Being sick is no fun! All you want is to become better as soon as possible, and while many medicines can help you do so, there’s nothing like natural foods that will do the trick. So, you can have natural foods as an alternative or addition, depending on your condition. However, before you add natural foods to your diet, make sure to consult your doctor.
Natural foods are healthy and contain the nutrients that your body needs to ward off sickness. Having them will help you boost your immunity and feel better in no time at all. While there are plenty of options out there, here are the 10 best foods to eat when you are sick.
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1. Yogurt
When you’re sick, yogurt is one of the best foods that you can have. It has probiotics and strains of bacteria that are good for you and your gut. This will help you when you have a cold, an upset stomach, or just generally when you aren’t feeling too well. The best one to have while you’re sick is the plain flavored one. It’ll help your body recover faster and fight off the sickness. To add to that, the carbohydrates in the yogurt will also provide you with just the energy you need.
2. Leafy Vegetables
Don’t underestimate the power of leafy vegetables. Some such as kale, romaine lettuce, and spinach are full of fiber, minerals, and vitamins and will provide you with just the nutrients that you need when you are sick. They can be added to your food, e.g., put some spinach in your eggs, or you can add them to your salads. In addition to that, dark green vegetables are also full of polyphenols, which help fight off inflammation and protect your cells from damage.
3. Ginger
Ginger is most famous for its ability to fight off nausea. If you are unwell and feeling nauseous, then make sure to have some ginger. There are many ways you can use it. From ginger teas to using it fresh in cooking, do whatever suits you better. It is popularly used as a home remedy in herbal medication, particularly for nausea related to pregnancy or cancer treatments. Remember to check whatever you’re using has real ginger and not just the flavor.
4. Chicken Soup
How well does chicken soup sound when you’re in bed with the flu? It has been the go-to for sickness for years now. Chicken soup is packed with minerals, vitamins, and proteins, which your body needs when you’re sick or recovering. The warmth of the soup will also help you feel better if you are down with the flu. In addition to that, it will help reduce congestion.
If you want to go a step further, try making homemade chicken soup with bone broth, it is rich in collagen and will provide you with the nutrients you need during recovery.
5. Fruits
Fruits are generally known to boost your immunity and are especially good for you when you are sick. They are rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, which will improve your overall health and immunity. Many fruits, especially citrus ones, have a lot of vitamin C, an antioxidant that will help your immune system function the right way.
Certain fruits, such as berries, contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which help prevent bacteria and viruses altogether. They also improve the body’s immunity and help fight back better.
6. Honey
Honey is widely known for its healing properties and is one of the best foods you can have when you’re sick. It boosts your immune system and is also greatly used as an antiseptic for burns and cuts. If you are down with the flu or cough, you may want to try having some natural honey. One of the best ways is to mix it in hot water that also helps in soothing the throat and making you feel better instantly.
7. Coconut Water
Coconut water is rich in minerals, such as potassium and sodium. If you are unwell, especially if you have an upset stomach, then coconut water could be great to help you hydrate and feel better quickly. It contains certain compounds called tannins, which will help reduce inflammation. Furthermore, it is natural and healthy and contains no added sugar. Coconut water will refuel your body with all the nutrients you would have lost due to vomiting and diarrhea.
8. Hot Tea
Just like chicken soup, tea is also one of those things that will help you feel better when you’re sick. There are many different kinds of teas out there, such as green tea, black tea, etc. Sipping some hot tea while you’re sick can help thin out the mucus and clear nasal passages. It can really help if you’re down with the flu or sore throat. Herbal teas are also quite popular and can help you recover. Just pick a tea that appeals the most to you and drink that.
9. Bananas
We know that we spoke about fruits earlier, but this king of fruits needs to be given special importance. It is a great fruit to eat when you are sick. For starters, they are soft and easy to eat. Bananas are rich in nutrients. They contain potassium, which will help restore your electrolytes.
It is especially great to have diarrhea, as it is known to help fix that. Thus, anytime that you’re sick, you should instantly have a banana.
10. Spicy Foods
Contrary to what you may think, spicy foods may be what helps you feel better when you’re sick. They help clear out sinus passages by breaking up the mucus. If you are suffering from the flu, then spicy food is the way to go. However, if you have an upset stomach, you should avoid spicy foods because they can cause bloating, pain and nausea.
Conclusion
Each of these 10 foods will greatly help you feel better when you are sick. Some of them may even serve as comfort food and help you feel better instantly. Pick the ones that are best suited for you and your sickness and have them. Happy recovery
