What are the benefits of the Mediterranean diet?

Question

Hello doctor,

Having just recovered from avian influenza at the age of 23, I am keen to learn how to improve my immunity and general health. I have heard that a plant-based diet can help avoid infections such as avian influenza. Could you please explain how a plant-based diet helps protect against avian influenza and other comparable infections? Also, what particular foods can I incorporate into my diet to optimize these advantages and improve my general health?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Yes, following a plant-based diet is not an issue, but give your body time to adapt to it, and gradually, you can shift if you eat non-vegetarian regularly, it is also necessary to give time to your body post-infection recovery as it requires more protein intake.Yes, you need to add some supplements to cover initial costs before you can manage plant-based food, and its cost, along with availability, can be an issue too. And yes, anything that comes from animals cannot be part of a vegan or plant-based diet. I feel here to gradually shift my Mediterranean diet (which includes lots of healthy foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seafood, beans, and nuts).It mainly relies on the greater intake of plant-based food products and the limited consumption of meat products.It is composed of dietary practices that significantly lower the risk of health problems like diabetes, cancer, depression, heart attacks, obesity, etc. The diet includes the1. Regular intake of fruits and vegetables.

2. Frequent consumption of whole grains and legumes.3. Daily use of olive oil, nuts, and seeds as a source of fats.4. A moderate intake of dairy products.5. Occasional consumption of eggs, meat, fish, and wine.

6. Rarely intaking honey and added sugars.

Foods to avoid on a Mediterranean diet prior to following a strict Mediterranean diet plan, you need to avoid certain types of food, such as

Butter and refined oils.
Refined grains like white bread and pasta, pizza, and food products made from white or refined flour.
Processed and packaged food products.
Red meat.
Desserts with high added sugars.

These are a few tips, but I suggest you take a personalized dietary consultation once.

I suggest some immune-boosting tips for a few days as recovery will not reoccur in a short span.1. Fresh or dry turmeric has curcumin, which is a great antibiotic and antiseptic. Consume turmeric milk or tea with a pinch of pepper.2. A concoction of tulsi, ginger, peppercorn, and cloves, boiled with water and adding pure honey, is a good option to boost immunity.3. Fermented foods such as homemade curd, kimchi, and pickled veggies provide probiotics, strengthening our gut and boosting immunity.4. Cut down on foods and drinks laden with sugar, as sugars destroy the body's ability to fight infections.5. Last but not least, stay well hydrated with water, detox waters, soups, rasams, etc., and make your body strong to ward off infection.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert back in case of further queries.

Thank you.