Felling a little under the weather?
Did you know that when you are sick your body actually needs more calories to function normally? Your body needs to work harder than normal when you are sick in order to fight infection, especially with fevers.
When you are sick, the last thing you want to do is eat a large meal, or eat at all. Try your best to stick to a regular eating schedule or eat small portions more frequently. Reducing calorie intake could worsen symptoms and lengthen the duration of illness.
You want to consume foods that will help keep you hydrated and give you the energy and nutrients you need to stay strong, fight off infection and not upset your stomach and clog your respiratory system.
Cold fighting foods: When you have a cold you want to get lots of fluids.
- Broth based soups. Broth helps keep your nasal passages moist, prevents dehydration and fights inflammation in your throat.
- Hot tea. Tea has natural bacteria fighting compounds that help fight infection. Warm liquids also help soothe sore throats and alleviate congestion. Drink lots of fresh green tea or warm water with lemon.
- Citrus Fruits. Citrus fruits can help reduce the length and severity of your cold and boost your immune system.
- Popsicles. Popsicles are a great alternative to keep hydrated and sooth a sore throat. Keeping hydrated keeps mucus thin and helps reduce congestion.
Foods for Stomach Flu: When you have stomach issues eat bland foods and keep hydrated.
- Crackers and Toast. These are bland foods that are easy on your stomach.
- Ginger. Ginger can help prevent and sooth nausea, bloating and vomiting. Drinking ginger tea or flat ginger ale helps keep you hydrated and sooth your stomach.
Foods to avoid:
- Spicy or acidic foods. Spicy foods and citrus fruits may help relieve cold symptoms but they may upset your stomach.
- Sweets. A high intake of sugar can supress your immune system and cause inflammation.
- Fatty foods. Fatty foods are more difficult to digest and may upset your stomach.
- Dairy. Some people feel that consuming dairy when you have a cold actually makes the congestion and mucus worse.