what to feed a cold

5 foods to feed your cold and feel better FAST

1. Yellow bell peppers: With the cold weatherkeeping you confined indoors and drooping immunities, fall and winter are prime time for colds.
2. Garlic: Garlic isn’t just tasty. It provides a powerful one-two punch against the common cold. ...
3. Green tea: Sipping on any warm tea when it’s chilly outside is comforting. ...

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What are the best foods to eat for a cold?

What Are the Best Foods to Eat When Having Cough and Colds?

1. Ginger. In addition to reducing inflammation, being an antioxidant, and helping with nausea, fresh ginger, in particular, has an antiviral effect on respiratory mucosal cells. ...
2. Garlic. Garlic has medicinal properties, including the ability to reduce the likelihood of colds and shorten the duration and severity if they do occur. ...
3. Raw honey. ...
4. Turmeric. ...
5. Lemon. ...

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What to eat when you have a cold?

“Elderberries have antiviral properties and may help to shorten the length of a cold,” he says. You can sip elderberry syrup straight or add it to yogurt or oatmeal. 9. Chicken soup You better...

Do you starve a cold or feed it?

The reason people say “feed a cold” is because the body needs energy when it's fighting illness. This applies to both colds and flu, but for different reasons. For a cold, eating healthy food will provide the body the extra energy it needs to fight illness, but can also help the body generate heat.

What are foods you can eat cold?

Italian food like steak, wine and dessert is sure to warm you up. A winterized, heated pergola with serious style and touches of greenery at this restaurant on Portland is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of King West. Twinkly lights and heating give the patio of this Italian restaurant in Brockton Village a romantic glow.

What should you not eat when you have a cold?

What to avoidAlcohol. This lowers your immune system and causes dehydration.Caffeinated beverages. Items such as coffee, black tea, and soda can make you more dehydrated. ... Hard or jagged foods. Crunchy crackers, chips, and foods with similar textures can aggravate a cough and sore throat.Processed foods.

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

Some studies show that zinc lozenges or syrup reduce the length of a cold by about one day, especially when taken within 24 to 48 hours of the first signs and symptoms of a cold.

What are the 5 stages of cold?

The stages of a cold include the incubation period, appearance of symptoms, remission, and recovery....Symptoms of a cold appear and usually peak within one to three days and may include:Sore throat.Runny nose.Stuffy nose.Coughing.Sneezing.Headaches.Body aches.Post-nasal drip.More items...•

What knocks a cold out fast?

Decongestants, pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, cough suppressants, and antihistamines can treat symptoms so you feel better faster, even if the viral infection lingers. Check with a pediatrician before giving your child any over-the-counter medicine.

What is the best meal for a cold?

Chicken soup. Chicken soup - the go-to meal if you have a cold - does actually have some scientific backing. When the body is fighting a cold, it goes into an inflamed state. Research has shown that chicken soup reduces inflammation and therefore helps to protect against some of the annoying symptoms of a cold.

How to get rid of a cold?

Ward off the common cold by: 1 Eating a balanced diet each day. 2 Getting enough sleep. 3 Allowing yourself downtime to relax. 4 Exercising five times a week for at least 30 minutes. 5 Taking vitamin D3 daily.

What is the best vitamin for the immune system?

Vitamin C is also important for supporting immune function and can be found in many fruits and vegetables. A healthy, balanced diet which includes five portions of fruit and vegetables a day will provide sufficient amounts of this vitamin for the average person.

What is the best way to reduce the risk of developing a cold?

The best way to do this would be through eating foods rich in vitamin C such as broccoli, strawberries and kale.

How to avoid catching a cold?

If you are living in a stressful environment, try taking time out to do the things that you enjoy, or regularly listen to mindfulness apps such as Headspace, as this can help to minimise the stress in the body.

Is there a cure for the common cold?

The sad truth is that there is no cure for the common cold. This is because it is caused by a virus and so it won't respond to medications such as antibiotics. As such, you are left only with one option: treat the symptoms.

Does drinking hot drinks help with a cold?

However, hot drinks can help! A study in 2008 found that consuming a hot drink significantly and instantly improved the airflow of those suffering from a cold. There was also a marked improvement in other symptoms like a runny nose and a cough.

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

What adds flavor to apple cider?

In this recipe, brown sugar and spices add extra flavor to already delicious apple cider. —Marlys Benning, Wellsburg, Iowa

Can you bring out Brussels sprouts?

