We are several months into flu season. Around the country, the virus has been spreading and is predicted to affect over 9 million individuals in the USA. Currently, there is a shortage of medications to help individuals fight the virus. Oseltamivir, generic name for Tamiflu, has been on backorder along with several medications. So if you are sick from the flu, there are ways to aid your body in fighting. One way is to eat foods that will help you reduce the severity of your symptoms and give you a better chance of fighting the virus faster. HFR curated a list of the top 10 foods to eat while you’re sick from the flu:
Chicken Soup
One of the most well-known foods is a hot bowl of chicken soup. But why is it recommended? The clear broth provides hydration, essential to keep your body fighting the flu. The steam produced also helps open the airway temporarily, which is helpful when you’re feeling congested and stuffy. In addition, salts, vegetables, and chicken provide the body with the necessary electrolytes, nutrients, and proteins, especially when we do not eat as much.
Water
To begin, 60 percent of our body is made up of water. When we are sick and constantly blowing our noses from the mucus or even when we exhale. Our body loses water. Because of this, you may feel dehydrated and notice it on your hands and lips. This is an indication you are becoming drier. Because water is an essential molecule in our body, replenishing the water we excrete from it can make a big difference in helping it fight the flu.
Hot Tea
Tea is an excellent alternative to coffee when it comes to feeling energized. Still, it can also be a great drink while you are under the weather. Like the soup, it helps open your airway through the steam it gives off. In addition, when honey is added, the tea can relieve a sore throat, which is excellent, especially when certain medications may not quite work for you.
Ginger Tea
Another great alternative to water is ginger tea. It is known to help soothe a sore throat and congestion when you are sick because ginger contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The combination of these properties has many benefits. These ginger health benefits and side effects improve coughs, lower fevers, fight off infections, relieve headaches, and ease other symptoms associated with common colds and the flu.
Meal Replacement
Feeling sick may be one of the most annoying things about this season. Sometimes, you may lose your appetite due to a headache or congestion. Drinking a meal replacement can be a great choice to give your body nutrients to continue functioning and recovering. In most cases, your body can handle the flu, but a lot of energy is required to do so, making it essential to keep feeding your body nutrients. Of course, it is preferred if you can eat real food, but meal replacement is a great backup to have in mind.
Oatmeal
When a sore throat becomes a symptom, it is essential to stay clear from cold drinks or foods. It may leave you with a dry and itchy throat, thus worsening it even more. In the morning, having a nice bowl of oatmeal can be a great way to give your body energy soothingly. Besides this, oatmeal provides the body with many nutrients, including copper, iron, selenium, fiber, and protein.
Vegetable Juice
This juice is a great way to consume antioxidants that help fight viruses. In addition, vegetable juice has many vitamins, including A, C, E, and K. Juices can be easier to consume, especially when a sore throat is a reason you do not eat as much while you’re sick. Just watch out for sugar content- the less, the better!
Bananas
This richly nutritive fruit is an excellent source of electrolytes when you are sick because of its soft texture and rich potassium source. It gives you both a fast carbohydrate and a refill of the electrolytes your body loses when you are sick. In addition, the fiber in bananas can help prevent other symptoms that may arise, such as diarrhea.
Salmon
Just like bananas, salmon is soft and easy to eat. The benefit of salmon is that it is high in protein, which your body needs for recovery. Salmon also provides vitamin D, which helps boost the immune system.
Avocados
In most cases, fats are known to be an unhealthy option in our diet. But avocados contain monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, oleic acid, a healthy compound found in avocados, can help decrease inflammation and reduce the severity of your symptoms.
