Bartlett Regional | House Calls | Summer 2020

By Olga Ivshina, MDS, RD, LD; Vi Vien Khoo, MS, RDN, LDN; and Becca Kirian, MS, RD, LD, CNSC From providing nutrition education to tube feeding recommendations, registered dietitians are experts in nutrition care that can help promote health and manage diseases. The dietitians at Bartlett Regional Hospital are dedicated to providing science- based medical nutrition therapy to our patients. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve heard many questions about how nutrition might help. We’d like to share some insights—and research-based recommendations. References: 1. Harvard University. (2019). Healthy eating plate. The nutrition source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/ nutritionsource/healthy-eating-plate/ 2. USDA. (2020). Choose MyPlate. https://www.choosemyplate.gov/ 3. Barazzoni R, et al. ESPEN expert statements and practical guidance for nutritional management of individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Clnu . 2020. 4. Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin D: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals . (2020, March 24). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/ VitaminD-HealthProfessional/ 5. Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin A: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals . (2020, February 14). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/ VitaminA-HealthProfessional/ 6. Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B6: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. (2020, February 24). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/ VitaminB6-HealthProfessional/ 7. Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B12: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. (2020, March 30). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/ VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/ 8. Office of Dietary Supplements. Zinc: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. (2020, March 6). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/ Zinc-HealthProfessional/ 9. Office of Dietary Supplements. Selenium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. (2020, March 11). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/ Selenium-HealthProfessional/ Eat well to LIVEWELL Prevention Fueling your body with sufficient energy and nutrient-dense foods helps keep you healthy 1,2 . Whole grains provide the body with its main energy source, glucose, which fuels our cells and brain. Replacing refined grains with whole grains has been shown to improve overall health 1,2 . Try these: Oats, quinoa and brown rice. Proteins provide essential amino acids. These amino acids have a variety of functions, from building and repairing muscles to fighting viral and bacterial infections 1,2 . Try these: Meat, seafood, nuts and legumes. Fats, with an emphasis on unsaturated fats, are indispensable in your diet. Fats provide an alternate energy source and help with temperature regulation as well as hormone production. Try these: Fatty fish, like salmon, and plant-based sources like hemp seeds, avocados and olive oil 1,2 . Fruits and vegetables provide the majority of our fiber intake, which helps keep your gut healthy. Additionally, they are a rich source of micronutrients and antioxidants 1,2 . Try these: All forms— fresh, frozen or canned! Keep an eye on your micronutrients In addition to providing energy, these foods also provide various vitamins and minerals, which are vital for our immune health and general well-being. Vitamin D is an important fat-soluble vitamin, and a deficiency of vitamin D has been associated with increased risk of viral diseases 3 . You should get your vitamin D checked regularly. Your physician may recommend a specific supplement regimen. Where to find it: The body can create vitamin D with sun exposure, but Alaskans often do not have enough. Fatty fish and egg yolks are good dietary sources 4 . Vitamin A is involved in eye health and your body’s defense mechanisms. Where to find it: Orange and yellow vegetables and dark, leafy greens 5 . Vitamins B 6 and B 12 are also important for immune regulation and overall health. Where to find them: Good dietary sources include fish, poultry, and whole and fortified grains 6,7 . 12 House Calls Summer 2020