what to feed someone when they have the flu

What is the best diet for a sick person?

You may remember Mom’s long-ago advice that when you’re sick, you should follow the BRAT Diet, which stands for bananas, (white) rice, apples and toast – low-fiber foods that will soothe your stomach.

How to beat the flu?

A healthy diet can boost your immune system. The misery of the flu will have anyone scrounging the internet for home remedies. Maybe some chicken soup and hot tea are just what you need to beat the virus into submission.

What to do when you're sick and can't stand salad?

If you can’t stand the idea of scarfing a salad while sick, add a leafy green to your chicken soup or other cozy stew to reap the benefits in a slightly more flu-friendly form.

What are the three foods that are associated with the immune system?

Ginger, cayenne and turmeric are associated with a number of cozy, comforting foods, too, and each has various health properties. “Among a variety of different cultures, they’re a big part of our immune repertoire,” Dr. Vyas says.

What are some good foods to eat to reduce bloating?

Processed meats like hot dogs and bacon. Red meat. Sugar and desserts. Processed, fried and fast foods. White or refined breads and grains. It might seem overwhelming to make big changes to your diet, but you don’t have to overhaul everything right away. Start making changes in your diet gradually.

How to help your immune system?

Follow an anti-inflammatory diet. The typical American diet is full of foods that produce inflammation. And when the body has too much inflammation, the immune system struggles. Lower inflammation and help your immune system by changing the type of fats you eat. Advertising Policy.

What is the Mediterranean diet?

“I’m a big fan of the Mediterranean diet,” says Dr. Calabrese. “It’s a great diet for immune health.”. Advertising Policy. The Mediterranean diet refers to traditional eating patterns of people who live near the Mediterranean Sea.

How to keep the flu from spreading?

Avoiding contact with other people can help keep the flu from spreading.

What is the best vitamin for the immune system?

Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C help support the immune system. Those with the highest levels of vitamin C include:

Why are leafy greens good for you?

Leafy green vegetables may also have antibacterial properties and anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, eating leafy greens may help the body heal from the flu. Leafy greens can be an easy addition to soups or stews.

What is the term for an infection with an influenza virus?

The flu is a collective term that refers to infection with an influenza virus.

What is the best drink to help with nausea?

Hot water with honey, lemon, and ginger: The ginger in this soothing drink may reduce nausea.

What are some substitutes for live bacteria?

Other fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, kombucha, and plant-based yogurts, are excellent substitutes that also contain live bacteria.

Which fruits and vegetables have flavonoids?

grapefruit. kiwifruit. Many fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C are also excellent sources of flavonoids, which are compounds that can provide a wide range of health benefits. For example, flavonoids may help reduce the risk.

What foods help fight the flu?

Your body uses it to build strength and keep what you already have. Lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, and seeds are good sources.

What foods help the immune system?

Minerals like selenium and zinc also keep your immune system going strong. These minerals are found in protein -rich foods like beans, nuts, meat, and poultry.

What Other Nutrients Fight Infection?

You’ll find this powerful antioxidant in the red, pulpy area of a watermelon near the rind. It’s also in kale, collard greens, broccoli, and cabbage.

How to get rid of a swollen throat?

Warm decaf tea with honey can coat and soothe your throat. Warm drinks are better than cold ones for opening congested airways. Bland foods -- like toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce -- are good. Experts say you can go back to a normal diet within 24 hours if you feel like it.

How to keep your tummy from getting upset?

If your tummy is upset or if you have diarrhea, stick with bland foods. Sip clear drinks to keep your fluids up. You can try chipped ice, juices, sports drinks , ginger ale , clear broths , gelatin, and ice pops. Start with small amounts, like 4 to 8 ounces at a time for adults and 1 ounce or less at a time for children.

Can you eat dairy if you are hungry?

Any food or beverage is fine if you're hungry or thirsty. Dairy products make some people produce more mucus. If this happens to you, avoid dairy for a few days. They may also make nausea and vomiting worse.

Do Flavonoids Help?

Flavonoids include about 4,000 compounds that are responsible for the colors of fruits and flowers. Research shows that flavonoids found in the soft white skin of citrus fruits -- like grapefruit, oranges, lemons, and limes -- may boost your immune system. Many other fruits have anti-inflammatory properties, too.

What to eat when you have the stomach flu?

