What can you eat when you have the flu? It’s not uncommon to feel weak and unwell with the flu, especially when you’re in bed with high fever and muscle aches. While it may seem like eating anything at all during this time could be out of the question, certain foods can actually help boost your immune system and help you start feeling better faster. These foods can also help prevent dehydration, which is one of the major reasons people feel so ill with the flu in the first place. Here are five foods to eat when you have the flu.
Start with chicken soup
What should you eat when you have a cold or flu? If there’s one thing that many doctors recommend, it’s chicken soup. The hot liquid can ease symptoms of congestion by loosening mucus and thinning secretions in your throat and nose, which makes it easier to breathe. Chicken also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling in your nose and throat. Opt for homemade rather than canned or powdered soups—the latter often contains ingredients (like MSG) that might actually worsen your congestion. And steer clear of fatty foods like chips, fries and fried chicken; they may taste good when you’re sick but they won’t help improve symptoms.
Eat watery fruits and vegetables
Not only do watery fruits and vegetables help you rehydrate, but they also offer up a host of vitamins that can help boost your immune system. Plus, they are easy to digest, so you won’t be lying on your deathbed with a bottle of Pepto Bismol in one hand and a bag of pork rinds in another. Watermelon, grapefruit and cantaloupe all make great post-flu meals. Not interested in eating right now? Infused drinks also work well when you’re sick as your stomach doesn’t have to work very hard to process their sugars; just avoid syrupy concoctions like Coca Cola (you probably have high blood pressure anyway).
Yogurt is full of protein
Yogurt is often used as a hangover cure, since it’s packed with protein. If you haven’t eaten all day or are still dealing with a loss of appetite, your body needs protein to help build tissue and fight off illness. Yogurt is an excellent option for getting those nutrients. On its own, it doesn’t have enough calories to be considered anything more than a snack—but adding fruit and granola makes it easy to create a nutrient-packed breakfast that helps you feel better. If you aren’t feeling well enough to cook, yogurt can also be mixed into shakes or smoothies as an easy way to get essential nutrients without having to worry about getting food down.
Bananas are easy on digestion
Bananas are easily digested, which means they won’t add to your symptoms. Bananas contain antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium and potassium that aid in digestion. They also have a lot of fiber, which will help keep you regular (and out of trouble). Bananas have been shown to relieve gas, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. In addition to their digestion-friendly nutrients, bananas are also loaded with vitamin C and manganese. While most people don’t know it, vitamin C plays an important role in preventing and fighting off colds.
Peppermint tea, please!
While you may want to treat your stomach cramps and other flu symptoms with a glass of water, there’s no denying that peppermint tea can help. Peppermint has long been thought to have soothing effects on nausea, diarrhea, indigestion and general pain. Just make sure you don’t have an allergy to peppermint before drinking it, as allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. Because of its oil content, peppermint should not be consumed by children under 4 years old without medical supervision. And if you go for a green tea-peppermint combo, opt for whole leaves rather than processed or powdered varieties.
Drink lots of fluids
Corona virus is much easier to get rid of if you replenish your body with plenty of fluids. Drinking enough water can help you flush out toxins quickly, giving your immune system a strong fighting chance against whatever bug has invaded your body. If you don’t feel like gulping down plain H2O, squeeze in a little lemon or lime to add some flavor and still provide some vitamin C and antioxidants. And keep in mind that while carbonated drinks may sound appealing when you’re suffering from flu-like symptoms, they’re more likely to make nausea worse. Go for non-carbonated drinks instead: coconut water, vegetable juice, and fruit juice are all good options.
Feed Your Cold, Starve Your Flu
Most colds aren’t caused by viruses, but bacteria and other germs. Antibiotics can help fight these kinds of infections. (Colds are mainly caused by a virus called rhinovirus.) So when you’re suffering from symptoms like runny nose, stuffy nose, cough and sneezing—and perhaps fever or body aches—get checked out by your doctor to see if antibiotics are right for you. But don’t wait too long before seeing a doctor; if you have a bacterial infection, it could spread to your ears or sinuses and lead to something more serious.
Get plenty of rest
The flu, like other cold viruses, wreaks havoc on your immune system, which is one reason why it’s so dangerous. While you’re sick, get plenty of rest and try to stay away from people who aren’t sick. The virus can spread quite easily if you don’t take precautions (like covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough). Drinking plenty of fluids will also help flush out excess mucus and keep you hydrated while fighting off a cold. And remember to get enough sleep—sleep deprivation can make a flu infection worse.
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