foods to eat when sick with cold

Medication

The Best Foods to Eat When You Are Sick

• Five Foods for a Cold or the Flu. Fermented foods have probiotics that can help prevent a cold and shorten the duration, according to research published in the British Journal ...
• Foods to Eat When You Feel Nauseous. Ginger ale or ginger tea can help settle your stomach when you feel nauseous. ...
• Staying Hydrated Is Important. ...

Self-care

What to Eat -- and Avoid -- When You Have a Cold

• Chicken Soup. You should have some, and not just because Mom says so. ...
• Citrus. You’ve heard it before: To avoid colds, get plenty of vitamin C. ...
• Germ Fighters. Kale, broccoli, cranberries, green tea, red onions, blueberries: What do these have in common? ...
• Bring the Heat. ...
• Ginger. ...
• Dairy. ...
• Garlic. ...
• Caffeine and Alcohol. ...

Nutrition

Some foods tend to increase histamine in the body, such as:

• Pickled foods like sauerkraut
• Smoked meats
• Nuts
• Highly processed foods with many additives
• Beans
• Vinegar
• Chocolate
• Some dairy products
• Some preservatives

Which foods still taste good when you are sick?

21 Best and Worst Food to Eat when Sick. Chicken soup, garlic, fruits containing vitamin C, leafy greens, oatmeal, spices like horseradish, wasabi and pepper are the best foods to eat when sick. Sweet snacks, fatty foods, dairy products, caffeinated beverages, jagged or hard foods, processed foods and simple carbs are to be avoided when sick.

What foods can I eat when I have a cold?

What foods should you avoid when sick?

What are good foods to eat while sick?

What should I eat when sick with a cold?

The best foods for fighting the fluBroth. Broth is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and it helps prevent dehydration. ... Chicken soup. ... Ice pops. ... Fruits and veggies with vitamin C. ... Leafy greens. ... Fruit or vegetable juice. ... Herbal tea. ... Garlic.More items...•

What foods make colds worse?

5 foods that are actually making your cough and cold worseSugar. You might crave a sugary tea or something sweet when you're down with a cold - what would you do without some comforts when you're sick after all? ... Alcohol. ... Caffeinated drinks. ... Milk. ... Spicy food.

How get rid cold fast?

Cold remedies that workStay hydrated. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. ... Rest. Your body needs rest to heal.Soothe a sore throat. ... Combat stuffiness. ... Relieve pain. ... Sip warm liquids. ... Try honey. ... Add moisture to the air.More items...

How do you get rid of a cold in 24 hours?

While the duration of your symptoms may vary, many people wonder how to cure a cold in 24 hours or even overnight. The best way to tame a cold fast is to stay home, rest, drink plenty of fluids, gargle with salt water, take an OTC medication, and humidify the air.

How to get my son to eat veggies?

To get my son to eat veggies, I mix and match flavors and spices. My slow cooker orange carrots with cinnamon won him over. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio

What is the key to savory chicken?

The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic and fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois

What are some healthy alternatives to mashed potatoes?

I wanted healthy alternatives to my family's favorite recipes. Pumpkin, cauliflower and thyme make an amazing dish. You'll never miss those plain old mashed potatoes. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois

What to put in salsa with leftover veggies?

When I have some leftover veggies, I dress the salsa up a little with some diced green onions and bell peppers. If you like a spicier sauce, add cayenne pepper to the skillet. —Aysha Shurman, Ammon, Idaho

Does spicy chicken soup freeze well?

This spicy chicken soup is chock full of chicken and vegetables. Best of all, it freezes nicely, making a second meal with little effort! —Gwen Nelson, Castro Valley, California

The best foods you could eat when you are sick

Chicken soup (warm or hot). Have one or two bowls of soup during the illness. Hot soups and beverages are generally recommended during a cold or flu, because they help eliminate excess mucus and prevent dehydration caused by fever, vomiting or diarrhea. However, chicken soups seem to be particularly beneficial.

Foods you should avoid

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes the benefits of eating wholesome foods and limiting processed foods and meats. Western-style diet (fast food) is associated with increased inflammation which would interfere with the recovery process. There are a few issues with processed foods.

What is the best fruit to eat for colds?

4. Blueberries . Blueberries have gained quite a reputation in the scientific health community as being one of the most antioxidant-rich of all fruits. A 2007 study conducted by Cornell University confirmed this, and since then blueberries have been a top choice for fighting colds and other health issues.

What is the best food to eat to fight the flu?

Salmon. You know cold and flu season is a big deal when a magazine like Entrepreneur features an article devoted to it. One of the top five foods the article recommends to fight off cold and flu germs is salmon. As an oily fish, salmon delivers high quantities of essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

What fruits can you eat to get vitamin C?

