“ especially with a fever, where you tend to get dehydrated more quickly,” says Susan Besser, MD, a family physician in Baltimore. If you just can’t keep anything down, there’s no need to force feed yourself, but it is absolutely crucial to keep yourself hydrated. RELATED: Flu shot 101 What to drink when you’re sick Clear fluids If you can’t stomach shellfish and poultry, try taking a zinc supplement when you first notice a cold or flu symptom. Studies show that zinc acts to balance out the immune response and works as a natural anti-inflammatory. Because of the immune-boosting properties, zinc is being actively studied for COVID-19 patients. But if they’re left all alone, they’ll spiral out of control, causing painful and dangerous inflammation.
They see your flu as a fire that must be put out. Think of the immune response cells as the infection first responders. You might want to throw a few of these into a frozen smoothie to ease a sore throat, or drink some freshly squeezed orange juice! Foods high in zincįoods like oysters, crab, chicken, lean meats, chickpeas, baked beans, and yogurt are all high in zinc, the other side of the immune system coin. Other foods that have high concentrations of vitamin C include leafy green vegetables like kale, cantaloupe, kiwi, strawberries, and mango. You must eat them regularly, though, because starting on vitamin C after cold symptoms begin does not appear to make any difference.
RELATED: 25 sore throat remedies Citrus fruitsĬitrus fruits-such as oranges, grapefruits, and clementines-are a good source of vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant to boost immune function.Īlthough research shows that foods rich in vitamin C do not reduce the risk of getting the common cold (contrary to popular belief), these foods might help make your cold symptoms milder or shorten their duration. In one study, flu-infected mice who ate yogurt showed flu-fighting antibodies, suggesting the yogurt cultures helped their bodies fight off infection.Īnd bonus, yogurt contains protein, which helps your body sustain strength and energy, so hopefully you won’t feel quite as wiped-out. Even better, the live cultures have probiotics and immunity-boosting properties. If your cold or flu comes with a sore throat, yogurt’s smooth, creamy texture can feel very soothing. Other foods that some consider to be part of the BRAT diet include steamed or baked chicken, watermelon, and oatmeal. In addition, these bland foods are high in carbs and low in fiber, so they may help to bind loose stools in people with diarrhea. “These foods are easy on the stomach and give your body the nutrition it needs,” Brown says. The BRAT diet is bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, and it’s perfect for people with upset tummies. “Fevers can occur with viruses, so starving the body is not always the best plan.”īut what should you eat? Let’s take a look at the best foods to help your body fight infection. He says that in studies, mice with viral infections did better when they were fed versus unfed. , a clinical pharmacist in Lake Oswego, Oregon. “If you have a viral infection, it is better to try to eat,” says Michael J. In other words, starving a fever may not work. When you’re sick, it’s important to try to eat something, even if you don’t particularly feel like it. RELATED: How long does a cold last? What to eat when you’re sick So we checked in with experts to learn what to eat when sick and what you should stay away from. Good nutrition helps to boost your immune system. It’s important to nourish your body and stay hydrated, especially when you’re ill. Should you feed a cold and starve a fever? Does dairy make you produce more mucus? Is ginger ale a cure all for upset tummies? What about the BRAT diet? It’s hard to parse out which home remedies actually work and what’s just an old wives’ tale. You’ve probably heard all sorts of advice about what to eat when you have a cold or the flu (or what not to eat). Or perhaps you’re nauseous and the thought of biting into a sandwich makes your stomach turn. When you’re feeling miserable, food is often the last thing on your mind.
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