Lifestyle
The Best Foods to Eat When You’re Sick
Although it officially may be spring, the cold weather doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. All those hours inside means lots of viruses being passed around. If you’ve caught a cold, the best things to do are stay hydrated and eat the following foods.
Broth-Based Soup
Mom’s cure for a cold always included chicken noodle soup. As it turns out, she was right. Broth-based soups, like chicken noodle, can help keep you hydrated, thin mucus in the lungs and fight inflammation.
Photo by Kelda Baljon
Citrus Fruits
The white layer of the skin of fruits like oranges and grapefruits contain flavonoids, which can boost the immune system, and the tartness of a grapefruit or orange is so tasty when you’re feeling off. Popping Vitamin C isn’t the same; studies have shown that Vitamin C has no effect on curing the common cold.
Tea
Hot tea helps you hydrate to thin mucus and soothes a sore throat. Although all tea is helpful, tea containing ginger, mint or lemon has been shown to be particularly good.
Popsicles
When you get tired of cups of tea, popsicles are an easy way to take in more fluids and a delicious way to prevent dehydration.
Photo by Andre Li
Spicy Foods
To help clear that stuffy nose, foods like wasabi, cayenne pepper and garlic can act as natural decongestants. So put a dash in your soup, and watch that congestion disappear.
Honey
When a cough has you hacking, try some honey in your tea or a spoonful by itself. Others suggest mixing equal parts of honey with apple cider vinegar for a sweet and sour cough remedy.