The government of India is insisting on vaccinating all its citizens who are eligible to take the jab (vaccination). But vaccination is often accompanied by the fear of developing side effects. With proper rest, diet and care, one can easily manage the side effects of the Coronavirus vaccine. So people must not shy away from taking the jab especially, for people with diabetes who are at an elevated risk of developing COVID-19 related complications. Here's why diet is important after Covod vaccination, plus what to eat and avoid.
Also Read: 5 Vegetables You Must Include In Your Diabetes Diet
Covid Vaccination Diet: Here's What To Eat Post Vaccination:
Diet plays a vital role in building immunity, and with the pandemic, people must eat food that enhances immunity. People who just got vaccinated must include food that enhances immunity and has anti-inflammatory properties. People with diabetes who got vaccinated must include the following food in their diet:
1. Fish
Fish have anti-inflammatory properties, and they are also rich n omega-3 fat that helps enhance immunity.
2. Chicken
The chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties. Also, chicken is suitable for people with diabetes and hypertension. Chicken is a rich source of protein and can be consumed twice to thrice in a week following vaccination.
3. Egg
Eggs are a good source of protein, followed by fish and chicken. Eggs contain essential amino acids that help to build immunity. People with diabetes who just got inoculated with the coronavirus vaccine must include eggs in their diet.
4. Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that help to strengthen immunity. People with diabetes must include one serving of fruits and three servings of vegetables in their diet post getting vaccinated with the coronavirus vaccination.
5. Turmeric
The curcumin present in turmeric is good for health and prevents stress, usually seen in people post-vaccination. People with diabetes must take turmeric milk or golden milk to avoid stress for a week after getting vaccinated as stress shoots the blood glucose levels.
Along with food, people with diabetes who just got vaccinated must keep themselves hydrated to avoid common side effects of the Coronavirus vaccine, like, cold, fever, pain in the arm, weakness, joint pain. If one develops a fever or severe pain, they can check with their doctor and take medicine as advised by the doctor to ease their symptoms.
What are the things people with diabetes must avoid after getting vaccinated against the coronavirus? Here's what you must avoid post-vaccination.
Covid Vaccination Diet: Here's What To Avoid Post Vaccination:
It is a common misconception among people that people who got vaccinated can skip wearing their masks. But this is not true; despite getting vaccinated, people must not stop wearing their masks.
Avoid foods and snacks that have a high Glycaemic Index. Glycaemic Index shows how quickly each food affects your blood sugar (glucose) level when that food is eaten on its own. The higher the GI, the quicker the blood sugar spikes will be.
Following are the foods that people with diabetes who got vaccinated against the COVID-19 must avoid:
- Sugar and sugary foods
- Sugary soft drinks
- White bread
- Potatoes
- White rice
- Avoid adding sugar to teas and coffees or try sweeteners
Avoid foods and snacks that have a high Glycaemic Index.
Regarding smoking and alcohol after Covid vaccination:
There is no definite expert advice that smoking or alcohol can directly affect the efficacy of any covid vaccines1, but keeping alcohol intake in moderation and avoiding smoking as a standard lifestyle measure is recommended.
People with diabetes must get themselves vaccinated and protect themselves from contracting COVID-19 infection. The vaccinations are tested and are safe for all to use (unless contraindicated). Many people tend to develop side effects after getting vaccinated, which is usually mild. If the side effects developed after vaccination lasts for more than three days or the symptoms, hinder you from doing your daily chores talk to your doctor.
About Author: Dr. Sathian Raghavan, S.C.E & Diploma & Endocrinology and Diabetes is a consultant at SPMM Hospital, Kauvery Hospital, Prinith Clinic, Salem, Tamil Nadu.
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