High-protein, low-fibre diet causing digestion issues in COVID patients

Inadequate fibre consumption linked to constipation, other complications

Consumption of more proteins and less fibre while battling COVID-19 can lead to constipation and discomforting complications such as anal fissures and bleeding, warn doctors who have come across a few such cases. Medical experts and nutritionists say less fibre leads to digestion issues and advise against relying on only one form of food. Instead, bringing about diversity in diet is a good idea. Assistant professor of urology at Osmania General Hospital, S. Anand said three to four patients who have recovered from COVID have consulted him for constipation and anal fissures. “They were post-COVID patients who relied on a low fibre, high protein diet for at least two meals during treatment. Their diet had less fibre. Protein from meat is completely absorbed by the body. So if someone has only protein and less fibre, it could lead to hard stools, causing painful defecation and fissures,” said Dr Anand.