During this time of social distancing to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, it’s important to eat plenty of healthy foods to keep your body and immune system functioning at their best. While it can be tempting to eat junk foods during times of stress, maintaining a predominantly healthy diet will boost your immune system to help ward off infectious bacteria and viruses.

4 of the many fruits and vegetables that may help raise your immune response include the following:

• Red bell peppers—While all peppers have excellent nutritional and immune-boosting qualities, the red bell pepper is particularly high in vitamin C. In fact, by volume, it contains more vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin C is essential for proper cell function, and it may also lower the risk of respiratory infections. Your body doesn’t produce vitamin C naturally, so it’s vital to consume enough in your diet.
• Garlic—Garlic is high in sulfur-rich compounds that can fight off infections and may decrease recovery times for those that do get ill.
• Strawberries—are packed with vitamin C, which is excellent for boosting your immune response. Vitamin C has also been shown to decrease the severity of the common cold.
• Broccoli—is also rich in vitamin C, along with many other phytochemicals and antioxidants. Eating broccoli, raw or just slightly cooked, helps preserve these beneficial effects. In fact, overcooking vegetables, in general, decreases their nutrient profile.

And if you or a loved one is experiencing a foot or ankle problem, seeing your podiatrist is the best way to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment. Call Syracuse Podiatry located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Kathleen Pyatak-Hugar, and Dr. Donal M. Erickson and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.