10 foods to help you fight flu

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‘Flu or influenza is no fun and sadly, no one is immune to it. It usually arrives with a fever, cough, sore throat, a congested nose, body ache, the chills and an absolute lack of appetite and lethargy. But no need to feel miserable, because there are many ways to help yourself feel better. The good news is, there are foods to help you fight flu!

Then there are home remedies to the rescue.

Here’s a quick list of 10 foods to help you fight flu

Water

I know, right? It is important to stay hydrated especially when your sore throat feels miserable. Get enough fluids to thin out that mucus and reduce congestion. Some easy options are fruit/vegetable juices, water, soups and herbal tea. Sip slowly. Try and skip caffeinated drinks as they are diuretic (make you pee a lot).  And no, alcohol is not an option at this time.

Vegetable/fruit Juice

Salads are good, but you’ll probably not have the energy to chew them when you have the flu. So, blend some veg juice to fortify yourself with antioxidants that boost your immune system. This will also count as liquids.   Fortify yourself with immune-boosting antioxidants, while staying hydrated. Some fruit juice might also help.

Chicken Soup

Chicken soup for the soul! It nourishes, hydrates and heals because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Vegetable soup

Puree your favorite vegetables, flavor with pepper powder and salt and enjoy. Nourishes, gives you strength and keeps you hydrated.

Garlic

Garlic has antimicrobial and immune-stimulating properties. So you want to use it to spice up/flavor your food while also taking advantage of its ability to relieve congestion.

Ginger

Ginger is a true hero and an all-rounder home remedy for many ailments including stomach ache, nausea, colds, etc. It also fights inflammation. Use it fresh or in powder form. Add it to food for flavor or tea for a refreshing drink.

Hot Tea

Nothing quite like a cup of tea to soothe your system. Both green tea and black tea come with disease-fighting antioxidants. Did you know that breathing in the steam relieves congestion? Add a dash of honey and lemon juice to your tea—your sore throat will thank you.

Banana

Banana is easy on the stomach and safe to eat when you tend to feel uneasy during the flu. Sliced, mashed, or just as is – whatever works for you.

Toast

It is true that when you have the flu the thought of eating can be repulsive. But try and handle some toast. It is convenient and easy to combine with other foods like soups.

Meal Replacement Drinks

These can add the necessary nutrients to your diet when you’re recovering. Go for low-sugar protein-rich drinks free from lactose.

Next, let’s look at some home remedies to relieve those flu symptoms

• R & R (rest and relaxation) Just laze around. Heaven can wait.
• Inhale steam if you’re comfortable with it. Breathing moist air relieves nasal congestion and sore throat pain.
• To relieve that blocked nose, boil water in a wide pan. Add a drop or two of eucalyptus oil or “Vicks”. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the water and breathe deeply, inhaling the steam through your nose. Tough I know. But it helps. (Note: NOT for people with symptoms of asthma)
• If you’ve got a headache, wet a cloth in warm water, wring it out and place on your forehead and nose. Feels good.
• Gargle with salt water to get rid of that mucus from the back of your throat.
• Spray salt water into each nostril to relieve congestion. Available over the counter as nasal sprays.

Most of all, get some TLC. Tender Loving Care. This helps in a big way. Nothing like a cuddle and some pampering to make it all better.

There’s no need to suffer with the ‘flu. Not with so many ways to feel better!

Stay healthy!

Note: If you have an existing health condition or are taking medication, please consult your doctor before you use a home remedy.

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