The 15 Best Foods to Eat When You’re Sick
- Chicken soup. Chicken soup has been a go-to for sickness for generations — and for good reason. It’s an easy-to-eat...
- Broths. Like chicken soup, broths are excellent sources of fluid and electrolytes that can be helpful when you’re...
- Garlic. Garlic provides many health benefits and has been used in herbal medicine for...
What is the best food to eat when sick?
The 15 Best Foods to Eat When You’re Sick
- Chicken soup. Chicken soup has been a go-to for sickness for generations — and for good reason. ...
- Broths. Like chicken soup, broths are excellent sources of fluid and electrolytes that can be helpful when you’re sick.
- Garlic. ...
- Coconut water. ...
- Hot tea. ...
- Honey. ...
- Ginger. ...
- Spicy foods. ...
- Bananas. ...
- Oatmeal. ...
What fruit is best to eat when you are sick?
We’ve rounded up our very best recipes to cook and eat when you’re sick with winter colds ... Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, plenty of fibre and fermented foods, such as kimchi or sauerkraut is the best way to support your immune ...
What do you eat when your sick?
- Cod liver oil: 170% of the Daily Value (DV) per 1 tablespoon (13.6 grams)
- Herring: 27% of the DV per 100 grams
- Egg yolk: 27% of the DV per 100 grams
- Sardine: 24% of the DV per 100 grams
- Canned light tuna: 34% of the DV per 100 grams
- Salmon, wild-caught or farmed: 66% of the DV per 100 grams
- Fortified orange juice: 25% of the DV per 100 grams
What to eat when you feel sick?
While soup might be the number one meal you crave when you're sick, our favorite snack for when you're feeling under the weather is this Mango-Ginger Smoothie. This tasty snack has several soothing attributes that make it great for when you aren't feeling well.
What to eat when you're sick and have no appetite?
Some good choices of cold foods include Jell-O, ice cream, chilled fruits, yogurt, custard, and frozen ice pops. If your nausea makes it difficult to keep food down, simply sucking on an ice cube may help. This is also a good way to slowly replenish your fluids.
What should you not eat when sick?
Foods to avoid when you have the fluCaffeinated drinks and alcohol. Between elevated temperatures and increased sweating, dehydration is something to be cautious of when you have a fever. ... Greasy foods. ... Hard to digest grains. ... Sugary food or drinks.
What do you give a sick person?
A Sick Day Gift Box: Our Best PicksCandles (try these homemade beeswax candles)Fresh flowers, a succulent, or an air plant.Rose oil and rosewater spray.Vitamins.Juice.Throat-soothing candies.A jar or two of homemade soup.Some simple crackers.More items...•
Can you eat eggs when sick?
Yet you need protein to maintain your strength, whether you're sick or perfectly healthy. No worries! Fulfilling your protein quota is made easier with eggs, which are much easier to digest and cook. Eggs have zinc, a mineral found in many cold medicines and remedies.
What should a sick person eat for breakfast?
15 Best Foods to Eat When You Feel Sick, According to DietitiansOatmeal. “Oatmeal is my ultimate comfort food when I don't feel well,” says Taub-Dix. ... Topped baked potato. ... Green tea. ... Honey. ... Cereal. ... Smoothies. ... Nuts and seeds. ... Elderberry syrup.More items...•
How do you make a sick person feel better?
Check out these six ways to cheer up someone who is sick in these upcoming months.Listen first, then respond. The greatest thing you can do to comfort someone you love who isn't feeling well is simply to listen. ... Take on their to-do list. ... Bring food and drinks. ... Do something simple they love. ... Give them space.
How do you cheer up a sick person?
Ways To Cheer Someone Up When They're Not Feeling WellLet Them Know You're Thinking of Them. There's nothing worse than sitting in bed, bored and alone when you're sick. ... Make a Goodie Bag. ... Cook Dinner. ... Help With the House. ... Take the Kids for the Evening. ... Attend a Doctor Visit Together.
How do you comfort a sick person?
Physical and emotional touch can bring great comfort. Whenever it seems appropriate, give a hug or extend a hand, touch someone's arm, if they like, gently apply body cream or scented oil to the person's hands, arms or feet. For many people who are ill, they wonder whose body they are in.
What is the best diet for diarrhea?
2. BRAT foods. BRAT stands for: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are bland and gentle on the stomach. The diet is rich in starch and contains little fiber, which can have a binding effect on loose stools and speed up recovery from diarrhea.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
What to eat when your gut is sick?
Here’s what to eat and drink when your gut is sick: Anything on the BRAT diet. Mom was right. Eat a diet that follows the acronym, BRAT – bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Most people suffering from diarrhea can tolerate a few of these simple foods. Bland foods.
What to eat if you're having a hard time drinking?
Try foods like ice cream, popsicles, Jell-O and pudding. Fruit. Fresh fruit contains many important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that your body needs – even when you’re not sick!
What is the process of food moving through your body?
Diarrhea is when food is moving too quickly through your body. You’ll want to focus on eating foods that can slow that process down, which means choosing foods that contain soluble fiber. This type of fiber acts as a thickening agent and adds form to the stool to help slow it down.
