Make these small tweaks to your diet before and after your COVID-19 booster for feel your best.
We interviewed doctors and dietitians to find out just that.
Here’s what they had to say.
Photo: Getty Images / jacoblund / Kulka
Have a light snack or meal beforehand, depending on the timing of your vaccine, Mah recommends.
Will they definitely ‘hurt’?
No," she says.
“Stay ahead of the sour feeling by drinking lots of fluids.
Stick with water, 100% fruit juice, teas or other options that aren’t too sugary.”
“Virtually every body function depends to some extent on being hydrated,” says Bazilian.
Think about water, tea, moderate coffee, and hydration helpers like Hydralyte," she says.
“Prepare anti-nausea food beforehand, including ginger tea and soda crackers.
Comfort food such as chicken noodle soup can also help,” says Casusi.
“The body uses water to help process and eliminate.
Wateris your best source of hydration.
“Teaherbal or caffeinatedcan hydrate and be soothing too,” says Bazilian.
Just watch the timing of caffeine, especially if you are sensitive to it, she says.
But, says Davis, “Anti-nausea and soothing foods can help you with tiredness and fatigue.
Some of these foods are chicken broth, ginger tea and plain crackers.
Apart from this, eat plenty of fruits, leafy greens, beans and lentils.”
Continuing to eat wholesome foods will helpkeep your immune system strong, says Mah.
“Think of your immune system as a team with different players.
Each player has a role to play.
Fill half your plate or bowl with a variety of colorful veggies and fruit.
Get vitamin D from eggs, fatty fish, milk, mushrooms, fortified beverages and supplements if needed.
“When you sleep, your immune system gets enough time to restore itself as your body is resting.
Quality sleep also helps optimize your body’s response to vaccine shots.
Get sufficient sleep at least two to three days before getting the booster.
This is because their body develops more antibodies actively.
On the other hand, one should exercise according to his body’s ability after getting the shot.
The Bottom Line
Hydration and rest are of utmost importance before and after getting your booster.
Don’t show up to your shot on an empty stomach.
To avoid feeling faint, have a nutritious snack with carbohydrates, protein and fat before going.
