Can I eat pickled mustard tuber if I test positive for COVID-19?
A positive COVID-19 test indicates a positive result for infection with the novel coronavirus. Patients who have been diagnosed can eat pickled mustard tuber, but only in small amounts to avoid interfering with their recovery.
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the invasion of the novel coronavirus into the human body. After mutating into the Omicron variant, the virus has become more transmissible and spreads faster, although its pathogenicity has weakened. Some patients may show no obvious symptoms, while others may experience symptoms such as reduced or lost sense of smell or taste, dry cough, fatigue, difficulty breathing, fever, diarrhea, and runny nose.
Pickled mustard tuber is a type of leaf mustard vegetable. It is a semi-dry, non-fermented salty pickle made primarily from stem mustard through a pickling process. It contains nutrients such as protein, carotene, minerals, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and dietary fiber. Its main health benefits include strengthening the spleen and stimulating the appetite, invigorating qi, nourishing essence, and enhancing mental well-being.
Generally, patients who are confirmed to be infected can consume moderate amounts of pickled mustard tuber. Illness may reduce appetite, and since this food helps stimulate the appetite and improve digestion, it can encourage food intake, support normal physiological functions, and help prevent fainting due to physical weakness. However, pickled mustard tuber contains high levels of salt. Since patients should follow a light diet, consuming high-salt foods may hinder recovery, so large quantities are not recommended.
Additionally, patients with mild symptoms should avoid going out as much as possible, stay at home for treatment, and under scientific guidance, take appropriate medications based on their specific symptoms to relieve discomfort.