The Covid-19 disease is caused by the virus that was first identified in Wuhan, China in 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide due to its high transmission rate. The most common symptoms are fever, dry cough, muscle pain and breathing difficulty. The disease may present itself asymptomatically or symptomatically and cause from mild symptoms to severe illness (multiple organ and respiratory failure, septic shock). Those conditions are caused by inappropriate functioning of the immune system and, among other, the cytokine storm (high concentration of inflammatory cytokines). Certain foods (e.g. probiotics, garlic and black pepper) have been proven to reduce the level of inflammatory cytokines and may therefore be used in the treatment of Covid-19. Covid-19 most often affects the elderly people and those with pre-existing health issues. Bad habits and unhealthy lifestyles such as lack of physical activity, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking may increase susceptibility to infection. A diet rich in fruit and vegetables can prevent Covid-19 infection, since in addition to macronutrients, vitamins and minerals they contain various polyphenols and carotenoids that regulate the functioning of the immune cells. Turmeric, garlic, cinnamon, black pepper, propolis and coffee are affordable nutraceuticals that have many health benefits and are even recommended in the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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