Should you eat more food when you have COVID?

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

When you have a severe illness like COVID-19, your body significantly increases its energy expenditure to fight the infection. Many people wonder, 'should you eat more food when you have COVID?' to support this intense immune response, despite often experiencing a reduced appetite.

Quick Summary

The body's metabolic rate increases during a COVID-19 infection, requiring more energy to fuel the immune system. Compensating for appetite loss with nutrient-dense, high-calorie foods and staying hydrated is crucial for recovery and preventing muscle loss.

Key Points

Increase Energy Intake Strategically: Your body needs more calories to fight off infection, but a reduced appetite is common, so focus on small, frequent meals of nutrient-dense foods.
Prioritize High-Calorie, Nutrient-Dense Foods: Counteract muscle and weight loss by choosing foods rich in protein and healthy fats, such as fortified drinks, nuts, and salmon.
Stay Hydrated Consistently: Fever and fluid loss require increased fluid intake; drink plenty of water, broths, and herbal teas throughout the day, not just during meals.
Support the Immune System with Key Nutrients: Ensure a good intake of protein, vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc to aid immune cell function and recovery.
Adapt to Changes in Taste and Smell: If taste or smell is altered, experiment with different flavors, temperatures, and spices, as some find cold or highly spiced foods more appealing.
Minimize Inflammatory Foods: Avoid or limit highly processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol, which can cause inflammation and hinder recovery.
Consult a Professional for Concerns: If significant appetite loss or weight loss occurs, especially with pre-existing conditions, consult a healthcare provider or dietitian.
Rest and Nourish: Your body uses immense energy to heal, making rest and proper nourishment two of the most critical factors for a faster recovery.

Your Body's Increased Energy Demands During Illness

When your body is fighting off a viral infection like COVID-19, your immune system shifts into high gear, dramatically increasing its energy consumption. Processes like inflammation, fever, and the production of new immune cells all require significant amounts of energy (ATP). While this is happening, you may experience a reduced appetite due to symptoms like fever, fatigue, or changes in taste and smell, creating a challenging paradox. Your body needs more fuel, but your desire to eat is diminished.

Overcoming Appetite Loss and Focusing on Nutrient-Dense Foods

Since forcing yourself to eat large meals may feel impossible, the focus should shift to consuming smaller, more frequent portions of nutrient-dense, high-calorie foods. Nourishing drinks, such as smoothies, milkshakes, or fortified broths, can be easier to consume and help prevent dehydration, which is common with fever and fluid loss. The goal is to provide your body with the energy and nutrients it needs to recover without overwhelming your system.

The Critical Role of Protein and Vitamins

During a serious illness, your body can break down muscle tissue to use as an energy source, which is why consuming adequate protein is especially important. Protein is essential for repairing tissue and maintaining muscle mass. Similarly, certain vitamins and minerals play a vital role in immune function.

Protein: Lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds help preserve muscle and support recovery.
Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli, this antioxidant supports the immune system.
Vitamin D: Fortified dairy, eggs, and oily fish are good sources of this vitamin, which plays a role in immune regulation.
Zinc: Oysters, meat, poultry, and beans provide zinc, which supports immune cell function.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Oily fish like salmon are rich in these anti-inflammatory fats, which may help manage the inflammatory response.

Comparison of Nutritious Foods vs. Inflammatory Foods When Sick

When your body is fighting off a virus, it’s best to support it with easily digestible, nutrient-rich foods while minimizing those that can worsen inflammation or upset your stomach.


Feature	Optimal Foods for COVID-19	Foods to Limit/Avoid
Digestion	Easily digestible, soothing foods like soups, broths, and oatmeal.	Fatty or deep-fried foods that are hard to digest.
Nutrient Density	High in protein, vitamins (C, D), and minerals (zinc) to support the immune system.	Ultra-processed foods with empty calories, low vitamins, and high additives.
Hydration	Nourishing fluids such as water, broths, hot tea, and smoothies with electrolytes.	Alcohol, which is dehydrating and can irritate the stomach.
Immune Support	Rich in antioxidants and compounds that help modulate immune response, like garlic and ginger.	Excessive sugar and salt, which can increase inflammation and hinder recovery.

Prioritizing Hydration

Dehydration is a significant risk when you have COVID, especially with a fever, and can lead to complications such as constipation or fatigue. Staying adequately hydrated is one of the most critical aspects of managing the illness. Aim for plenty of fluids throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Clear broths, herbal tea, coconut water, and diluted fruit juices are all excellent options for replenishing fluids and electrolytes.

Adapting to Changes in Taste and Smell

Loss of taste and smell is a common COVID-19 symptom that can make eating an unappealing chore. To counteract this, try experimenting with herbs, spices, and stronger flavors. Some find cold foods more palatable than hot ones. Consider textured foods or incorporating a variety of flavors and temperatures to stimulate the senses that are still working. Be patient, as these senses can return over time.

Conclusion

While the simple answer to 'should you eat more food when you have COVID?' is yes, the reality is more complex due to appetite loss and illness symptoms. The key is not necessarily to force large quantities of food, but to strategically increase the intake of nutrient-dense, calorie-rich options through small, frequent meals and nourishing drinks. By prioritizing hydration and focusing on immune-supporting foods rich in protein and vitamins, you can provide your body with the fuel it needs to recover and regain its strength more effectively.

Important Caveats

This article provides general advice and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation. Individuals with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or heart disease should consult a healthcare provider, as some nutritional advice may not be suitable.
If appetite loss persists or you are concerned about your weight, it's important to seek advice from a doctor or registered dietitian.

For further reading on nutritional guidance during infectious illness, you may find the World Health Organization's (WHO) resources helpful.

Note: The content does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance regarding your health condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Appetite suppression is a common symptom during infections like COVID-19. Your body produces chemicals that can alter the signals to your brain that control hunger. Additionally, fatigue, fever, and changes in taste and smell can make eating unappealing.

When your appetite is low, focus on consuming smaller, more frequent meals and snacks. Opt for nutrient-dense options like soups, smoothies, yogurt, toast with nut butter, and eggs. These provide necessary calories and nutrients without being too heavy.

Yes. A fever significantly increases your body's metabolic rate and fluid loss, so staying nourished and hydrated is essential. While appetite may be low, sipping on nourishing broths or fortified drinks can help meet your energy needs and prevent dehydration.

The best fluids to drink are water, oral rehydration solutions, broths, and teas. These help combat dehydration and replace electrolytes lost due to fever. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugary drinks.

You should avoid deep-fried and highly processed fatty foods, as they can be difficult to digest and promote inflammation. However, healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and oily fish can provide concentrated calories and support your immune system.

When your senses of taste and smell are affected, focus on varying the texture and temperature of your food. Experiment with spices, herbs, and seasonings. Cold foods can sometimes be more palatable. Try easy-to-eat options like smoothies, yogurts, and soups.

No single food can cure COVID-19, but a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can strengthen your immune system and support your body's recovery process. Nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc are especially important.