5 Ways Nutrition Could Help Your Immune System Fight Off Coronavirus

5. Iron, Zinc, Selenium

For the growth of immune cells, among other functions, we need iron, zinc, and selenium.
Iron contributes to killing pathogens by increasing the number of free radicals that can kill them. It also regulates essential enzyme reactions to detect and target pathogens in immune cells.

Zinc helps the skin and mucous membranes to maintain their integrity. Zinc and selenium are also an antioxidant that helps to mop some oxidative stress damage.

We find iron in meat, chicken, and fish. Vegetarian sources include legumes, whole grains, and iron-fortified breakfast cereals.

We find zinc in oysters and other seafood, meat, chicken, dried beans, and nuts.

Nuts (especially Brazil nuts), meat, cereals, and mushrooms are excellent food sources of selenium.