How to get rid of nausea from eating ginger?
Dry foods. Try nibbling on a few pieces of dry foods every couple of hours when you’re battling nausea.
What to eat when you're pregnant?
Try pretzels, dry cereal, toast or plain crackers like saltines. Cold foods & foods with little odor. Because smells can trigger nausea (especially in pregnancy), cold foods might be a good choice. Try Jell-O, ice cream, frozen fruit, yogurt or popsicles. Even sucking on an ice cube is a good way to replenish fluids.
What to eat when you have a swollen thigh?
But bland doesn’t mean you can’t add protein or veggies into the mix if you’re feeling up for it! Try eating rice and baked chicken breast or cheese and crackers.
What to do when you get the flu?
Instead, stock up on food now to have on hand in case you or someone in your house gets sick. Canned soup.
What to eat when sick?
Let’s find out what is good to eat when you are sick. 10. Hot Tea. Some of the best comfort food when sick is the simplest kind of food. The first few items in our list fit that category perfectly, including tried-and-true hot tea. Used for millennia as a soothing drink, tea acts as a natural decongestant.
What is the number one comfort food when you're sick?
And the number one comfort food for when you’re sick? No surprise from us: it’s chicken soup. You can read all about why chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food when sick. But we’ll stick with the summary here.
What is the best food for an upset stomach?
Ginger. Ginger is a natural treatment for upset stomachs. So comfort foods featuring ginger can provide extra solace for women suffering morning sickness or for people going through cancer treatments. Ginger acts like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals, but it does it all by its natural self.
What is a BRAT diet?
You may have heard a healthcare provider (or maybe even Mom) talk about the BRAT diet. That’s short for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast – all carbohydrate-rich, easy-to-stomach, and easy-to-digest foods. Bananas pack a lot of nutrients and healthy calories into a not-too-sweet package.
What is the best tea for colds?
Hibiscus and Echinacea teas also have been shown to shorten the length of cold and flu symptoms. Tea is a soothing drink on a hectic day or a cozy treat to curl up with near a fire—and hot tea starts off our list of what is good to eat when you are sick.
Is garlic a good antiviral?
A medicinal herb, garlic is antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal (dare we say with anti-vampire properties, too?). This wonder bulb stimulates the immune system and has been proven to help fight sick days and ward them off, too.
Does oatmeal help with inflammation?
Its fiber (specifically beta-glucan) helps improve blood sugar control and reduces inflammation in the gut. You can get the benefits of oatmeal cooked traditionally, as well as an ingredient in other recipes. To keep your focus on health benefits, replace sugary sweeteners with honey or fruit.
Why do people need to be fed?
Why does a person need help being fed? A person may need to be fed or have help during mealtimes if he has certain health problems. These may include injury or surgery on an arm or hand, blindness, or a stroke.
How to teach a child to eat?
Feeding devices, such as special spoons or a syringe. Feed the person: Sit in a chair close to the person. Tell him what food is on the plate. Describe how it is prepared if he has vision problems. Ask the person which food he wants to eat first.
How to make a kid hungry?
Ask him if he would like to listen to his favorite music. Arrange for a family member or friend to visit with him during his meal. Give him 5 to 6 small meals during the day instead of 3 big meals. Offer him healthy snacks, such as fruit or cheese, if he gets hungry between meals.
How to help a baby sleepy?
Wash the person's hands or help him wash his hands if needed. Help him sit upright as much as possible. If allowed, help him into a chair or raise the head of the bed. Put pillows behind his back for comfort and support. Place items needed for feeding within easy reach: Over-bed table. Meal tray.
How to test how much food a person can swallow?
You may want to test how much the person can swallow by first giving him a small amount of water with a spoon. Put a small amount of food on the tip of the spoon. If he tends to choke, add a little water or other liquid on the spoon. This will help him swallow the food. Allow the person to eat at his own pace.
How to stop a dog from eating?
Allow the person to eat at his own pace. Give him time to chew his food completely. Watch his throat to make sure he has swallowed all of his food. Ask if he is ready for more food before you feed it to him. Stop feeding the person if he tells or shows you he has had enough.
Why does the amount of food a person eat change?
The amount of food a person eats may change if he needs to stay in bed most of the time. He may need to eat smaller meals more often. He may need to eat when he takes certain medicines. He may also need to follow a special diet if he has certain medical conditions.
Why is it important to eat healthy when a senior is sick?
When a senior is sick or recovering from an injury, it's important for them to eat a healthy diet. Getting enough calories from nutritious foods can help their recovery. It will help their bodies heal and give them the mental and physical energy they need. "The most important thing is to ensure that their immune system is working ...
What to feed elderly people to heal wounds?
When feeding your loved one, choose foods with nutrients that help healing. Foods rich in vitamin C and zinc are particularly helpful for seniors recovering from any type of skin wound, Glick says. Vitamin C. Because supermarket juices can lose their vitamin C content, she recommends whole citrus fruits.
How many calories should an older adult eat?