Try papaya, strawberries, kale, broccoli, kiwi fruits, pineapple, mango, cauliflower, bell peppers or brussels sprouts. 2. Kefir (yogurt).

How to get rid of cold packing?

1. Citrus fruits. The earlier you can get some Vitamin C-rich food into your system, the more likely you are to send that cold packing. If you can take in foods rich in Vitamin C, like citrus fruits, on the first day of your cold, you may be able to shave as much as a full day off your symptoms!

What is the best water to drink to help with a cold?

Deborah MD recommends choosing a coconut water that has no added sugar, which is something your body doesn’t need when it is fighting off cold germs. 10. Ginger. Ginger is a great addition to your diet when you are struggling to recover from a cold. It can help ease an upset stomach plus quell nausea from being ill.

What foods are good for you if you are not feeling well?

4. Blueberries.

What are some foods that help the immune system?

3. Carrots . Carrots are packed full of Vitamin A, which is an essential nutrient to support your immune system function. When cold viruses invade your body and you begin to experience symptoms, your immune system springs into action to fight back.

What foods can help you fight colds?

Since it’s the first line of defense for anything you ingest, it protects all other organs. Fermented foods — like kimchi, miso, tempeh, and sauerkraut — can protect you from colds in general thanks to their probiotics.

What is the best food to eat when you're sick?

You may think of oranges as being the best produce to eat when you're feeling sick; after all, they're full of vitamin C. Surprise! Hearty bell peppers actually contain higher amounts of vitamin C, especially red varieties.

What is the best yogurt for immune system?

Unsweetened Greek Yogurt. Pick plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt when you’re feeling under the weather. Protein-rich foods (2/3 cup of yogurt has about 20 grams!) are key to helping the cells of your immune system regenerate.

What is the best tea for congestion?

Drinking hot tea will help soothe your throat and offset congestion. Green tea is a great choice since its antioxidant properties strengthen immune function.

How to get rid of a cold faster?

To get rid of colds or dry coughs faster, you'll need to supercharge your choices in the kitchen for a few days — look to protein-rich staples like Greek yogurt, chickpeas, seeds, chicken, and eggs to fuel your immune system when you're experiencing a loss of appetite.

How to get rid of a runny nose?

When you're suffering through a painful head cold or can't shake a runny nose, sitting down to power through a balanced meal may feel like the last thing you want to do. But it's more important than ever to eat the right foods that will help your body feel its best. To get rid of colds or dry coughs faster, you'll need to supercharge your choices ...

Does honey help with a burning throat?

3 of 20. Honey. It's deliciously smooth, yes, and it can help soothe a burning throat that feels raw. But honey's best feature is one that you can't taste — a few teaspoons in tea can provide much needed antibacterial and antimicrobial agents to help fight off any infectious colds.

What foods help with cold and flu?

13. Legumes. Legumes are packed with the mineral zinc, which plays an important role in immune function—and can even help relieve cold and flu symptoms, says Villanueva. She incorporates chickpeas, lentils, and beans into her meals daily when feeling sick. Plus, they’re packed with fiber to keep you feeling full.

What carbs are good for colds?

From potatoes to oatmeal, easy-to-digest carbs will be your best friend when you have a cold or flu.

What is the best smoothie to drink when you don't feel hot?

Alex Caspero, RD, also turns to smoothies when she doesn’t feel so hot. “My go-to combination is one cup of pomegranate juice, 6 ounces of yogurt, and 1 cup of strawberries,” she says. Pomegranate juice contains more antioxidants—which protect cells from damage—than red wine, grape juice, or greet tea, she explains. Plus, the yogurt adds protein and fat, transforming the blend into a meal when you don’t really feel like eating.

What to eat when you don't feel well?

1. Oatmeal. “Oatmeal is my ultimate comfort food when I don’t feel well,” says Taub-Dix. “If I feel achy and have a cold incoming on but still have my appetite, I add a heaping spoonful of almond butter, ricotta, or cottage cheese to boost the protein, which supports healing and adds to its creamy texture.”. 2.

What is the best tea for a sick woman?

You can also opt for a quality packaged ginger tea.

What is the best tea for nausea?

The fresh ginger on tip will also help soothe any nausea. 15. Cinnamon tea.

What carbs are good for under the weather?

Another easy-to-digest carbohydrate, baked potatoes (whether white or sweet) are another great base for an under-the-weather meal. “Most people don’t realize that potatoes provide vitamin C, an important nutrient for healing, and fiber, a gut-supporting nutrient that can be hard to get your fill of when you’re putting your salads on hold,” says Taub-Dix.

What foods help with sinus congestion?

