COVID-19 patients who maintain a healthy diet spent less days in the hospital compared to others

The study found a statistical significant correlation between diet and length of stay in the hospital to treat the symptoms of Covid-19. It showed that patients who are following a healthy diet had a lower hospital stay duration compared to those who did not follow a healthy diet. Therefore, having a healthy diet is very important during the Covid-19 pandemic, as what we eat and drink can affect our body’s ability to fight and recover from viruses. 

This study comes in line with DoH’s continuous efforts to combat the COVID-19 virus and support the healthcare sector through researches and evidence-based studies, which contribute to implementing the adequate approaches that ensure the health and safety of the community. 

Sumaya Al Ameri, Section Head Complaints in Healthcare Quality at DoH , said: “The study has proven that adopting a healthy lifestyle contributes to boosting the body’s immunity system and strengthening its ability to fight and recover from diseases in general and complications associated with COVID-19 in particular. Our advice is to adopt a healthy diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, low processed foods, high vitamins, minerals and bioactive phenolic compounds. There are most certainly other lifestyle habits that play a critical role in maintaining wellbeing; such as exercising on a regular basis, getting adequate sleep and avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many of our daily life routines and even though it is still not clear why some people are more prone to get infected with the virus than others, this study proved that there is a strong correlation between a healthy diet and the length of stay at the hospital. Therefore, it is important that people be mindful about their diet and physical activity and live a healthy lifestyle to ensure maintaining a robust immune system that can fight against COVID-19 and other diseases. There is no better time than now to start adopting a healthy lifestyle behavior.” Al Ameri added. 

The study included a structured questionnaire about demographics, lifestyle (food, exercise and smoking), as well as the duration of stay at the hospital.