I have come to the conclusion that my immune system hates me. I say this because I had just barely gotten over a nasty bug that held on for just about a month, only to be hit with yet another one days later.
Life is just grand, isn’t it?
As a result of my disdain toward my own immune system, I decided to write a post about the best foods to consume when you’re ill. A lot of people struggle to eat anything when they’re sick, and as tempting as it may seem to forego food until your appetite returns, you’re not doing your body any favours in choosing not to eat; food is fuel, and if we want to get better, we have to provide our body with what it needs to get us there.
Check out the following information from healthline.com.
“1. Chicken soup
“Chicken soup has been a go-to for sickness for generations — and for good reason. It’s an easy-to-eat source of vitamins, minerals, calories, and protein, which are nutrients your body may need in larger quantities while you’re recovering from an illness.
“Chicken soup is also a rich source of fluid and electrolytes, which are helpful if you’re at risk of dehydration due to diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, or fever.
“The soup’s warmth may help reduce congestion, as hot or spicy liquids can be helpful for this.
“The chicken in chicken soup also contains the amino acid cysteine. N-acetyl-cysteineTrusted Source, a form of cysteine, breaks apart mucus and has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
“2. Broths
“Like chicken soup, broths are excellent sources of fluid and electrolytes that can be helpful when you’re sick. When hot, they may also help relieve sinus congestion.
“They’re full of flavor and rich in various nutrients while still being easy on your digestive system.
“Additionally, bone broths are rich in collagen and amino acids (building blocks of protein) from animal bones, which may help promote a faster recovery, although research is still lacking.
“3. Garlic
“Garlic provides many health benefits and has been used in herbal medicine for centuries.
“Test-tube and animal studies have shown garlic to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects.
“According to the 2021 review, aged garlic extract supplements may enhance immune function and decrease the severity of colds and the flu.
“4. Coconut water
“Coconut water is a great beverage to sip on when you’re sick. It’s rich in electrolytes, which need to be replenished along with fluids when you’re vomiting, sweating, having diarrhea, or running a fever.
“It also contains a bit of natural sugar from the fruit itself, which can serve as a quick, easy-to-use energy source for your body.
“5. Hot tea
“Tea is a favorite remedy for many colds and flu symptoms.
“Just like chicken soup, hot tea acts as a natural decongestant. The tea needs to be hot to help relieve congestion, but it shouldn’t be so hot that it further irritates your throat.
“Tea, such as green or black, also contains polyphenols. These natural substances found in plants may have many possible health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects,” the web page states.
Check back tomorrow for part two.
Photo by jurien huggins on Unsplash
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