14 Foods to Eat When You Have a Cold
- Chamomile tea. Chamomile consumption has been tied to an increase in antibacterial activity in the body. But its real...
- Turmeric. Curcumin, the natural compound in turmeric responsible for its vibrant color, is a potent anti-inflammatory...
- Dried tart cherries. The high antioxidant content in dried tart cherries is tied to a...
What are the best foods to eat when you have colds?
We've compiled the best foods to eat when you have a case of the sniffles or a full-blown cold. You'll find vitamin-rich ingredients, soothing chicken soups and garlic-packed meals for congestion relief.
What to eat when you have the flu?
Still, it’s all about eating the right foods for your condition. Consider eating the following foods when you have the flu. 1. Broth. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or vegetable, broth is one of the best things you can eat when you have the flu.
What are the best foods to eat when you're under the weather?
Feeling under the weather? We've compiled the best foods to eat when you have a case of the sniffles or a full-blown cold. You'll find vitamin-rich ingredients, soothing chicken soups and garlic-packed meals for congestion relief.
What are the best foods to eat when sick?
Anthocyanins make berries excellent foods to eat when sick because they have strong anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immune-boosting effects. Several animal and test-tube studies have shown that fruit extracts high in anthocyanins can prevent common viruses and bacteria from attaching to cells.
What are some good foods to help with inflammation?
Walnuts. In addition to being one of the top anti-inflammatory foods, walnuts contain several nutrients that play a role in supporting the immune system, including vitamins E and B6, copper, and folate. Walnuts have also been shown in research to reduce psychological stress.
What is the best food for the digestive system?
Bananas. Bananas are one of the easiest foods on the digestive system and remain one of the few appealing foods when appetite is diminished due to illness. They also raise blood sugar and provide energy while delivering key nutrients that help support the immune system, including vitamins C and B6, copper, and folate.
Why is soup good for your nose?
That’s important, because catching a cold triggers an inflammatory response in your upper respiratory tract, which contributes to symptoms like a stuffy nose.
How to get rid of cough and congestion?
Capsaicin, the compound that gives spicy peppers their heat, may also help suppress a cough. Add a pinch of ground cayenne to your tea, soup, or broth.
What to do if you don't eat chicken broth?
If you don’t eat chicken, opt for vegetable broth, flavored with add-ins like garlic, ginger, cayenne, turmeric, and black pepper.
Can you get better from a cold?
When you’re sick, especially with a cold or the flu, sometimes food can be a real turnoff. But the right foods and beverages can offer relief—either from the symptoms of a cold or to help strengthen your immune system—so you can get better faster. Here are 14 cold-fighting foods to focus on, and simple ways to incorporate them when you’re under ...
Can food help with colds?
Here are 14 cold-fighting foods to focus on, and simple ways to incorporate them when you’re under the weather. Some may even help your immune system fend off a cold, or reduce its severity or length. So stock up!
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
What is the best medicine for colds?
Tea is a favorite remedy for many symptoms associated with colds and the flu.
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.
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#).
Does dairy make your mucus thicker?
Trusted Source. ). However, some people have reported that dairy intake thickens their mucus secretions, which can be compounded when you’re sick. If you feel that dairy products make your congestion worse, try other fermented foods containing probiotics (like kombucha) or a probiotic supplement instead.
What fruits can you eat to help with the flu?
Consider snacking on vitamin C–rich fruits while you have the flu. Some fruits high in vitamin C include strawberries, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. 6. Leafy greens . Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens can also help boost your immune system when you have the flu.
How to boost immune system?
Consider combining leafy greens with fruit in a smoothie, or eat them raw with a drizzle of lemon and olive oil. It’s best to eat these immune-boosting foods throughout the duration of your illness.
What is the best drink to drink to detox your body?
When it comes to hydrating beverages, water still ranks number one. It also acts as a natural detox for your body. If you aren’t a fan of water or are looking for something with more flavor, you can also drink: 1 broth 2 ginger tea 3 herbal tea with honey 4 honey and lemon tea (mix equal parts with hot water) 5 100 percent juices (look for products without added sugars)
What is the purpose of food in the body?
Food is what gives your body the energy and nutrients it needs to function . Such effects are equally vital when you have the flu. Still, it’s all about eating the right foods for your condition.
Why are fluids important?
Not only are fluids important for your body functions in general, but they can also help break up congestion and stave off infections.
When should I eat broccoli?
Consider eating broccoli when your appetite returns toward the middle or end of the flu. You can also eat broccoli soup; just remember to check the sodium content.
Can you eat when you have the flu?
When you or a loved one has the flu, the last thing you may feel like doing is eating. It’s certainly okay to eat a little less with the flu, as you likely have a reduced appetite. Still, you’ll need to eat small amounts of the right foods to provide you with energy and nutrients while you recover.
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 is the best food for a fever?
Chicken Soup. "A staple food for anyone who has a fever, chicken soup clears our nasal passages (by thinning mucous) when we have congestion, helps us keep warm when we have the shivers and offers some amino acids that help fight the flu ," Dr. Jose says. Advertisement.
What is the best food to soothe a sore throat?
Plus, a warm cup of chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food, as it'll help to soothe a sore throat, Largeman-Roth adds.
What are the nutrients that are needed for the immune system?
Largeman-Roth agrees: " Protein-rich foods like beans, nuts, lean meat and poultry contain the minerals selenium and zinc, which are vital for a healthy immune system," she says. Eggs — which also contain vitamin D (a micronutrient essential for immune function) — are another abundant source of protein.
What to put on a spice rack for fever?
Herbs and Spices. Surprisingly, your spice rack may house a number of natural fever remedies and immune-boosters. Garlic, for example, contains allicin, which is an antibacterial compound that can help reduce inflammation and possibly fight a fever, Dr. Jose says.
What is the best way to kick a fever?
A bowl of Greek yogurt topped with fruit is packed with immune-supportive nutrients that can help you kick a fever.
What to do when you have a fever and you are burning up?
If you're burning up with fever, beware of the following foods that might restrict your recovery. 1. Alcohol, soda and caffeinated drinks: Steer clear of these beverages, since they can cause dehydration, Dr. Jose says. Remember, your body needs plenty of hydrating fluids to fight off an infection.
Can you eat bananas with a fever?
But keep in mind that some fruits, especially those with seeds and skin, have lots of fiber and may be hard to digest when you have a fever (since your digestive system probably isn't in its best shape), she says. Stomach-friendly bananas and avocado are good options since they're less likely to cause any gastrointestinal discomfort.
