With favorite go-to cold preventions like Zicam and Emergen-C out of stock, it’s time to take stock in what good eating habits can do to keep you healthy.

Everyone is trying to do as many things as possible to prevent getting sick during this COVID-19 pandemic. With the lack of typical, over the counter cold prevention therapies, it is especially important to have good eating habits to strengthen your immune system.

There is no specific food or medicine that will prevent catching COVID-19. But, fortunately, there are nutrients and minerals in foods that will keep your immune system functioning at its best. These good eating habits consist of: 

• Vitamins: these play many roles of supporting, boosting, and providing antioxidants to your immune system. Vitamin C rich foods include oranges, strawberries and broccoli. Examples of vitamin D rich foods are eggs, cheese, tofu and mushrooms. Good sources of Vitamin E are nuts, seeds and spinach.  
• Zinc: this mineral is essential in aiding your immune system’s cells to grow. Foods that contain zinc are seafood, nuts, and beans. 
• Protein: this is a key component to having a strong immune system that helps fight viruses. Protein rich foods include any meat (chicken, beef, etc.), beans, eggs, and milk. For a vegan alternative, other great sources of protein include quinoa, edamame, chickpeas and nuts. 
• Iron: this mineral helps get oxygen to your cells quicker, meaning they will be working very efficiently. Foods high in iron are beans, broccoli and kale.

Susan Johnson, USPS worker, is a New York resident. New York has the most COVID-19 cases in the United States. Mrs. Johnson writes,“Since I am the first person in the office, I wipe down all the light switches, door handles and doors as soon as I arrive. Also the scanners and any other equipment that is used throughout the day. I wear a surgical mask and gloves. The hardest thing for me to remember is not to touch my face. As soon as I get home, my clothes go into the washer and I get into the shower, and I make sure that I eat a very healthy diet.”