Colds and flu. Herbal teas provide hydration, and breathing in their steam can help to clear mucus from the sinuses. A blocked nose, a cough, and a sore throat are common symptoms of colds and flu. The following foods can help to ease congestion and inflammation and boost the immune system. 1.

How to get rid of sinuses and cold?

Herbal teas. When experiencing cold and flu symptoms, it is important to stay hydrated. Herbal teas are refreshing, and breathing in their steam can help to clear mucus from the sinuses. Adding ground turmeric to a cup of hot water may help to relieve a sore throat.

How to reduce nausea and vomiting?

suggests that ginger could help to reduce the effects of nausea and vomiting, although more studies are required to confirm these findings. A person can make ginger tea by adding 1–2 teaspoons of fresh ginger to a cup of hot water.

Why is it important to stay hydrated when you are sick?

Here’s our process. When a person is sick, they may find it difficult to develop an appetite. However, it is important to receive nourishment and stay hydrated, especially when feeling unwell. Different types of food can combat different types of illness.

What does brat mean in food?

BRAT stands for: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are bland and gentle on the stomach.

What to do when you have a stomach problem?

When someone has one or more of these symptoms, the key is to eat foods that settle the stomach. Doing so should help people to regain their appetite.

What fruits help with coughing?

The results were limited, however, as most studies in the review only looked at 1-night acute coughs. 3. Citrus fruits and berries. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, contain high levels of flavonoids and vitamin C. These decrease inflammation and boost immunity, which may help to fight a fever.

What are some foods that help with the common cold?

Kale, broccoli, cranberries, green tea, red onions, blueberries: What do these have in common? All have an antioxidant called quercetin that may help you fight the common cold. The research here is pretty new, but they may be on to something.

What foods can help you get rid of a cold faster?

But if you get a lot of it right before you notice symptoms, it may make you feel better and help you get rid of a cold faster. Oranges, lemons, limes -- they’re all sources of vitamin C and can be tasty, too. Swipe to advance.

How to avoid colds?

You’ve heard it before: To avoid colds, get plenty of vitamin C. Truth is, it won’t keep most of us from catching one. (It may help if you’re around people who get sick often, like at a day care.) But if you get a lot of it right before you notice symptoms, it may make you feel better and help you get rid of a cold faster. Oranges, lemons, limes -- they’re all sources of vitamin C and can be tasty, too.

What is the best tea for a cold?

Ginger. 5 / 9. A cup of fresh, hot ginger tea may seem to be just the thing you need when you’re nursing a cold. It helps lclear congestion and soothe your throat. And some studies show this spicy root may help prevent the common cold by blocking the virus. Swipe to advance.

Does garlic help with colds?

Scientists think garlic has some things in it that may fight the common cold. There is also some evidence that garlic may prevent colds, but more studies are still needed. Nevertheless, it's a good excuse to toss in a few extra cloves.

Can chili peppers help with colds?

They won't help you kick your cold, but chili peppers can clear out your nasal passages, and that can make you feel better. They have something called capsaicin, which studies show may help with your stuffy head.

Is chicken soup good for colds?

Chicken Soup. 1 / 9. You should have some, and not just because Mom says so. Studies shows it clears nasal passages and congestion better than other hot liquids. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect that may help your cold symptoms. Swipe to advance.

What is the best food to eat when you're sick?

Oatmeal. Like bananas, oatmeal is bland and easy to eat but also provides calories, vitamins, and minerals you need when you’re sick. One study in rats found that beta-glucan, a type of fiber in oats, helped decrease inflammation in the gut.

What is the best medicine for colds?

Tea is a favorite remedy for many symptoms associated with colds and the flu.

What foods cause a burning sensation?

Spicy foods. Spicy foods like chili peppers contain capsaicin, which causes a hot, burning sensation when touched. In high enough concentrations, capsaicin can have a desensitizing effect. It’s often used in pain-relieving gels and patches ( 29.

How to use fresh ginger?

Use fresh ginger in cooking, brew some ginger tea, or pick up some ginger ale from the store to get these benefits. Just make sure that whatever you’re using contains real ginger or ginger extract, not just ginger flavor. 8. Spicy foods.

What is the best vitamin for the immune system?

Many fruits are rich in vitamin C , an antioxidant vitamin that helps the immune system function properly ( 43 ).

How to recover from a sick person?

Resting, staying hydrated, and getting proper nutrition are some of the most important things you can do to feel better and recover faster when sick. Fortunately, many foods have benefits that go beyond providing your body with nutrients.

What is the best drink to drink when you're sick?

Coconut water is an ideal beverage to sip on when you’re sick. It’s rich in electrolytes, which need to be replenished along with fluids when you’re vomiting, sweating, having diarrhea, or running a fever ( 11#N#Trusted Source#N#).