A wise meal choice can be your best defence against the flu’s unwanted hold throughout the chilly season. In this guide, we’ll examine the art of “what to eat in cold and what to avoid,” preparing you with the knowledge you need to boost your defences and reduce symptoms. You’ll learn how to recover more quickly as we delve into the world of nutrition during flu season and demystify the age-old dilemma of what to eat when the flu or cold strikes.
What are the Common Flu Symptoms?
The flu may initially appear as a cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. Fever is one of the typical flu symptoms; however, it is not always accompanied by chills, sweats and achy muscles.
Additional signs include:
- Headache
- Dry, persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness and weakness
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Eye pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Food for Flu: What to Eat and What to Avoid?
Certain foods can help boost your immune system and reduce viral symptoms, even if they can’t completely treat the flu. Your body’s defences against illnesses, such as the flu, are strengthened by a proper diet. The following are some ways that eating certain things can help you fight the flu:
What to Eat?
- Chicken Soup
The typical ingredients of chicken soup may work together to fight inflammation and lessen inflammatory reactions in the body. Therefore, chicken soup may relieve various upper respiratory symptoms and aid in clearing out nasal and airway congestion. Other soups, such as vegetarian or vegan selections, can have comparable outcomes.
- Oatmeal
The oatmeal is a fantastic source of fibre, filling and simple to prepare. In fact, the prebiotic fibre in oats can aid in feeding the body’s beneficial microorganisms. Also, bananas can add additional fibre and nutrients present in oatmeal, including potassium-rich vitamins. This may be especially helpful for someone experiencing flu-like symptoms because vomiting, diarrhoea and fever can all cause potassium and other electrolytes to be lost from the body.
- Garlic
Garlic is an excellent option if you want to add flavour to dishes like soup. It helps you catch fewer colds because it enhances the immune system. However, larger and better investigations are required to find out the extent of its benefits.
- Ginger
Your nausea and stomachache may be lessened by the use of ginger. According to research, it also combats inflammation. It can be powdered or freshly grated and added to other meals. Alternatively, you may sip on some flat ginger ale for relief.
What to Avoid?
The following meals and beverages may hinder the flu recovery process:
- Alcohol: The consumption of alcohol leads to dehydration and it weakens the immune system.
- Processed foods: These contain a lot of salt and sugar, which can cause the body to become dehydrated, resulting in inflammation.
- Greasy foods: Foods that are greasy can cause the digestion process to take longer than usual.
- Dairy: Lactose, a substance found in dairy, can be challenging to digest. Dairy should be avoided until flu symptoms subside for anyone who feels queasy after consuming it.
- Rough-edged food: Crispy meals like crackers can scratch the throat and worsen soreness.
Conclusion
While consuming these foods can help with the flu, it’s crucial to remember that they shouldn’t replace medical care. Also, proper rest, hydration and seeking medical advice if symptoms worsen or continue are paramount. In addition, each person’s reaction to food can differ, so it’s essential to consider their dietary demands and tolerances. Always seek individualised guidance from a healthcare professional, especially if you have dietary limitations or medical concerns.
