When you’re feeling under the weather and suspect you may have the flu, a good diet can help you get back on track faster. Even if your medicine cabinet is well stocked with enough over the counter cold and flu medicine to get you through the week, eating healthy, gut cleansing foods can make all the difference when it comes to your recovery time and everyday well-being. The next time you come down with the flu, here’s what you should eat and drink that may help you get better faster – and which foods and drinks you should avoid.
Consume Plenty of Liquids, Hot Broths and Soothing Soups
If your mom ever told you to eat chicken noodle soup when you weren’t feeling well, she may have been on to something! Staying hydrating and consuming plenty of warm, calming liquids when you’re sick can help your digestion, soothe your throat and settle your stomach. If you pack your soups and broths full of superfoods for immune system, you can get twice the bang for your buck! Additionally, liquid-based foods such as soups or light stews can be a great alternative to heavier cooked meals when your stomach is feeling extra sensitive. While you’re in recovery from the flu, make sure to keep hydrated with:
- Hot herbal tea
- Water
- Vegetable broth
- Chicken noodle soup
Pile Your Plate High With Nourishing Produce
Instead of popping a multivitamin the second you feel flu symptoms coming on, why not simply pile your plate high with delicious, high-nutrient produce? Getting adequate vitamins can help strengthen your immune system and aid you in fighting off illnesses.
When you’re sick, it’s especially important to consume enough vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc. Additionally, you may want to take some herbal supplements to round out your wellness diet. Some yummy foods chock full of vitamins and minerals that you could easily cook up at home include:
- Broccoli
- Oranges
- Bananas
- Berries
- Spinach
Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine and Junk Foods
Although it may be tempting to indulge when you’re home sick, eating poorly can actually make you feel worse and even lengthen the illness. In particular, it’s important to avoid foods or drinks that are heavy, greasy or void of nutrients. You may also want to avoid any particular food triggers or sensitivities, since an upset stomach could worsen flu symptoms! Some common foods and drinks that you may want to avoid when sick include the following.
- Alcoholic beverages
- Caffeinated beverages such as coffee or caffeinated tea
- Greasy fast food
- Processed junk foods, including many high-sodium snack foods
When you’re at home sick with the flu, eating a healthy, well-rounded diet and staying hydrated can help give your immune system a boost and may even help you return to good health faster. However, there are some foods that may drag you down, make you feel sluggish and even impact your recovery time. To feel better faster and recover quickly from the flu, make sure to follow these tips and tweak your daily diet.
