Why Eating Well Is Important When You’re Sick

 

15 Foods to Eat When You’re Feeling Sick

These 15 foods and beverages provide nutrients that can help your body heal. Some have the

 added benefit of being gentle on your gastrointestinal (GI) system, which may be helpful if your

 Symptoms include nausea or a stomachache.

1. Chicken Soup

Though there’s little concrete research on chicken soup’s healing potential, older studies have

 found that it may have an anti-inflammatory effect, helping the respiratory system fight off

 illness.

Amy Brownstein, RDN, a registered dietitian-nutritionist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, 

says chicken soup helps meet your nutritional needs when sick, since it contains electrolytes 

(minerals that regulate fluid levels and support other important functions), fluids, protein, 

vitamins (like vitamin A from carrots and B vitamins from wheat noodles), and minerals

 (like iron from the chicken).

 2. Herbal Tea

Warm drinks are known for their soothing effects on sore throats, as they can help thin the

 post-nasal drip that causes irritation.

One good choice for a sore throat: herbal tea. 

“Chamomile tea contains compounds that reduce inflammation and support sleep, while other

 teas like peppermint may provide relief from GI upset,” says Simran Malhotra, MD, a lifestyle

 medicine physician in Bethesda, Maryland. Meanwhile, ginger tea contains compounds that 

may fight bacteria and viral infections and reduce nausea.

3. Honey

Honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it helpful for decreasing 

throat irritation and mucus from coughing.

“Some research indicates that honey may be more effective than a cough medication in 

relieving symptoms in children with an acute cough,” says Brownstein. Still, higher-quality 

Studies are needed to confirm, per the authors of a systematic review.

Note that honey should not be given to children younger than 1 year old.

 4. Tuna

Canned tuna provides a quick, easy meal that’s rich in nutrients. “Packed with 

immune-supporting omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin D, tuna can help give your body 

What it needs to fight an infection and maintain good protein status,” says VenHuizen.

 (This means getting sufficient protein to meet your daily needs.)

A single can (142 grams) of tuna has 27 grams (g) of protein and 1.7 micrograms (mcg), 

or 8.5 percent of your daily value (DV) of vitamin D.

5. Wild Salmon

Besides boasting anti-inflammatory omega-3s, wild-caught salmon is an especially good 

source of vitamin D (nearly 8 mcg or 39 percent of DV per 3-ounce serving). “Vitamin D 

contributes to the body's immune response and may reduce the risk of certain respiratory 

infections like colds,” Brownstein says.

6. Citrus Fruits 

“Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system by reducing oxidative

 stress and may shorten the duration of colds,” Dr. Malhotra says. Oxidative stress occurs 

When there’s an imbalance of free radicals (unstable molecules) and antioxidants in your body. 

Since this can lead to cell damage, it can make you more susceptible to illness.

7. Turmeric and Ginger

Malhotra recommends using ginger and turmeric to help lower cold- and flu-related 

inflammation. “Ginger and the curcumin in turmeric have powerful anti-inflammatory and

 antioxidant effects that can help in recovery from respiratory illness,” she says. Foods like

 golden milk (a drink made of milk, turmeric powder, and other spices), spiced lentils, and 

Curries can add more of these spices to your diet. 

That said, turmeric supplements provide significantly more active compounds than the amount

 you’d get from foods. For the most impact, you may prefer to take this spice in supplement

 form. Fresh ginger and ginger supplements, on the other hand, offer comparable amounts of

 beneficial compounds, so you can stick with food sources, if preferred.

Consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplement to ensure it won’t interact with

 medications or health conditions.

8. Sauerkraut

If you can handle a potent flavor while you’re sick, try adding some sauerkraut to a sandwich 

or a meat dish. “Fermented plant foods, such as sauerkraut, offer a good dose of probiotics and 

antioxidants, both of which may benefit the immune system,” VeHhuizen says. (Probiotics are microorganisms like bacteria and fungi that may offer health benefits when consumed.)

9. Yogurt

For probiotics in a milder flavor package, turn to yogurt. “Probiotics in yogurt support gut health

, and much of your immune system is located in your gut,” Brownstein says. “Plus, yogurt is

 loaded with other nutrients like protein and vitamin D that assist your body in fighting illnesses.”

 She adds.

10. Berries

Berries may dial down the systemic inflammation at the root of an illness.“Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are rich in antioxidants, which can support the 

immune system and help in recovery from a variety of infections or illnesses,” Malhotra says.

11. Tomatoes

Tomatoes, another anti-inflammatory power player, can be enjoyed raw, added to soups, and 

sandwiches, or chopped into salsa. “They’re a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants, 

making them a good pick when you are sick,” VenHuizen says. One cup of chopped or sliced 

Tomatoes provide nearly 25 mg or 27 percent of your DV of vitamin C.

12. Spinach 

A spinach salad or pasta is an ideal food to eat when you have the flu. “As a significant source 

of vitamin E and magnesium, spinach may help soothe muscle aches,” Brownstein says. One 

cup of raw spinach provides 0.6 mg of vitamin E (4 percent DV) and nearly 24 mg of 

magnesium (6 percent DV).

Spinach also contains vitamin C (8.4 mg or more than 9 percent DV per cup), which works 

With vitamin E to help protect immune cells from damage and reduce inflammation, Brownstein

 notes.

13. Broccoli

“Broccoli is a great source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient for immune function,” Brownstein 

says. (One cup of chopped broccoli provides a whopping 81 mg, which is 90 percent of your 

DV). She notes that this veggie also contains the compound sulforaphane, which may help

 reduce the duration of cold symptoms.

14. Broth

VenHuizen says broth is one of the most hydrating foods for sickness. “Broth is a standout 

When it comes to immune support and recovering from illness,” she says. It provides fluids,

 vitamins, minerals,

 and antioxidants your body needs to feel better. “But most people love it simply because it’s

 warm and comforting,” VenHuizen notes.

15. BRAT Diet

This simple diet of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast is a great option if you have diarrhea 

or nausea. As VenHuizen explains, these foods are easy to digest and less likely to provoke

 symptoms that make you feel worse.

However, note that the BRAT diet lacks vital nutrients and is only meant to be followed until

 diarrhea or nausea subsides — or for a day or two (at most).

Why Eating Well Is Important When You’re Sick

A healthy diet supports a healthy immune system, so nutritious choices are especially crucial

 When you’re sick. 

According to Malhotra, specific nutrients can work synergistically to promote recovery. 

“Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc are three micronutrients that have the strongest evidence for 

supporting the immune system and fighting off infection,” she says.

Simply getting enough calories in your system promotes recovery, too. “Not consuming enough 

Food when you're sick can delay recovery, as your body

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