Nourishing Your Body During Illness

The Importance of Eating When You’re Sick

When you’re feeling unwell, it’s crucial to maintain a regular eating schedule. Skipping meals can restrict your body’s ability to heal, so opt for small, frequent portions of food and listen to your body to determine when you’re actually hungry.

Best Foods for a Cold or Flu

To aid in recovery from a cold or flu, focus on drinking plenty of fluids and consuming phlegm-fighting foods. Some top picks include:

• Broth-based soup: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes, broth helps keep nasal passages moist, prevents dehydration, and fights inflammation in the throat.
• Hot tea: Natural bacteria-fighting compounds in tea, especially green tea, can help your body fight off infections.
• Citrus fruits: High in vitamin C, citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits can help reduce the length and severity of colds.
• Ice pops: A great way to stay hydrated, ice pops made from 100% whole fruit are easy on the throat and can help thin mucus.
• Spicy foods: Natural decongestants, spicy foods like chili peppers, wasabi, and horseradish can help relieve congestion.

Best Foods for an Upset Stomach

When dealing with stomach issues, bland, easy-to-digest foods and staying hydrated are key to a quick recovery. Try:

• Crackers and toast: Simple, easy-to-digest foods that won’t irritate your stomach.
• Bananas: Rich in potassium and easy to digest, bananas can help alleviate digestive distress.
• Ginger: With its stomach-soothing properties, ginger can help prevent and treat nausea and other gastric ailments.

Worst Foods to Eat When You’re Sick

Avoid foods that can exacerbate symptoms, such as:

• Spicy and acidic foods: Can disrupt your digestive tract and irritate your stomach lining.
• Sweets: Contribute to inflammation and lower immune response.
• Greasy foods and refined carbs: Contain artificial trans fats and cause inflammation in the body.
• Milk (maybe): While the jury is still out, milk’s texture can feel uncomfortable in your mouth, and dairy allergies may worsen symptoms.

Remember, being sick is your body’s way of telling you to slow down and prioritize your health. By fueling your body with nutrient-rich foods, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest, you’ll be back on your feet in no time.