Cold and Flu: 10 Foods to Heal Faster
We never want to experience the symptoms of the flu or a cold. However, of course, no one is completely immune to an infection or a virus.
Nevertheless, certain foods can help fight the flu and cold or, at the very least, reduce the symptoms. By adopting a healthy diet, you also strengthen your immune system.
Here are 10 key foods that can help alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of the flu or a cold.
1. Chicken broth
There is no purely scientific basis for the power of chicken broth, but everyone agrees that it has a comforting effect. A cup of hot water would have similar effects on the body of a person with a cold or the flu. However, it must be admitted that it is much less pleasant to drink a cup of hot water than a bowl of chicken broth! In fact, it is the hot liquid that soothes the mucous membranes; they are prone to inflammation during a cold or the flu, and the steam that rises from the hot liquid moistens the nasal passages. Enjoying chicken broth can therefore help reduce the symptoms for a few minutes.
2. Garlic
Garlic is a superfood that fights minor infections like the flu and cold, and strengthens the immune system by promoting the production of white blood cells. It is also antibacterial and antiviral. It can be combined with other foods, such as onion and chili, or consumed as is with water, just like medicine. If you don't like its taste but still want to benefit from its effects, opt for tablets available at pharmacies.
3. Ginger
Used in oriental traditional medicine for millennia, ginger root is recommended for its natural antitussive properties. A tea made from this root helps to clear the bronchi and counter respiratory discomfort. Ginger is an effective food not only for fighting fever due to the flu but also for combating nausea and gastric discomfort.
4. Water, tea, herbal tea, and juice
When we want to fight the flu and cold, it is essential to hydrate adequately because the nasal passages and throat dry out quickly. Opt for low-caffeine drinks, freshly squeezed citrus juices rich in vitamin C, low-sodium vegetable juices, and a large quantity of cold or hot water. Hydrating the mucous membranes greatly helps combat the fever caused by the flu. Gargling with warm water, salt, and lemon juice is also effective. Peppermint, which soothes sore throats, a touch of citrus, juniper berries, and eucalyptus leaves make up this mixture specially designed to alleviate cold symptoms. A herbal tea that is as good for the body as it is for the soul? We say yes!
5. Proteins
To fight the flu and cold, it is advisable to consume foods that contain good proteins. Among these, turkey is recommended. Its meat is lean and provides a solid nutritional base. It is easier to digest when the body is fragile. It is a food against the flu and cold that is rich in minerals and vitamins, making it a meat to be preferred.
6. Fresh fruits and vegetables
The fruits and vegetables to choose to fight the flu and cold are those that have a high content of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Among these, kale, broccoli, sweet potato, banana, kiwi, and citrus fruits are excellent food choices to combat the flu and cold.
7. Fish
Consuming fish meets our protein needs and helps maintain our energy. However, in the case of the flu, some fish are better than others. Salmon, tuna, and seafood are rich in fatty acids, particularly omega-3. These improve our immune defenses and prevent infections by producing antibodies. If you don't like fish, opt for omega-3 capsules available at pharmacies to relieve your flu and cold symptoms.
8. Ice cream, sorbet, and other frozen treats
When the throat is sore and dry due to the flu or a cold, ice cream, fruit sorbets, and popsicles provide relief. These cold foods also help increase hydration and reduce congestion. However, choose options that are not too sugary as sugar weakens the immune system.
9. Honey
Honey has many virtues to face the rigors of winter. In addition to its antioxidant properties, it soothes an irritated throat. It can be used as is or to sweeten teas and herbal teas. Moreover, this food is considered a respiratory tract antiseptic and helps tone blood circulation.
10. Vitamin-rich meal replacements
Fresh and whole foods are always preferable to processed foods, but intense flu symptoms can result in sustained loss of appetite. If you have difficulty swallowing and eating properly for several days, consider purchasing liquid meal replacements and make sure these drinks are rich in vitamins and low in sugar. These liquid substitutes will help you obtain the nutrients you need to sustain yourself until you regain your physical condition.
In conclusion, there is no miraculous recipe to fight the cold or the flu. The rules to follow are simple: sleep, rest, hydrate abundantly, and consume foods rich in vitamins. However, even if these recommendations are followed, patience is still necessary because recovering from the flu and cold can take a week or even longer.