How your diet can help flatten the curve

Opinion by Dariush Mozaffarian, Dan Glickman and Simin Nikbin Meydani

Updated 9:29 AM ET, Fri March 27, 2020

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The bone broth in chicken soup contains collagen, which can help boost your immune system, in addition to amino acids and nutrients that help prevent inflammation.
Photos: Eight superfoods to boost your immune system
The bone broth in chicken soup contains collagen, which can help boost your immune system, in addition to amino acids and nutrients that help prevent inflammation.
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Yogurt is a natural source of probiotics, also known as "good bacteria" that live in your gut. Studies have linked good gut health to boosting immunity, better sleep and good digestion.
Photos: Eight superfoods to boost your immune system
Yogurt is a natural source of probiotics, also known as "good bacteria" that live in your gut. Studies have linked good gut health to boosting immunity, better sleep and good digestion.
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"Fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help control inflammation in your body," dietitian Maxine Yeung says.
Photos: Eight superfoods to boost your immune system
"Fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help control inflammation in your body," dietitian Maxine Yeung says.
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"Garlic contains allicin, a compound that can help fight infection and bacteria," dietitian Alissa Rumsey says.
Photos: Eight superfoods to boost your immune system
"Garlic contains allicin, a compound that can help fight infection and bacteria," dietitian Alissa Rumsey says.
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Oysters are high in zinc, which helps regulate the immune system and heal wounds.
Photos: Eight superfoods to boost your immune system
Oysters are high in zinc, which helps regulate the immune system and heal wounds.
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Turmeric is rich in antioxidants and has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Photos: Eight superfoods to boost your immune system
Turmeric is rich in antioxidants and has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
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Fruits and vegetables are some of the best sources of vitamins A, C and E, particularly useful in building immunity.
Photos: Eight superfoods to boost your immune system
Fruits and vegetables are some of the best sources of vitamins A, C and E, particularly useful in building immunity.
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Drink lots of water or hot tea to help keep your airways clear. Try to avoid sweetened beverages such as sports drinks and juices.
Photos: Eight superfoods to boost your immune system
Drink lots of water or hot tea to help keep your airways clear. Try to avoid sweetened beverages such as sports drinks and juices.
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chicken noodle soupgreek yogurtsuperfoods grilled salmongarlic bulbsoystersturmeric STOCKfruits vegetablesexercise drinking water STOCK

Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian is a cardiologist and dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy at Tufts University. Follow him on Twitter: @Dmozaffarian. Dan Glickman was the US Secretary of Agriculture from 1995 to 2001.
Dr. Simin Nikbin Meydani is professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the authors; view more opinion articles on CNN.

(CNN)The Covid-19 coronavirus is disrupting almost every aspect of our lives in the US and across the world. As we face this daunting new challenge, it's important to assess and bring to bear every tool we have in our arsenal to reduce infections, deaths and suffering from this outbreak.

Dariush Mozaffarian
Dariush Mozaffarian
Dan Glickman
Dan Glickman