Don’t be afraid to bring out the roasted Brussels sprouts. Mellowed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Becky Walch, Orland, California

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

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 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 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 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 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 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 to feed cold?

Following are five foods experts say you should feed your cold if you want to BEAT your cold…. 1. Yellow bell peppers: With the cold weather keeping you confined indoors and drooping immunities, fall and winter are prime time for colds. But snacking on sweet yellow peppers could help keep you healthy.

What are some good foods to eat with a cold?

And the perfect way to feed your cold. Red, orange, and green bell peppers contain a bit less C. But they’re still a great source of the vitamin. A meta-analysis published in the journal Nutrients found that getting between six to eight grams of vitamin C a day could slash the length of your cold by 19 percent.

What foods help the immune system?

Carrots, sweet potatoes, and orange squash are rich in beta-carotene. Your body converts this nutrient into vitamin A which is key to a strong immune system. And a healthy immune system can help your body fight back against invading viruses such as the common cold.

What to eat in winter to get vitamin D?

One tasty way to load up on vitamin D during the winter months is to eat more wild-caught fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel. Feed your cold this winter with these five virus-busting foods and feel better fast. The following two tabs change content below.

How to get over a cold faster?

Feeding your body the RIGHT foods when you come down with the common cold could help you get over it faster. Since the cold virus doesn’t respond to antibiotics or other meds, your best bet for battling this bug is always going to be home remedies. Plus making the right diet choices NOW could keep you from getting sick in the first place.

Can you eat garlic if you are sick?

Putting garlic on the menu now could help you avoid getting sick during the busy holiday season. And research suggests eating more garlic if you’re already ill could shorten the length and severity of your cold too. Chop or crush your garlic several minutes before you’re going to use it to activate the allicin.

Does green tea help with the flu?

But if you make that tea the green variety, it may help you avoid catching a cold or the flu. Green tea is loaded with several immune-boosting compounds. Antioxidant catechins, for example, are natural antivirals. Which means they could stop cold and flu viruses in their tracks.

What does it mean to feed a cold and starve a fever?

Research has yet to confirm the centuries-old adage “feed a cold, starve a fever.”. One thing we know for sure is that when you’re sick, staying hydrated is crucial. We also know that your body needs nutritional support to fight illness.

What works best for treating cold, flu, and fever symptoms?

Colds and flu are both caused by viruses and they have common symptoms, like congestion and body aches. Flu symptoms tend to be more severe and involve fever.

What to do if you have a fever and you haven't lost appetite?

So, if you have a fever and you haven’t lost your appetite, don’t deprive yourself. Try to focus on eating foods that will give your body the nutrients it needs to get better. When in doubt about what to do for a fever, talk to your healthcare provider. Last medically reviewed on November 7, 2019.

How to get rid of nausea and vomiting?

If you have nausea and vomiting, try a little broth and dry crackers until it passes. Vomiting and diarrhea can get worse if you drink fruit juices, so stick to water until your stomach is stronger.

What to drink to avoid dehydration?

Drink lots of fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can lead to dehydration.

Do you need to eat more or less if you have a cold?

Harvard Medical School agrees, saying that there’s no need to eat more or less than usual if you have a cold or flu. Both institutions stress the importance of fluids.

Can you feed a cold if you have a fever?

There simply hasn’t been enough “feed a cold, starve a fever” research done on humans to know for certain. It’s further complicated by the fact that there are so many causes of a fever. So, it’s probably best to eat when your stomach can handle it and to go light on food when it can’t.

What is the best food for colds?

Yogurt. If all those commercials haven't taught you about the benefits of "good bacteria" yet, it's time to listen up. Yogurt is a great source of probiotics that keep your gut healthy and reduce inflammation, which in turn helps alleviate severe cold symptoms. Ethan Calabrese.

What foods can help with fever?

Add blueberries for an antioxidant boost or sliced banana to up your potassium, which is often depleted when you're running a fever. Lidey Heuck. 4 of 17. Cauliflower. This crunchy veg boosts glutathione, an antioxidant that gives your immune system some extra oomph to shut down flu symptoms.

What is the best food for white blood cells?

Fennel. This crunchy and sweet veg contains a bunch of Vitamin C and helps your body resist infectious diseases with the boost of T-cell production. Studies have shown that its presence in your diet might even allow your white blood cells to work at a higher level, banishing bacteria more effectively. Chelsea Lupkin.

What are some good foods to help with congestion?

