The Best Foods to Fight Common Colds

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 17 August 2022

Colds The early symptoms of a cold, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are typically a sore throat and runny nose, which are then followed by coughing and sneezing. Most people recover in 7–10 days on average. Wash your hands frequently, stay away from sick individuals up close, and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands to help lower your chance of catching a cold. Children and adults alike frequently miss school and/or work due to common colds. There are millions of cases of the common cold each year in the United States. The average adult gets two to three colds a year, and kids get much more. Eating may be one of the last things on your mind when you're sick. While you're ill, eating the appropriate foods can do much more than just provide you with energy. You might feel better, recover more quickly, or stay hydrated while recovering with the aid of some meals.

For many years, people have turned to chicken soup when they were ill, and for good reason. According to Taylor Jones of Healthline, it's a simple-to-eat source of vitamins, minerals, calories, and protein—nutrients your body could require in greater amounts while you're recovering from a sickness. Broths are great sources of fluid and electrolytes that can be beneficial when you're sick, much like chicken soup. They might also ease sinus congestion when hot. Additionally, bone broths are high in collagen and amino acids (the building blocks of protein) from animal bones, which may help encourage faster recovery, although evidence is currently lacking. They are full of taste and rich in a range of nutrients while yet being gentle on your digestive system.

Taylor Jones added that garlic has a long history of usage in herbal medicine and offers a number of health advantages. It has been demonstrated to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties in test-tube and animal investigations. Supplements containing aged garlic extract may also boost immunity and lessen the severity of colds and the flu. When you're ill, adding garlic to your diet can enhance flavor while also enhancing its ability to combat cold and flu symptoms. When you're unwell, coconut water may be the perfect beverage to drink. When you're vomiting, perspiring, experiencing diarrhea, or having a fever, you need to restore your electrolytes along with fluids. Tea is a go-to treatment for a variety of cold and flu symptoms. Hot tea has a similar decongestant effect as chicken soup. The tea should be hot to aid in clearing up congestion, but not too hot to aggravate your throat. Ginger is frequently used in cuisine, herbal remedies, and home remedies. Its anti-nausea properties are arguably its best-known uses. It has been demonstrated to successfully reduce nausea brought on by chemotherapy and pregnancy.

If you're sick, bananas are an excellent food to eat. They are soft and flavorless but full of minerals and quick-acting carbohydrates. Since potassium is one of the essential electrolytes your body needs, the potassium in bananas can also aid in replenishing your electrolyte reserves. The calories, vitamins, and minerals you need when you're sick are also found in oatmeal, which is bland and simple to eat like bananas. Fruits are a great source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients that can help your body's immune system and overall health. Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports healthy immune function, is abundant in many fruits. Additionally, some fruits include anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that give some fruits their red and blue colors, including strawberries and blueberries.

One of the most crucial things you can do to feel better and recover more quickly when sick is to rest, drink plenty of water, and eat a healthy diet. Fortunately, a lot of meals have advantages besides just giving your body nutrients. While no one food can heal disease, eating the correct foods can support your immune system and provide some symptom alleviation.

DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas, RND

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