THINGS TO EAT IF YOU FEEL SICK
Added on: 19th Jan 2016
MUSHROOMS
Mushrooms are technically fungi and though you might steer away
from them generally, they are full of antioxidants which act like a
sports drink to your immune system. The potassium, vitamin B
and fibre in them can help you beat a cold.
HOT, SALTY WATER
It’s widely known that gargling with hot, salty water is good when
you’re sick, but do you know why? As salt is hydrophilic
(meaning it attracts water to it), it pulls moisture out of an
inflamed throat and reduces discomfort. It also cuts through
throat mucus and rinses away bacteria.
DARK, LEAFY GREENS
Very beneficial to your health due to their high nutrient content,
dark, leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, and spinach
are especially beneficial when you’re feeling sick and your body
is lacking nutrients. Recent research has even shown bitter
varieties like arugula can help boost your white blood cell count.
TURMERIC
Mostly associated with Indian and South Asian cooking,
turmeric is a major part of Ayurveda medicine and has
preventative and healing properties that rival gingers’.
A powerhouse on the anti-inflammatory and antibiotic scenes,
turmeric can also help an upset stomach and a loss of appetite.
Add half a teaspoon to a cup of boiling milk or add it to the
sauce of a dish with carrots or lean meats for a super
health hack.
BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries are bursting with anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant
which gives blueberries their bright blue or purple colours.
All their antioxidants also boost the immune system (and your
brain’s health too). There’s also loads of anthocyanin in wine,
but the effects of alcohol while sick can have a mostly
negative effect.
ECHINACEA
Having now appeared on heaps of grocery shelves, Echinacea
is most commonly consumed as a tea or supplement. But beware,
scientists have not found conclusive evidence the herb helps
with sickness and it can even have a side effect of an upset stomach.
It has been shown, though, to boost white blood cell count which
can help your body fight off infection.
HONEY
Reach for a jar of the sweet stuff next time you feel unwell.
Honey, besides being something you may actually like to eat
when feeling sick, it helps ease a scratchy throat and boost your
immune system. Be wary of other foods high in sugar as they
can prevent your immune system from doing its best.
SPICY FOOD
If you like your chillies and curries, rejoice! They’re good for you to
eat when sick – but only when it’s a head cold, not when you
have an upset stomach. The heat of spicy food can aggravate
your stomach and digestive system, but when you feel stuffed
up it can help decongest you and flush mucus out.
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