Are we really what we eat? Definitely – says Karin Frey, a nutritionist with Oviva. "If you eat a balanced diet, you absorb all the major nutrients, you live more healthily, and you strengthen your immune system." But what is a balanced diet?
"A balanced diet means that you should incorporate as many regional and seasonal products as possible", says Karin Frey. Your diet should include vegetables, fruit and salads, and carbohydrates (e.g. potatoes, rice, bread or pasta - whole grain for preference). "The third important component is protein. This can be found in fish, meat, eggs and dairy products as well as in tofu and Quorn. The ideal meal should consist of about 50% vegetables and salad, 25% carbohydrates, and 25% protein," says Karin Frey.
People who eat like this are getting all the nutrients they need – both macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats and proteins) and the important micronutrients (iron, selenium and zinc). The antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene, which are particularly important for strengthening the immune system, are also absorbed in this way. "This type of diet is also good for the gut. The gut plays a major role in the immune system because the most important nutrients are absorbed through it."
As long as you vary your diet and take care when preparing your meals, you don't need to take dietary supplements, explains Karin Frey. "Unless you have a deficiency or illness." For example, vitamin D deficiency is not uncommon in winter. Vitamin D is produced by the action of sunlight on the skin. "If you think you have a deficiency of some kind, you can find out if this is the case and take a supplement if necessary."
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Phone-based nutritional advice is offered in German, French and English. Appointments are planned and scheduled in advance.
santé24 – your Swiss telemedicine service
Phone +41 44 404 86 86
Eating a varied and balanced diet makes a crucial contribution to health and wellbeing – which is why SWICA offers its supplementary insurance plan customers up to 600 francs* per year towards a wide range of services relating to nutrition, including nutritional advice, nutritional apps, TCM, and dietary/nutritional programmes with SWICA-recognised advisors and service providers. These include online, video-streaming and phone-based consultations which can also be accessed from home. Incidentally, supplementary insurance plans always provide valuable additional benefits above and beyond those available under basic insurance. It can be taken out with SWICA at any time, regardless of which insurer currently provides your basic insurance.
Nutritional advice can also be provided digitally. You can communicate directly with your nutrition coach and plan your meals using apps and online programmes from Oviva and Weight Watchers.
- Oviva nutritional programme
- WW Easy Pass
Nutritional advice can easily be provided over the phone or by video chat (e.g. Skype). The following advice centres, for example, provide this service:
- Nutritional advice MonBijou
- Foodteam
- Practice for nutritional advice
The immune system involves the complex interplay of many different factors. To stay healthy, people need a balanced diet, sufficient sleep (more than seven hours), recovery after periods of stress, and sufficient exercise. SWICA supports your health-promoting activities with up to 800 francs (go to detailed information).
Physical fitness, a balanced diet and wellbeing are important elements in a healthy lifestyle. That's why SWICA supports your personal commitment in all areas of health with annual contributions of up to 800 francs under the COMPLETA PRAEVENTA and OPTIMA supplementary insurance plans (go to detailed information).
Incidentally, supplementary insurance always provides valuable additional benefits above and beyond those available under basic insurance. It can be taken out with SWICA at any time, regardless of which insurer currently provides your basic insurance. .
The SWICA team would be happy to assist you online or by phone if you have questions about benefits or require personal advice. Call free of charge on 0800 80 90 80 or complete the form below:
SWICA supports you with medical services and advice around the clock and has useful recommendations and products for promoting health and preventing illness. Here you can get valuable tips on coronavirus checks at home, staying in shape while at home, and working from home. You can also discover the online courses and coaching sessions that SWICA supports.
Getting medical support and recommendations for symptoms
Staying fit and healthy at home: Tips and offers
Personal training: Why you will reach your goals more quickly
Nutrition: Tips for the immune system and offers for at home
Working from home: Setting up your workplace properly