What Should You Eat Before And After COVID-19 Vaccine Shot?
Recently, there have been plentiful rumours about the side effects of the covid-19 vaccine shot and the unease they cause.
In light of a global epidemic, getting a vaccine shot to be immunized against a fatal disease is not debatable. You need the shot, regardless of what others may say. The government is actively recommending people register and acquire their vaccinations at the earliest.
We understand that you may have some qualms due to the circulating rumours, which is why we are here to help. Although the mild side effects are in fact a reality, thinking back to all the precautionary shots we’ve had to take in the past against Polio, Cholera, Smallpox, etc., these effects are normal.
Instead of panicking and over-thinking about these adverse effects which are actually just the body’s reaction from misbalancing the homeostasis, we need to focus on solutions. A lot of people have experienced severe side effects only due to their food habits, self-medication, and improper care.
Therefore, today, we are going to share some tips on what you should eat and drink before and after your covid-19 shots in order to keep the side effects to a minimum.
What should you not consume before and after the covid-19 shot?
Since most people consume things that they are not supposed to, then panic about the side effects, we think it is best that you know what not to do first. So here goes:
- Don’t self-medicate
If you are experiencing any discomfort, don’t take any OTC medication without consulting the doctor. Although an oral dose of paracetamol is compatible with the covid-19 vaccine shot, it is still ideal to speak with your general physician before you take it. The reason for avoiding these medications is because your body is in a vulnerable state after the vaccination. A foreign body is introduced to induce the building of immunity in your system. It is best not to rock the boat and distract your immune system. Wait a couple of days for the vaccine to work its magic, then continue with your daily routine.
- Always consult your doctor about your ongoing treatments and medications
If you have an existing illness or disorder, speak to your specialist about taking the vaccination. If you have allergies, consult them about the adverse effects of the vaccine with your current situation. Don’t take medical decisions on your own.
- Don’t smoke or consume alcohol
On a good day, the consumption of alcohol and spirits can damage your liver. But when you are taking your covid-19 vaccine shots, your internal system is already fighting with the new induction of foreign bodies. The burning effects of the spirits in alcohol and cause further damage to internal organs and tissues. Similarly, tobacco and nicotine are always bad for your lungs and oral cavity. Don’t provoke adverse reactions with smoking cigarettes, pipes, chewing tobacco, etc. The goal here is to prolong your life with precautionary measures, not damage your system with vices. Hold off at least till your body heals and your immune system has finished its job.
- Don’t take the vaccine while on an empty stomach
The vaccine is about to introduce a state of chaos inside your system, which is the case with any vaccination really. You will feel light-headed, feverish, a little weak, and fatigued. Therefore, it is recommended that you eat small quantities of healthy food items before you go for your covid-19 vaccine shot.
- Don’t consume caffeinated beverages
Liquid refreshments that contain caffeine can cause heart palpitations and discomfort in the body. Avoid these beverages before and after the vaccine shot in order to prevent any side effects. Heart palpitations may cause the inoculators to reject providing you with the vaccine as it indicates weakened immunity. Similarly, after you have been immunized, your body needs rest rather than experience heightened aggravations. Take it easy for a day or two, at least.
What should you eat and drink before and after the covid-19 vaccine shot?
Now that you know what you shouldn’t consume, let us discuss the food items which support your immune system during its dire hour of vulnerability. You can incorporate the following food items in cooking or consume the stand-alone products as is.
Do not skip meals if they are not available, though. You need to help keep up your immunity, especially when your body feels weak.
- Condiments
Some condiments support high immunity even in daily life. Inducing them in your food after your covid-19 vaccine shot helps strengthen your immune system:
- Ginger
This is one of the best food items to consume before taking your covid-19 vaccination. Ginger has multiple benefits to fight coronary disorders, reduce lung infections, and hypertension, and it also does wonders to boost your immunity. It also helps fight weakness which is imperative during your vaccination.
Therefore incorporate ginger in your meal before you go for your covid-19 inoculation.
- Garlic
Garlic is quite popularly used to boost immunity. It is rich in probiotics which enhance the microscopic organisms responsible for gut health. Thus, incorporating garlic in your meal will help improve your immunity and reduce the side effects of the covid-19 vaccine shot.
- Turmeric
Turmeric has various qualities of fighting infections, reducing cramps, and enhancing the immune system. It helps fight stress and agitation, thus reducing any internal and external irritation of the body.
You can consume raw turmeric (plant root, not powder), mix the powder in curries, or consume turmeric with milk. Ingest it before and after the vaccination.
- Greens
Greens are always a welcome addition to your food. Consume them as solids or in juices as per your convenience:
- Fresh Fruits
It is always good to consume plenty of fresh fruits as they are rich in plant-synthetic compounds. Fruits also contain high amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They tremendously boost your immunity and help build collagen to heal your body faster.
Consume fresh fruits after the hospital or volunteer camps administer your covid-19 vaccine shot. They will help reduce the side effects and provide the body with the necessary nutrients to boost your immune system.
- Vegetables
Green vegetables have a high potential to fight against irritation and inflammations of the body. They are rich in minerals, phytonutrients, phenolic compounds, and vitamins.
Therefore, include leafy vegetables, gourds, etc. in your diet after your covid-19 vaccine shot. The high amounts of calcium help maintain a healthy oral cavity whereas the vitamins and minerals boost your immunity.
- Superfoods:
Lastly, since your body is considerably weakened after the covid-19 vaccine shot, it is best to consume energy-inducing foods and drinks before and after the inoculation.
- Vegetable or chicken broth
The broth is a great source of energy as well as a healthy alternative to solid food. It cleans your system and encourages a healthy stomach which is pivotal after the covid-19 vaccine shot.
You can incorporate vegetable broth or chicken broth in stews, or simply consume them as is. Keeping your gut clean and healthy will promote faster resuscitation of your immune system.
- Virgin Olive Oil
C-responsive proteins are a big no-no before and after your covid-19 vaccine shot. The unsaturated fats contained in olive oils help reduce the fiery sensations in your body. Not to mention, virgin olive oil has immense benefits in regards to preventing neurological disorders, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc. This only aids in further focusing your immune system on the effects of the vaccine rather than fighting off tangent bodily dysfunctions.
- Broccoli
Broccoli is a superfood that you can consume any day of the week. This extraordinary vegetable helps fight cardiovascular problems which are quite likely to affect you after the vaccination.
It also helps fight numerous coronary diseases thus helping to boost your immune system. It is quite a necessity and a desirable quality in your food items after you receive the covid-19 vaccine shot.
You can consume steamed broccoli or cook it in light flavours with butter.
- Blueberries
Blueberries are a great source of energy as well as a means to improve the levels of serotonin in your body. They have high quantities of Phyto flavonoids that enhance the cells and antioxidants which enrich your body. They are also rich in Vitamin C and potassium that provide energy and help prevent weaknesses and fatigue.
- Dark Chocolate
Lastly, remember when Remus Lupin offered Harry Potter some dark chocolate when he fainted?
That’s because dark chocolate contains numerous supplements that help rejuvenate your fatigued body and enhances your mood. It helps fight several coronary disorders which are welcome when your immune system is already busy working hard to build immunity against the deadly virus.
Therefore, consume dark chocolate after the covid-19 vaccine shot to boost your overall system.
Conclusion
Consuming healthier food items while avoiding foods and beverages that aggravate your system will help enhance your immunity. Your body will be able to cope with the foreign components and build antibodies faster when it is left in peace.