How many calories should they be eating? Dietitians figure out how many calories an older adult needs by converting their weight in pounds to kilograms (divide weight in pounds by 2.2), then planning on 25 to 35 calories per kilogram.
What minerals are good for seniors?
Zinc. This mineral is found in fortified breakfast cereal, beef, crab and other shellfish, and chicken. Vitamin D . Found in milk, salmon, and tuna, vitamin D may also help seniors as they recover. According to studies, having enough vitamin D can mean a lower risk of falls and fractures with falls.
What fruits are good for vitamin C?
Try tangerines, juice squeezed at home, or homemade smoothies that include vitamin C-rich fruits such as strawberries. Zinc. This mineral is found in fortified breakfast cereal, beef, crab and other shellfish, and chicken.
How to help elderly people heal?
6 Tips to Help Your Senior as They Heal. 1. Don’t assume they’ll eat when hungry. Even when they're feeling well, many seniors don't have a great appetite. As we get older, we lose taste buds, making some foods taste blander. Sometimes dental problems can also limit what we can chew.
What to do if your elderly parent isn't able to get up?
If your senior isn't able to get up and around, keep a water bottle by their bed or favorite chair. Water-rich fruits such as watermelon and broth soups can also help ward off dehydration. 6. Get help. If your loved one loses 5% or more of her body weight, talk to her doctor, Lyles says.
What is the best drink to drink when you're sick?
Here are the 14 best foods and drinks for when you’re feeling nauseous. 1. Ginger.
What is the best food for nausea?
Bananas are a good source of energy and vitamins when you’re nauseous and can help replace potassium lost due to vomiting or diarrhea. 9. Applesauce. Applesauce is a popular food for people with nausea or diarrhea. In fact, it’s part of the BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.
How to stop nausea from eating?
Besides consuming certain foods and beverages, you can take other steps to relieve your nausea ( 12#N#Trusted Source#N#): 1 Eat something small every 1–2 hours: Avoid skipping meals, as an empty stomach can worsen nausea. 2 Eat and drink slowly and in small amounts: This allows you to relax during meals and take time to enjoy your food. You may also want to avoid consuming liquids and solids at the same time. 3 Do not lie flat after eating: Avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after eating, as this can put pressure on your stomach, making nausea worse. 4 Avoid food preparation: The smell while cooking and preparing food can worsen nausea. If possible, avoid or shorten the time spent in the kitchen. 5 Keep your mouth clean: Nausea and vomiting can leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth, which may prevent you from eating. Rinse and brush your teeth regularly and use sugar-free mints to keep feeling fresh.
What is it like to have nausea?
Nausea is a very unpleasant sensation that can make it difficult to eat, drink and keep down food. Those experiencing it seem to tolerate certain foods better than others, including bland rice, pasta, potatoes, salty crackers and cold foods.
What to drink when you're nauseous?
It’s important to stay hydrated, especially when you’re ill. Clear, cold beverages like water, oral rehydration solutions, iced tea, juice, sports drinks and coconut water can be sipped throughout the day when you’re nauseous. 3–5. Crackers, Pretzels and Toast.
Can you drink cold water while vomiting?
Very sweet, caffeinated or dairy-based beverages may worsen your nausea, so it may be best to avoid them. You may tolera te sipping cold drinks throughout the day better than drinking a lot at once, especially if you have been vomiting. Summary. It’s important to stay hydrated, especially when you’re ill.
Can you eat noodles cold?
Alternatively, potatoes can be boiled, steamed, baked or mashed with a little butter and milk for extra calories. Finally, noodles can be boiled and eaten plain. They can also be added to a light broth or sauce to increase your fluid intake.
What to eat when someone has impaired vision?
Biscuits and gravy. Oatmeal with banana. Peanut butter and jelly on white bread. You can also make meals more tempting by using colorful foods with different textures, separated on a plate to increase the visual appeal. This is especially helpful if your loved one has impaired vision.
How to treat constipation and nausea?
To treat constipation, ensure that your loved one is properly hydrated and speak with your doctor about the appropriate treatment options, including laxatives and fiber supplements. 2 .
How to increase caloric intake?
One of the easiest and most effective ways of increasing a loved one's caloric intake is to offer a smaller meal every couple of hours several times a day, ideally five to six. Often, people struggling with an appetite will dread the prospect of sitting down for a big meal they know they can't eat.
What to do when you lose appetite?
If the loss of appetite is severe, don't worry so much about feeding your loved one the "right" diet. Instead, find the foods that whet the appetite, even if it's just dessert or a plate of mashed potatoes. You can even bolster calories by serving the dessert à la mode or pouring gravy with meat bits over the potatoes.
What are Words of Encouragement?
Words of encouragement are sweet and kind phrases that uplift and inspire a person to continue their efforts in trying to get better. You can leave them as a note on the nightstand, send a text message with encouraging words of wisdom or simply speak them to the person you care about.
Final Thoughts on Words of Encouragement for Comforting a Sick Person
Words of encouragement for a sick person can help immensely in their physical and mental recovery. Just hearing someone say that they care about you, believe in your ability to heal, or that life will get better is often enough to improve someone’s mood during their illness .
