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While many of us are focused on doing everything we can not to catch coronavirus at the grocery store, there’s another concern that should (still) be top of mind when food shopping and that’s proper nutrition. COVID-19 experts warn that a poor diet can weaken the immune system and lead to other health risks such as obesity and heart disease. Manage your health during the novel coronavirus outbreak by avoiding or restricting consumption of these foods:
Soda
"Research has shown drinking sugar sweetened beverages like soda can change our gut microbiome in ways that lower our health defenses and make us more vulnerable to disease," Dr. William Li, President and Medical Director of the Angiogenesis Foundation tells us. "A healthy microbiome is key to shoring up our immune system."
Dairy
"Milk, cheese, eggs, yogurt, etc. containing the protein casein can cause an increase in mucus production in the airways and lungs," warns Dr. Blair Milo, DC. "Respiratory symptoms can persist as well as chronic sinus issues. Why? Most people’s bodies are unable to process casein due to stress or overconsumption and aren’t supporting themselves with the proper digestive enzymes to break down dairy. To avoid these symptoms or developing a sensitivity to these products, I would avoid the dairy section and opt for dairy-alternatives instead."
Ice Cream
"The dairy, sugar, and processed ingredients in ice cream depress the immune system and overly stress the body which is not ideal for fighting a virus," Erik Levi, certified functional nutritional therapy practitioner and health coach of Holistic Nootropics, tells us.
Packaged Food
"The best advice I can give is to stop buying packaged goods with high amounts of sugar and salt that are also lacking fiber, as these packaged foods coupled with lack of exercise is a sure way to reduce one's overall health," food writer and chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon advises.
Processed Foods
"Cakes, cookies, candy and breakfast cereals should be avoided during this time because of the high amounts of sugar and artificial ingredients," warns naturopathic doctor Jameelah Nelson. "Sugar can weaken your immune system which needs to be optimal during this time."
Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs)
Soda, fruit-flavored drinks (fruit cocktails, fruit punch), and energy drinks should be universally avoided, according to registered dietitian Kerry Jones of Milestones Pediatric & Maternal Nutrition.
"They can lead to numerous negative health outcomes, including cavities and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, they contribute a lot of calories without signaling to your body that you have taken in any calories (in other words they do not make you full), which can lead to weight gain and obesity."
Foods Containing Vegetable Oils
Foods containing vegetable oils like corn, canola, safflower, sunflower, and trans fats should be avoided, trainer Joey Thurman, CES, CPT, FNS, and founder of kuudose, tells us.
"These oils are high in damaged fatty acids and wrap around the membranes in your cells and could cause a host of problem likes cell damage so it can't operate properly (not good for you brain), they can also lead to chronic inflammation that can lead to lack of muscle growth, repair, and physiological problems. The foods that are often high in these damaged fats are french fries, donuts, most packaged foods."