Remember this acronym when recovering from a bout of stomach flu: BRAT: banana, rice, applesauce, toast. Plain pasta noodles and plain potatoes are excellent options as well. These are very easy to digest foods that will provide you with some electrolytes like potassium, easy to digest carbohydrates and a small amount of protein. Avoid foods that are spicy, fatty, fibrous (such as raw vegetables, coarse grains and meats), and avoid dairy products.”

What fruit should I eat to avoid the flu?

Thus, Dr. Oz recommends water-heavy fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe or any other melon. “Any GI distress or fever is going to cause dehydration. Melons are also a good source of vitamin C,” he says.

What are some good foods to eat to get zinc?

8. Trail mix: Nuts and seeds are high in zinc, especially cashews, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds. “I like the idea of mixing those three together and eating them like a trail mix,” Crupain says. You can also sprinkle them into oatmeal or add a handful to yogurt.

What is the best medicine for nausea?

18. Ginger: This, says wellness/nutrition expert Dr. Olivia Audrey, helps with nausea as well as powerful phytochemicals that reduce inflammation. Rebecca Shenkman, director of the MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education at Villanova University says to “try putting a few slices of raw ginger root in boiling water if you experience nausea or vomiting when you have the flu.”

Does garlic help with flu?

Thus, it can help you to heal from the flu and the bad breath it gives off will also prevent people from wanting to get too close and catch what you have. “Many cultures make tea with raw garlic at the first signs of flu,” says Ascher. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.

Can you eat when you have the flu?

But loading up on certain nutrients while battling the flu is essential. Here are 25 foods to eat when you have the flu.

Does oatmeal help with immune system?

Certain types of oatmeal are fortified with vitamin D, which helps activate immune cells. Adding milk also provides some vitamin D, and if you top off your oatmeal with your favorite berries, you will add antioxidants. Crupain notes that as oatmeal is prepared with water, it will also provide some hydration benefits.

What to eat when recovering from the flu?

Since you may not feel up to making and eating a salad while you recover from the flu, try a glass of low-sodium vegetable juice instead. You'll load up on antioxidants that boost the immune system, your body's defense against germs.

What is the best food to eat when you have a stomach problem?

Toast or crackers are convenient foods when you're fighting illness. They pair well with chicken noodle soup, and their satisfying crunch can take the edge off hunger when your stomach can’t handle much.

How to get rid of a stuffy nose?

Drink green, oolong, and black tea to take in some antioxidants. Breathe in the steam to help clear your stuffy nose. Add a spoonful of honey and a squeeze of lemon to soothe your sore throat. If caffeine bothers you, try decaf or herbal versions instead.

What are some good ways to soothe a sore throat?

Ice Pops. They can soothe your throat when it's sore, swollen, or dry. They also keep you hydrated, which is key when you fight the flu. Getting enough fluids keeps your mucus thin and eases congestion. Look for ice pops made from 100% fruit juice to make sure you get nutrients and not sugar water. You can also make your own frozen juice bars.

Does chicken soup help with nose?

Chicken Soup. It helps you get the fluids you need and it's nourishing, too. Some scientific evidence suggests that it may help with healing. Hot chicken soup may also improve the way tiny hair-like parts in the passages of your nose protect your body from bacteria and viruses, but more research is needed. 5 / 11.

Is turkey sandwich healthy?

Turkey Sandwich. It has lean protein, a key part of a healthy diet. And although you may not feel like it, eating helps give your body energy to fight illness. Add cranberry sauce for a spike of flavor and comfort-food taste. 3 / 11.

Can you add ginger ale to food?

Some studies suggest it fights inflammation, too. You can add it to other foods, either freshly grated or as a powder. Another option: Have a drink of flat ginger ale. 7 / 11.

What foods can help with nausea and vomiting?

Bland foods can help treat symptoms of nausea and vomiting that can occur with the flu. Bland foods are soft, low in fiber, and not spicy. These foods are easily digested and well-tolerated while still providing your body with necessary carbohydrates for energy. Examples include:

How to get your immune system to work?

Eating the right foods and avoiding things like alcohol and added sugars may help you feel better sooner and may support your immune system.

What else can I do to feel better?

The best way to treat the flu is to prevent it. Flu vaccines are an essential part of this prevention. To help prevent or reduce flu symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months gets vaccinated by the end of October. When it comes to COVID-19, the CDC recommends everyone over 12 years be vaccinated. Other tips for preventing the flu include:

What is the best way to hydrate your body?

