Can COVID-19 patients eat pepper?

Under normal circumstances, "COVID-19" refers to infection with the novel coronavirus. Patients with novel coronavirus infection are generally advised against consuming pepper. The specific analysis is as follows:

Due to viral invasion, patients with novel coronavirus infection are often physically weakened and have reduced gastrointestinal resistance. The pungent nature of pepper may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, exacerbating discomforts such as abdominal pain and hindering recovery. Additionally, patients with novel coronavirus infection may experience coughing; consuming pepper could further irritate the throat and worsen cough symptoms. Therefore, the diet of these patients should be light and easily digestible, avoiding spicy and irritating foods to prevent adverse symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Patients recovering from novel coronavirus infection should maintain a light and easily digestible diet, including foods such as millet porridge, steamed egg custard, and Chinese yam, while avoiding greasy, fried, and spicy foods like fried chicken, fried dough sticks, and chili peppers. It is important to ensure adequate nutrition by consuming sufficient protein-rich foods such as eggs, milk, and lean meat, along with fresh vegetables and fruits, all of which support recovery from the illness.