5 Foods To Eat When You're Sick
Dec 12, 2019 7:34:53 AM / by Voyage Healthcare Team posted in Family Medicine, Health Tips
The holiday season can be one of the most wonderful times of the year—and also one of the times that we get sick the most. We do our best to avoid getting a cold or flu but unfortunately, it’s not always possible to avoid those pesky winter illnesses. The healing process can take time, but the food you eat is a key part of ensuring that your body recovers properly. When we’re sick, it can be hard to think about what foods we should be eating—not to mention that it can be difficult to keep food down if your stomach is not feeling well. We’ve curated the following list of foods that are perfect for your road to recovery from those winter illnesses. There’s a reason that chicken soup has been recommended as a cure for the common cold for hundreds of years. It’s easy to eat, a great source of vitamins, minerals, calories, and proteins. It’s also a great way to get fluids and electrolytes into your body, especially if you have a fever or diarrhea. Chicken soup is even thought to be a natural decongestant because it gives off hot steam. Some studies have even shown that chicken soup is more effective at clearing nasal mucus than any other liquid studied!
1. Chicken Soup
2. Broth
Much like chicken soup, broths are an excellent source of hydration for when you are sick. Broths are flavorsome and packed with vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, folate, and phosphorous.
If sipped as a hot beverage, broths have the benefit of acting as a natural decongestant due to their hot steam, much like chicken soup. Drinking broth is a great way to keep your body hydrated and the rich flavors are a welcomed bonus.
Broth could be a better option than chicken soup if you find that your stomach is unsettled and you’re having trouble keeping down solid food.
3. Tea
Tea is a tried and tested remedy for a host of symptoms associated with colds and the flu. Similar to broth and chicken soup, tea is a natural decongestant, which is great for helping to clear your sinuses of mucus. Although it must be hot in order for it to act as a decongestant, yet not so hot that it causes further irritation to your throat.
Even though some teas can contain caffeine, you don't need to worry about becoming dehydrated, since the amount of caffeine is too small to cause any serious water loss. Sipping on a hot cup of tea throughout the day is a good way to help you stay hydrated, relieve congestion, and relax.
4. Bananas
Bananas are a great food to eat when you are feeling under the weather. They provide a decent amount of calories and nutrients, as well as being easy to chew and not too overpowering in terms of flavor. Bananas also contain a lot of soluble fiber, which can provide relief if you are suffering from diarrhea.
5. Salmon
Salmon is an excellent source of protein to eat when you are unwell, as it’s soft, easy to digest, and full of the high-quality proteins that your body needs. It’s also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that have strong anti-inflammatory effects, as well as vitamin D, which plays an important role in helping your immune system function.
Visit Voyage Healthcare if You’re Feeling Ill
This list is a great resource of foods that can be helpful when you are feeling ill, though remember that if you are unsure of what to do when you are sick, it’s always best to contact a healthcare provider.
If you are feeling under the weather, or have some concerns about the length of time you have been suffering from the flu, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Voyage Healthcare.
Written by Voyage Healthcare Team
Voyage Healthcare is an independently owned, multi-specialty healthcare clinic — guided by the doctors who care for families in the northwest metro area of Minneapolis/St. Paul.