9 of 17. Carrots and Sweet Potatoes. Keep your sore throat and nasal congestion from getting worse by downing lots of carrots and sweet potatoes . The orange veggies are big on beta-carotene, which our bodies convert into vitamin A — key for keeping mucous membranes healthy.

How to hydrate a swollen throat?

Another way to hydrate is with frozen fruit juice treats, which also feel great on a swollen or dry throat. The extra fluids thin out your mucus so that congestion is a little less miserable, too.

What to eat to fight infection?

Lean protein like chicken and turkey breast provide the energy necessary to build antibodies and fight infection. If those items don't jive with your diet, try beans, nuts and dairy to get some protein in.

What is the best drink to help with stomach pain?

Green and black tea are key sources of antioxidants while chamomile and ginger teas calm upset stomachs and reduce inflammation.

What to eat when you have a cold?

As it turns out, Grandma was right: A scientific study confirms that one of the best things to eat when you have a cold is a nice steaming bowl of chicken soup. University of Nebraska Medical Center researcher Dr. Stephen Rennard analyzed several chicken soup recipes, including his grandmother's, and found that the popular comfort food had anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, chicken soup reduced the movement of neutrophils, the white blood cells whose activity in the upper respiratory tract can cause the congestion and other symptoms that we associate with colds. On the other hand, if what you're really craving is a spicy bowl of chili, indulge yourself. According to nutritionist, dietician and radio host Susan Mitchell, hot and spicy foods help open up the sinuses and reduce congestion [source: Cerino ].

How long should you wait to eat if you have a cold?

Colds aren't the result of being chilled, and eating raises body temperature only slightly for only about 20 to 30 minutes (which is why experts advise you to wait that long before sticking a thermometer under your tongue). But that anonymous sage got the most important thing right: Eating well is an important part of nursing a cold.

What is a cold, anyway?

The common cold and its symptoms -- scratchy throat, stuffed-up nose, coughing and sneezing --have bedeviled humans for ages. According to David Arthur John Tyrrell and Michael Fielder's 2002 book "Cold Wars: The Fight Against the Common Cold," the ancient Egyptians had hieroglyphic symbols for colds and coughing, and the ailment was described in detail by the Greek physician Hippocrates about 2,500 years ago.

What nutrients are needed for the immune system?

Your immune system needs calories, but the right nutrients are important, too. Protein helps your body to repair itself and fight infections. Anti-inflammatory chemicals called bioflavenoids -- found in many citrus fruits -- can help reduce the severity of cold symptoms. Foods rich in beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, which are found in many fruits and vegetables, can help reduce the cell damage that cold viruses cause [source: WebMD ]. Zinc is another important nutrient, since a deficiency can reduce production and activity of the white blood cells that attack and kill viruses.

What did the ancient Egyptians do to cure colds?

Over the centuries, people have tried all manner of cures. The Egyptians' painted their noses with lead sulfide ore, dry incense and honey, while the Greeks favored bloodletting, exercise and herbs, and the Romans recommended wine. The medieval Saxons and Normans, who thought colds were caused by evil spirits, uttered magical incantations. In the mid-18th century, Methodist church founder John Wesley advised cold sufferers to drink hot water mixed with oatmeal and honey, soak their feet in hot mustard baths and put orange rinds up their nostrils.

What is the saying "feed a cold, starve a fever"?

That advice is half of "feed a cold, starve a fever ," a folk maxim that dates back to at least the 1700s. It appears to be based on the ancient belief that cold symptoms were caused by a drop in bodily temperature and that stoking your internal furnace with fuel would restore health. Since then, cold sufferers have been consuming comfort foods to stave off symptoms -- often in such quantities that the practice became known as "stuffing" a cold. In fact, in 1901, the Chambers' Encyclopedia advised: "Some…maintain that a good dinner and a tumbler of whiskey or brandy toddy are the best specifics."

Does eating help with colds?

Conversely, a 2002 study by Dutch researchers found that eating actually stimulates the type of immune response that destroys the viruses that cause colds. Six hours after a meal, human subjects' levels of gamma interferon, a substance involved in the process by which T cells destroy cells invaded by pathogen, more than quadrupled. In contrast, a group who drank only water saw their gamma interferon levels drop slightly [source: van den Brink ].

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 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 is the best medicine for a fever?

These decrease inflammation and boost immunity, which may help to fight a fever. Some studies suggest that a flavonoid called quercetin, which is also found in berries, may help to treat rhinovirus infections. This virus is responsible for the majority of common colds.