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We all know that the most effective and proven method to combat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is through social distancing and regular handwashing.

However, along with the many questions we have about our health and safety, many are wondering about the specific roles of nutrition during this pandemic.

To understand more about the link between nutrition and immunity, Pinoy MD's resident internist Oyie Balburias answers questions from the public about the topic.

Check out some of his answers below:

Question: Is it safe to drink calcium supplements every day especially during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Answer: “Lahat ng nutrients, like calcium, ay nanggagaling sa pagkain.

“Nagbibigay lang po kaming mga doktor ng supplementation kung alam nating bagsak talaga ang antas ng calcium sa iyong katawan.

“Kung sobrang bagsak at hindi kakayaning mapalitan sa pamamagitan ng sources ng pagkain, then dyan na tayo magbibigay. Subalit, kailangan 'din nating alamin ng mabuti kung may pangangailangan ka ba talaga para ikaw ay magtake ng multi-vitamins at multi-minerals.

“Hindi lang naman calcium ang kailangan kasi maraming mineral ang kailangan ng ating katawan tulad ng selenium, magnesium, copper, iron, napakadami! Pero, halos lahat ng mga micronutrients na iyan ay halos makukuha natin sa mga pagkain.”

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Q: What are the best vitamins to strengthen your immune system?

A: “Lahat ng micronutrients na mahalaga sa ating immune system tulad ng B-vitamins, vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, selenium lahat yan manggagaling sa pagkain.

“Pero 'pag mababa ang iyong food IQ, pwede naman talaga na you should take multi-vitamins and multi-minerals para masupplyan mo ang kakulangan na micronutrients na hindi mo nakukuha sa iyong pagkain.

“Pero kung babaguhin mo at papataasin mo ang iyong food IQ, then makukuha mo na ang lahat ng mineral at bitamina na kailangan ng iyong immune system.

“'Di laman ng vitamins at minerals ang kailangan ng ating immune system kundi pati na mga amino acids tulad ng glutamine at ng arginine. Kailangan din ng katawan natin ng fatty acids tulad ng omega-3 fatty acids na nanggagaling sa mga fish-based oils, plant-based oils tulad ng flax seeds at avocado oil.

“Marami talagang kailangan ang ating immune system na hindi makukuha sa iisang pagkain o ng isang bitamina laman.”

Like what Dr. Oyie said, proper nutrition is vital during the COVID-19 outbreak.

People who eat a well-balanced diet tend to be healthier, with a strong immune system, and have a lower risk of chronic illnesses and infectious diseases.

To remain healthy during these unprecedented times, Doc Oyie suggests eating a variety of fresh and unprocessed food every day to get the vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, protein, and antioxidants your body needs.

Also, drink enough fluids and avoid sugar, fat, and salt to lower your risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

“Tandaan, ang kusina ang kalinga sa kalusugan,” the internist concluded.