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is easily lost and the body does not automatically synthesize it, so it must be supplemented through daily intake. It is recommended to eat at least two servings of fresh fruit every day to supplement the intake of about 100 mg of vitamin C per day, such as: one guava, one orange, 10 strawberries, and two kiwis.

4. Catechins: Drink green tea to fight inflammation and inhibit bacteria

Catechins can prevent viruses from combining with mucosal cells and play a blocking role. Green tea has the highest catechin content, and it is recommended to drink some green tea every day.

If you want to prevent the discomfort caused by Omicron infection, it is recommended to eat smartly like this every day to build a protective shield to protect yourself and your family.