Seasonal flu, also known as influenza, is a viral infection that affects your respiratory system. The influenza virus can cause it. It is extremely contagious. An infected person’s cough or sneezes can spread easily through air droplets.
The flu can cause high fever, sore throat, body aches, and tiredness. Other symptoms include a stuffy nose or runny nose and nausea.
What to Eat
- Brothers are a great food to eat while you have the flu. It is the liquid that cooks meat, fish, vegetables and cereals. It is essential for keeping your body hydrated. It can also soothe a sore throat or relieve nasal congestion.
- Chicken soup is healthy, delicious, and easy to digest. It can help relieve congestion in the nasal and upper airways. It helps keep you hydrated and fights inflammation (swelling) of the upper respiratory tract.
- Green leafy vegetables boost the immune system like spinach, kale and cabbage. This helps your body fight infections. These vegetables are high in essential nutrients, which can speed up recovery from illnesses like flu.
- Oatmeal can be soothing and nutritious. It is one of the whole grains rich in fiber and antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that help protect cells from damage and aid in fighting infections.
- Citrus fruit, like oranges and lemons, are rich in vitamin C. This nutrient is important for your immune system. Flavonoids are compounds that fight infections. These fruits are a great source of flavonoids.
- Fluids are vital to your health. The following fluids should be included in your diet if you have the flu.
Water: Hydration is key to keeping your body healthy.
Coconut water: It’s high in sodium, potassium and chloride. Coconut water is good for maintaining the electrolyte balance (charged minerals in your system) of your body.
Warm water with honey, lemon or ginger: These drinks help to flush out toxins and boost immunity. This will aid in faster recovery from flu symptoms.
Knowing which foods are good for you when you get the flu is important.
What to Avoid
- Drinking alcoholic beverages can dehydrate you and reduce your immune system’s function.
- High amounts of caffeine in caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee can dehydrate and worsen flu symptoms.
- Hard food such as crackers and hard toast can be difficult to swallow, worsening a sore throat.
- Processed food is a no-no! They can be harmful and high in salt, which could adversely affect your health.
- Eating oily or greasy foods can slow your digestion and cause stomach upsets. Avoid greasy and fried foods.
- Dairy products may contain lactose, a sugar that is hard to digest. They can also increase mucus production, which is a stringy substance that is secreted as a response to inflammation. This can worsen the flu symptoms.
The keys to managing flu symptoms are healthy eating, adequate rest, and proper hydration. Your doctor should be consulted if your symptoms don’t improve within one week.
