Nourishing your body during the COVID-19 pandemic could boost your immune system and help ward off illnesses. NBC 7’s Ashley Matthews speaks with a nutritionist for more insight.
Since a vaccine is still in the works to combat COVID-19, we’re left trying just about anything to stay as healthy a possible during a pandemic. One thing that everyone can all do, however, is to boost their immune system with healthy foods.
Health professionals tell NBC 7 if someone gets COVID-19 or the flu, or even both, it’ll most likely be much easier to recover if they’ve been eating foods rich in nutrients
These are immune-boosting foods that can help prepare your body to fight off a virus, cold or flu. Those who have a nutrient-packed diet will also find they sleep better and have more energy since they're consuming the right minerals.
Nutritionists suggest you load up on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins for dietary success.
It's also best to plan for groceries so that it could result in purchases of fewer processed, high-salt or high-sugar snacks.
“Processed foods in general, it’s basically synthetic. It’s made from a machine," said Dr. Amy Lee, who is an expert in weight control, obesity and nutrition. "It’s nothing natural that we actually garden and plant and harvest. So our human bodies basically have to get used to and adapt to all these new synthetic ingredients that we weren’t used to before."
Lee also suggests families create a schedule or a daily meal plan. A schedule is more predictable for everyone in a household and it can get all involved so they feel connected to the effort in some way, creating motivation.
Local
You can also manage your environment to improve your diet.
If candy and chips aren’t in the kitchen cabinet, then you can’t eat them.
It’s also very important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Health experts recommend that you drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, but if you're outside a lot or exercising, it should be more. Stay healthy!
