Maternal Nutrition New normal refers to the changes in our usual day to day routine since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Different health measures must be followed such as physical distancing, wearing of personal protective equipment such as face masks and regular handwashing or sanitizing. Before entering any establishment, one must undergo thermal scanning and disinfection first. Dining in restaurants or eating outside the home are limited. Moreover, those belonging to the vulnerable groups such as minors and older persons are prohibited from going outside their homes.

The community quarantine is causing unemployment and loss of income among many Filipinos. Although relief goods were provided, these were not sufficient to cover the nutritional needs of many, especially of the vulnerable groups. Malnutrition among children, pregnant and lactating women, persons with disabilities, and older persons is likely to increase. People with co-morbidities who also experience malnutrition are at higher risk of acquiring COVID-19.

Other reasons for impending increase in malnutrition rates during this pandemic include limited food supply, difficulties and restrictions in accessing food in markets and prevalence of hunger across the country.

Aside from the health protocols, proper nutrition can also help in boosting the immune system by ensuring that you have a balanced diet of nutritious food. In addition, getting enough sleep, being physically active, staying hydrated and managing stress levels also help to boost the immune system.

The vitamins and minerals that the immune system need can be acquired from the natural and fresh food that we eat. Citrus fruits especially those that are in season such as calamansi, guava and pomelo are rich in Vitamin C. Other sources are red bell peppers and green leafy vegetables such as kangkong, camote tops and pechay. All of these can be grown and harvested in your own food garden.

Garlic, ginger, and turmeric also improve the immune system. Ginger tea, for example, is good to manage sore throat, lessens nausea and relieve chronic pain.

Foods that Boost Immune System

• Citrus fruits like dalanghita, kalamansi, ponkan, lemon, orange and pomelo are rich in vitamin C which boosts the production of white blood cells that fight off infections.
• Camote (sweet potato), kalabasa (squash), papaya, carrots as well as green, leafy vegetables are rich in beta carotene which converts to vitamin A, a vital nutrient for strong immune system.
• Garlic, ginger, turmeric have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which also help boost immunity.
• Spinach, broccoli, nuts and peppers are high in vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body fight off infections

The term "new normal" refers to the changes in our daily routine that have occurred after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Physical separation, the use of personal protective equipment such as face masks, and regular handwashing or sanitizing are only a few of the health precautions that must be taken. Thermal scanning and disinfection are required before entering any facility. There are little opportunities to go out or dine at restaurants. Furthermore, people who belong to vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly, are barred from leaving their houses.

Many Filipinos are losing their jobs and income as a result of the community quarantine. Even though relief commodities were delivered, they were insufficient to meet the nutritional needs of many people, particularly the most vulnerable. Malnutrition is projected to rise among children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, people with disabilities, and the elderly. COVID-19 is more likely to be acquired by those with co-morbidities who also suffer from malnutrition.

Limited food supply, problems and limits in acquiring food in markets, and the prevalence of hunger across the country are all contributing factors to an imminent increase in malnutrition rates during this pandemic.

Aside from health regimens, appropriate nutrition may aid in immune system boosting by maintaining a well-balanced diet of nutritious foods. Getting adequate sleep, being physically active, staying hydrated, and managing stress levels could contribute to a stronger immune system.

Some foods are high in vitamins and minerals, which can help the immune system, function better. Citrus fruits, especially those in seasons, such as calamansi, guava, and pomelo, as well as red bell peppers and green leafy vegetables like kangkong, camote tops, and pechay, are high in vitamin C. These foods may be grown and harvested in your backyard garden.

Garlic, ginger, and turmeric are also immune system boosters. Ginger tea, for example, can help with a sore throat, nausea, and chronic pain relief.