Midwinter is the zenith of the cold and flu season. Body Designs 221: Six Best Foods to Eat When You’re Sick is comprised of menu choices that you will say both “of course” and “really” to.
What’s on the Menu?
Chicken Soup with its ingredients of fluids, vegetables, protein and carbohydrates is a complete meal in itself. The sodium provides electrolytes necessary for hydration. Perfect if you are suffering from a fever and or making frequent stops to the bathroom. While the chicken is of course a great source of protein to aid the body in recovery, the amino acid cysteine breaks apart mucus and has anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Garlic’s antibacterial and antiviral effects stimulates the immune system. Want a one-two punch? Add a few cloves to your chicken soup. It will amp up its flavor and effectiveness.
Greek Yogurt is full of recuperative properties of protein and calcium and helps a sick body heal faster. It’s coldness and smooth texture is great to soothe sore throats. Furthermore, it has been shown that probiotics (good bacteria) found in yogurt can help both children and adults get colds less often, heal faster when sick and take were antibiotics. One study found that children taking probiotics felt better an average of two days faster, and their symptoms were about 55% less severe.
Honey has antibacterial effects. In fact, even today, as in the past by ancient Egyptians, doctors use if for wound dressings. But, if you are sick, for a warm, hydrating, cough-soothing, antibacterial drink, combine a half teaspoon with a warm milk, water or tea. You can also add a little honey to your Greek yogurt for added benefits.
If you are nauseous or have diarrhea, the last two on this list should help do the trick.
The medical world uses Ginger for its effectiveness against nausea. Medical professionals have long recommended its consumption to their pregnant patients and those undergoing chemotherapy. So if you are sick and feeling the urge to throw up, use fresh ginger in your cooking, brew some in tea or stop by the grocery store for some ginger ale and sip as needed.
Bananas, are also great for combating nausea. So much so that they are part of the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) that is often recommended for those who are queasy. Furthermore, with their high amounts of soluble fiber, bananas are perfect “eliminating” diarrhea.
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