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Health

This Is The Worst Mistake You Can Make At A Grocery Store This Fall, According To Health Experts

November 10, 2020 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Health
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As the United States faces the worst days of the novel coronavirus outbreak since the crisis started, many health experts are continuing to warn of the best practices each of us can take in our own hands to help stop the spread.

No, we’re not talking about social distancing and hand-washing (although those are as important as ever!). We’re talking about taking care of your immune system with a proper diet.

READ MORE: 7 Foods You Should Stop Buying At The Grocery Store In 2020, According To COVID Experts

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Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
Packaged food items in a grocery store aisle

As new cases surge, it has become more important than ever to boost your immunity. And that includes each and every time you visit the grocery store.

What's the worst mistake you can make when visiting the market right now? No, it's not forgetting hand sanitizer.

"Purchasing foods with the most amount of sugar as it is the #1 cause for inflammation when it comes to micronutrients," Dr. Nona Djavid of SoulScale tells us. What tops the list? Candy, pies and cookies.

Dairy products displayed in a grocery store section

"Chronic inflammation has been linked to many diseases and more recent studies link chronic inflammation to suppression of your immune system," she explains.

"Since the immune system is how you fight any disease, reducing inflammation by eliminating foods high in sugar will give your body a better chance to fight any virus." That makes sense!

READ MORE: Walmart Just Made The Most Insane Change To It’s Stores--We Can’t Believe It!

Wide aisle view of Costco's diverse product selection

"It is more important than ever to eat nutritious foods with the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and protein we need to keep our immune systems healthy," nutritionist and wellness coach Lynell Ross of Test Prep Insight, agrees.

So--what should you buy instead of junk?

"Buy wholesome foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, dairy and protein to give your body everything you need to stay healthy this fall and winter," Lynell advises.

Variety of condiments arranged on a store shelf

READ MORE: This Huge Secret About Whole Foods Just Got Out--Say It Ain’t So!

You may even want to consider buying supplements while there.

"Most people are deficient in certain nutrients," Dr. Djavid warns. "We don't take enough greens/veggies. And if we do, oftentimes it's not a lot of variety. So we stick to carrots alone because it's the only vegetable we like. In summary, taking a variety or supplementing for certain vitamins is key in staying healthy and building a strong immune system."

Author:

Editorial Director

Justine Schwartz is a veteran women's lifestyle editor; she's written extensively about style & beauty tips, health advice and wedding planning. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Huffington Post and New York Weddings. Justine has been with SheFinds since 2010; you can reach her via email at Justine@shefinds.com.

Healthy seeds featured instead of pastries.
Grocery store aisle with sugar and sweeteners.
Person enjoying a healthy lunch at a dining table.
Enjoying a cup of spearmint tea.
Frustrated older woman holding her head in distress.
Woman experiencing chest pain, highlighting health concerns.
Assorted types of bread on display.
Woman holding her head in distress.
Woman experiencing joint pain discomfort.
Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks coffee options.
Woman adding sugar to aromatic coffee.
Bagels, blueberries, and butter on a wooden board.
Pouring vitamin D into palm for supplementation.
Comparing cooking spray and olive oil.
Older woman taking supplements with water for wellness.
Brazilian dish with rice, beans, and chicken.
Handful of dietary supplements for optimal nutrition.
Checking the time while enjoying breakfast.
Close-up of supplement powder being poured into a glass.
Woman exercising outdoors for fitness.
Healthy seeds featured instead of pastries.
Grocery store aisle with sugar and sweeteners.
Person enjoying a healthy lunch at a dining table.
Enjoying a cup of spearmint tea.
Frustrated older woman holding her head in distress.
Woman experiencing chest pain, highlighting health concerns.
Assorted types of bread on display.
Woman holding her head in distress.
Woman experiencing joint pain discomfort.
Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks coffee options.
Woman adding sugar to aromatic coffee.
Bagels, blueberries, and butter on a wooden board.
Pouring vitamin D into palm for supplementation.
Comparing cooking spray and olive oil.
Older woman taking supplements with water for wellness.
Brazilian dish with rice, beans, and chicken.
Handful of dietary supplements for optimal nutrition.
Checking the time while enjoying breakfast.
Close-up of supplement powder being poured into a glass.
Woman exercising outdoors for fitness.