…even people who seem healthy may be suffering from the fallout of decades of poor diet. But the risk becomes clearly evident when coupled with coronavirus: Metabolic syndrome impairs immunity, predisposing victims to complications from the virus, leaving them particularly vulnerable to severe illness or death.

Refined carbohydrate-heavy foods like pasta, bread, and desserts like cake and ice cream are popular go-to’s, leading to what Dr. Joshua Levitt—naturopathic doctor at Whole Health in Hamden, CT—calls the “quarantine fifteen.”

Experts disagree on some finer points such as supplements, herbs, functional foods, etc. but there are a few general points just about all agree on.

Stress itself really isn’t doing damage; the issues lie in the way we react to it. Good stress management can mean the difference between healthy stress, and debilitating DIStress.

Cooking is an act of nurturing, a much needed gesture during this scary time. It’s also a learning experience for kids and a satisfying way to blend creativity, science, and nutrition.

Whether you’re housebound or working an essential job you can’t perform from home, you’re likely limiting grocery shopping and cooking. But supplies of fresh foods are robust and widely available, so take advantage. You may be surprised just how important good eating is right now.

Need to put dinner together quickly, and you’re low on fresh ingredients? Experiment with “no recipe” recipes -- even if you’re new to cooking.

Coconut oil is all the rage. Once a vilified artery-clogging tropical oil recommended only for skin and hair products, coconut oil has somehow reinvented itself as a “clean” culinary superfat.