Should You Feed a Cold or Starve a Fever?
If you're suffering with the flu, you may be questioning if there's a certain flu diet. Nonetheless, you've heard the saying "Starve a fever, and feed a cold." But what do you eat when you have both fever and cold-like symptoms?
If you're not quite sure how this saying goes, you can relax: Starving is never the correct answer. Nutrients are unique and vital compounds to the body's repair and natural healing properties that can support your system while it's fighting an illness.
Foods that Boost Your Immune System And Fight Flu
Antioxidants
Beta carotene and vitamins C and E provide protection to the immune system by targeting free radicals which are molecules that cause damage to cells. By taking away their destructive power, antioxidants can prevent an illness or help you bounce back faster if you do get sick.
Foods rich in beta carotene include: Apricots, asparagus, beef liver, beets, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, guava, kale, mangoes, mustard, nectarines, peaches, grapefruit, pumpkin, squash, sweet potato, tangerines, tomatoes, and watermelon.
Foods rich in vitamin C include: broccoli, cantaloupe, cauliflower, kale, kiwi, orange juice, papaya, red, green or yellow pepper, sweet potato, strawberries, and tomatoes.
Foods rich in vitamin E include: almonds, corn oil, cod-liver oil, hazelnuts, lobster, peanut butter, safflower oil, salmon steak, and sunflower seeds.
Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are key nutrients that help boost immune system activation. These natural substances also act as potent antioxidants. You can find bioflavonoids in the pulp and white core that runs through the center of citrus fruits, green peppers, lemons, limes, oranges, cherries, and grapes. Other rich sources include broccoli, red and yellow onions.
Glutathione
Glutathione is another nutrient that helps the immune system work well so it can fight infections. You can get it from broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, and other cruciferous vegetables.
Protein
You need protein to build and repair body tissues and fight viral and bacterial infections. Make sure you choose lean sources, such as beans and soy, lean beef, and skinless chicken or turkey.
Chicken Soup
Chicken soup appears to help fight colds. It helps clear nasal congestion as well as thin mucus so you can better cough it up. Also, research shows it may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect that can help ease cold symptoms.
Zinc
Zinc also assists in immune functioning. It is found mainly in meats, shellfish, poultry, milk, fortified breakfast cereal, whole grains, and legumes.
Potassium
One of the major functions of Potassium is to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance which can be altered in cases of dehydration possibly from diarrhea and vomiting. Food sources include avocado, salmon, lima beans, banana, fresh juice and dairy products.
Hydration
It's probably best to refrain from eating if you're nauseated or have diarrhea. Instead, continue to sip on clear beverages to keep your system well hydrated. Increase your intake of fluids such as water, carbonated drinks, fresh orange juice, ginger ale, chamomile, anise seeds and tea. Warm drinks work better than cold drinks for opening congested airways and to thin mucus
If you're not quite sure how this saying goes, you can relax: Starving is never the correct answer. Nutrients are unique and vital compounds to the body's repair and natural healing properties that can support your system while it's fighting an illness.
Foods that Boost Your Immune System And Fight Flu
Antioxidants
Beta carotene and vitamins C and E provide protection to the immune system by targeting free radicals which are molecules that cause damage to cells. By taking away their destructive power, antioxidants can prevent an illness or help you bounce back faster if you do get sick.
Foods rich in beta carotene include: Apricots, asparagus, beef liver, beets, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, guava, kale, mangoes, mustard, nectarines, peaches, grapefruit, pumpkin, squash, sweet potato, tangerines, tomatoes, and watermelon.
Foods rich in vitamin C include: broccoli, cantaloupe, cauliflower, kale, kiwi, orange juice, papaya, red, green or yellow pepper, sweet potato, strawberries, and tomatoes.
Foods rich in vitamin E include: almonds, corn oil, cod-liver oil, hazelnuts, lobster, peanut butter, safflower oil, salmon steak, and sunflower seeds.
Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are key nutrients that help boost immune system activation. These natural substances also act as potent antioxidants. You can find bioflavonoids in the pulp and white core that runs through the center of citrus fruits, green peppers, lemons, limes, oranges, cherries, and grapes. Other rich sources include broccoli, red and yellow onions.
Glutathione
Glutathione is another nutrient that helps the immune system work well so it can fight infections. You can get it from broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, and other cruciferous vegetables.
Protein
You need protein to build and repair body tissues and fight viral and bacterial infections. Make sure you choose lean sources, such as beans and soy, lean beef, and skinless chicken or turkey.
Chicken Soup
Chicken soup appears to help fight colds. It helps clear nasal congestion as well as thin mucus so you can better cough it up. Also, research shows it may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect that can help ease cold symptoms.
Zinc
Zinc also assists in immune functioning. It is found mainly in meats, shellfish, poultry, milk, fortified breakfast cereal, whole grains, and legumes.
Potassium
One of the major functions of Potassium is to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance which can be altered in cases of dehydration possibly from diarrhea and vomiting. Food sources include avocado, salmon, lima beans, banana, fresh juice and dairy products.
Hydration
It's probably best to refrain from eating if you're nauseated or have diarrhea. Instead, continue to sip on clear beverages to keep your system well hydrated. Increase your intake of fluids such as water, carbonated drinks, fresh orange juice, ginger ale, chamomile, anise seeds and tea. Warm drinks work better than cold drinks for opening congested airways and to thin mucus
To prevent getting sick
- Avoid over or under-exercising
- Avoid over or under-eating
- Wash your hands
- Get enough sleep
- Manage stress
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Eat plenty of nutrient-dense foods
- Get enough wide-spectrum food-based vitamins and minerals
If you’re already feeling sick
- Rest
- Drink fluids
- Balance your food intake
- Take your meds if needed
- And above all, listen to your body cues
Comments
Post a Comment