Sam Zaman, Executive Chronicles | 10 Best Foods & Remedies to Soothe You When You’re Sick | Foods do more than just fill your belly. When used correctly, foods can be one of the best forms of medicine on the planet. Filled with essential nutrients that our bodies need to perform day to day chores, certain foods act amazingly well to ward off cold and flu.
Next time you are under the weather and are seeking natural, homemade remedies, look to this list of the 10 best foods and remedies to get you back on your feet quickly!
- Chicken Soup
There is a reason why people always take chicken soup when they are sick. Not only it is simple and quick to prepare but also a rich source of vitamins, minerals, proteins and nutrients that are important to restore physical immunity.
Chicken broth alone is a great option when sick, as it can act as a natural decongestant. Broth also helps you to stay hydrated. However if you are purchasing store-bought broth, make sure you buy the low sodium option.
- Oatmeal
Oatmeal when made from rolled oats and kept plain, is a bland meal that is easy to eat, especially for those who are experiencing sore throat or an unsettled stomach. With roughly five grams of protein in a half cup serving, along with fiber and other nutrients, oatmeal is a warm comforting food to soothe a cold.
Try avoiding any pre-packaged oatmeal that is artificially flavored and loaded with synthetic sugar. Instead, make your own oatmeal at home and add honey or maple syrup for sweetened flavor.
- Bananas
Bananas are another bland food, great to eat when you are sick. BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is often recommended to those with nausea. Bananas also offer calories, vitamins and minerals.
Another benefit of bananas is fiber, which can in battling nausea and diarrhea. Eat a banana plain or slice it into oatmeal for a double dose of healing when you are sick.
- Leafy Green Vegetables
When you are battling a cold, you want to be sure to supply your body with all the nutrients that it needs to get better. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli are all packed with nutrients.
Leafy greens are especially rich in vitamin A, vitamin K and vitamin C – all beneficial for boosting immune system and fighting colds.
Though leafy greens aren’t on the typical “sick foods diet”, they can be added to soups and other drinks, making them a healthier option.
- Garlic
Garlic is one of the best foods for clearing up colds and flus. Used as a natural antibiotic for years, garlic is beneficial in fighting bacterial, fungal and viral infections. It is also known for boosting overall immune function.
In fact, a study that focused on the effects of garlic on colds, stated that the people who take garlic regularly are better prepared to fight colds. They also have a tendency to get better in no time as and when they have a cold.
Add garlic to your soup or broth to further enhance the healing effects.
- Ginger
Ginger is well known for its effects on nausea, thus making it ideal for those who suffer from upset stomach or throwing up while sick. Ginger tea is known to have excellent health benefits. Ginger can also be added to soups, broths and other meals.
When purchasing ginger flavored drinks or food, be sure that you are buying an item that is made from real ginger instead of just ginger flavoring.
- Herbal Teas
Sipping on tea while you are sick is a great way to feel better. This is especially important for those who are suffering from diarrhea or are having difficulties keeping food down. Tea also acts as a natural decongestant, similar to broth.
Over the years, it has been noticed that Echinacea tea reduces the length of cold symptoms to a great deal.
- Lemon Water with Honey
One of the best home remedies to try when sick is warm lemon water with honey. Lemons are a good source of immune-boosting vitamin C as well as antibacterial properties. Honey contains a variety of antimicrobial and antibacterial properties besides being good for sore throats.
Honey also acts as a cough suppressant and helps in having a sound sleep, which is important in getting over a cold quickly. It is also a great alternative for sugar.
For best results, squeeze half fresh lemon into 8 ounces of warm, filtered water along with one teaspoon of organic, natural honey. For best results buy good quality honey.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a do-it-all food. A great addition to the lemon water mixture, drinking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water each day is a great way to improve digestion.
When you are sick, apple cider vinegar helps keeping your pH levels balanced, prompting germs to chase away before they take root in your body. It also helps to thin mucus, relieving of congestion and runny nose symptoms you may have.
When purchasing apple cider vinegar to drink, just make sure that you purchase one with the “mother”. This is where the healthy enzymes and friendly bacteria reside. You will be able to tell by the strands and cloudiness that are at the bottom of the bottle.
- Probiotics
Probiotics offer good bacteria, the kind that is similar to friendly bacteria that is naturally produced by our bodies. Since probiotics add good bacteria to the body, they crowd out the bad bacteria, making it difficult for them to thrive.
Probiotics are usually found in naturally fermented food that is not pasteurized or treated with heat in any way. Some good examples are yogurt foods, kefir and kombucha.
When purchasing products with probiotics, make sure you look for live and active cultures and avoid brands that are full of sugar and artificial ingredients.
Contributed by – https://www.vitalcaremedicalcenter.com
