What to Eat When You're Sick
By Sara Butler
It’s that time of year again – time for cold and flu season. If you find yourself laid up and suffering through the effects of an illness this fall or winter, then you need to incorporate some of these foods into your diet. They can help you feel better faster and even help give your immunity a boost in the process.
Honey
Honey is nature’s natural cough suppressant. If you have a cough, then just a couple of teaspoons of honey can help to keep your cough away. It helps to soothe your throat and fight the effects of an upper respiratory infection. If your cough of the result of allergies, then local honey can be a help to do more than just soothe, it can also help your body’s response to pollens in the air that could be causing your allergies!
Bananas
If you have a headache or some body aches from feeling under the weather, then you should channel your favorite Minion and have a banana. They are high in magnesium, an essential electrolyte that can help to fight the pain you’re experiencing naturally. Magnesium has been found to help relieve headaches, including migraines. If your tummy is upset they can help calm it down too.
Pineapples
If you are really congested and feel like you’re drowning in your own mucus, then pineapple is here to come to your rescue! Pineapple contains a compound called bromelain, which has been found to thin mucus when you suffer from conditions such as sinusitis. It has the added bonus of letting you close your eyes and pretend you’re sipping a fruity beverage on a tropical beach somewhere, too.
Chicken Soup
This is one you’ve probably heard of before, and it’s not just hype! Chicken soup has been found to contain a compound called carnosine, which has the potential to fight off cold and flu viruses. So, if you reach for some of your grandmother’s homemade chicken soup when you’re starting to feel sick, then you’re on the right track!
Lentils
When you’re sick, even small tasks can seem incredibly challenging. If you’re feeling fatigued, then you need to reach for some tasty lentils. They are high in iron and protein and are a great source of sustained energy to help you power through an illness. They can even give your immune system a boost to help you fight off illness in the future!
