“Covid anorexia” is a term I heard the other day referring to individuals who become infected with COVID-19 and become medically and nutritionally compromised. Oftentimes one of the common side effects of COVID-19 is a loss of taste and smell which leads to this loss of appetite and weight loss. These individuals are at an increased risk for dehydration, weight loss and pressure sores due to a compromised immune system. (more)
Many times caregivers turn to a nutritional supplement as a first line of defense. Instead, focus on foods first and aim at getting nutrient dense and flavorful foods into your resident’s diets. When taking a food first approach you should select foods that are easy to prepare, comforting and something the individual likes to eat.
One terrific way to combat weight loss is to utilize fortified foods. Add items such as dairy, protein powders, eggs, nut butters and dairy alternatives. Along with fortifying foods, think about enhancing foods by adding ingredients naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents such as: fruits/vegetables, nuts or seeds, spices, cocoa powder and heart healthy fats. Increasing the use of spices heightens the flavor of foods. Try spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, oregano and turmeric which can help boost immunity, too!