Drinking plenty of water is best, but other fluids like broth, tea, and low-sugar electrolyte drinks can also help. Some foods can also help with hydration, such as celery, watermelon, cabbage, and cooked squash.

Can probiotics be taken as a supplement?

Probiotics can be taken as a supplement — though these aren’t rigor ously monitored for quality. They are also found in fermented beverages such as kombucha and foods like yogurt with live and active cultures, miso, and kimchi.

Does broth help with the flu?

Broth has many benefits for people with the flu. It helps keep you hydrated and warm broth can also help soothe a sore throat and relieve congestion.

Is it bad to drink fluids with the flu?

Dehydration is common while having the flu and can be dangerous if not treated. Drinking enough fluids can help improve symptoms of congestion by releasing mucus from your nose, especially when the fluids are warm. It’s important to start drinking plenty of fluids at the first signs and symptoms of illness.

What foods help you recover from the flu?

It’s rich in protein and vitamin B too, which may also help you recover fully from the flu. Other good sources of zinc are oysters and shrimp, although shellfish may not be as appetizing—or as easy to get—when you’re home sick. RELATED: 8 Hearty Beef Stews.

What to drink when you have the flu?

Electrolyte beverages. “Staying hydrated is the most important thing when you have the flu, especially if you’re running a fever and sweating, or you’re having trouble keeping food down,” says Denver-based nutritionist Jessica Crandall, RDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

What to eat when sick?

Beef. Beef stew with carro ts in blue bowl. Credit: OlgaMiltsova/Getty Images. Another nutrient you want to get plenty of while you’re sick is zinc: Studies show that the mineral helps fight infection by regulating the immune system and that taking zinc supplements may reduce the duration of the common cold.

What to do when you have the flu?

Making sure you’re drinking water is the simplest solution, she says, but adding an electrolyte-rich sports drink or coconut water to your rotation can help guarantee you’re rep lenishing sodium and potass ium as well as fluids.

Does orange juice help with colds?

You can also drink your antioxidants: Orange juice is a good source of vitamin C, which some studies suggest may help lessen the duration of colds and flu. But taking in too much might actually make you feel worse: “Your body can only absorb so much vitamin C at once, and if you have too much it can cause gastrointestinal issues,” says Crandall.

Does ginger help with nausea?

Foods or drinks made with ginger may also relieve stomach problems associated with the flu, says Zelig. Research suggests the root is anti-inflammatory and is effective against nausea —although most studies have involved motion sickness or pregnancy, not the flu.

How do you get the flu?

by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often a person might also get flu by touching a

How to avoid germs?

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

Can you recover from the flu at home?

Most people have been able to recover at home from flu without needing medical care. However, the flu can be more serious for some people.

Does the flu like symptoms return?

Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Is the flu a contagious illness?

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness

Should people with flu-like illness stay at home?

People with flu-like illness should stay at home

Is the flu serious?

The flu can be serious for some Know the symptoms

What foods can you eat to get rid of stomach flu?

tofu. lean meats, such as skinless chicken or fish. bland, cooked vegetables, such as: beets. beans. spinach. carrots. If cooking these foods, a person should be careful when frying them in fats such as butter or oil, as this can worsen stomach flu symptoms. An alternative way to cook them is by boiling them.

How to get better with stomach flu?

Other ways to feel better. To help treat stomach flu, a person should try to concentrate on consuming fluids to avoid dehydration. However, there are some other methods that may help. The sections below will look at these in more detail.

How to rehydrate your body after stomach flu?

Oral rehydration solutions, which contain glucose and electrolytes, are another good way of rehydrating the body if it has lost liquids due to stomach flu. at home, boil 1 liter of water, add half a small spoon of salt and six level small spoons of sugar, and dissolve.

What is bland diet?

According to one article. Trusted Source. , a bland diet consists of easily digestible foods that do not put a strain on the stomach. They recommend following a bland diet for or following stomach flu and several other conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract. A bland diet can include: low fat dairy products.

What is the cause of stomach flu?

Doctors refer to stomach flu as viral gastroenteritis. Norovirus is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis.

What is the best drink to drink to prevent dehydration?

To help prevent dehydration, older children and adults can drink sports drinks such as Gatorade.

How to include liquids in the diet that give more flavor?

A great way to include liquids in the diet that give more flavor is to consume healthy teas.