What to eat when you have the flu, or to try and prevent it
There are ways to prevent the flu these day. Vulnerable groups of people are offered the flu jab, so you should get this and you can also pay for this if you’re not categorised into a group.
If you are unlucky enough to get the flu, there isn’t much you can do apart from take plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids and keep warm. However, there are certain foods you can eat to aid you on your road to recovery even quicker, even if you don’t fancy eating.
The flu can keep you off work for at least a week, if not longer and not all employer’s are sympathetic to this, so this can cause conflict in the workplace and extra stress for you. So, to get you fighting fit, here are my top tips, which you can follow:
Recommended foods to eat!
Chicken soup – chicken provides your body with both iron and protein. If you add vegetables, such as celery, carrots and fresh herbs, you will get the all important nutrients too. You can sip on this slowly throughout the day if you already have the flu and the broth will keep you warm and hydrated.
Vitamin C – This boosts your immune system. It is a very important nutrient and is found in a lot of fruits. The main ones are strawberries, citrus fruits and tomatoes. Boosting your immune system is an important thing to do when you’re poorly.
Garlic – Not only will it keep the vampires away, it has also been used as an alternative medicine for centuries. It has been proven to reduce the severity of flu symptoms in adults. I’d rather be stinky than have the flu.
Leafy Greens – Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, cabbage, pak choi and lettuce can also help to boost your immune system. They contain vitamin C and vitamin E. Vitamin E is also an immune-enhancing nutrient. If you can’t stomach kale, I recommend adding it to a smoothie. Perhaps you could consider adding some kale and spinach with strawberries and oranges and blitz it into a smoothie. It sounds delicious and then you are getting so many nutrients into you.
Yogurt – Most yogurt has live cultures. This can help soothe a sore throat, but can also help boost your immune system. Yogurt also contains protein.
Broccoli – Eating just one serving of broccoli will provide immune-boosting vitamins C and E, along with fiber and calcium. If you don’t feel like eating it in its whole form, consider eating broccoli soup while you’re recovering, which can also keep you hydrated.
Oats – Hot oats can be soothing and nutritious. It also contains immune-boosting vitamin E and fiber. Whole oats have the most benefits.
Spices – When you have the flu you may have sinus and chest congestion. Some spices, such as pepper and horseradish can help break up the congestion so you can breathe better.
Is there anything else you can do in flu season?
Always stay hydrated, because you may not feel like eating much, but you may sweat more, because you will have a fever. There are several ways to stay hydrated:
Water
Herbal tea with honey
broth
hot honey and lemon water
100% juices, with no added sugar
What to avoid if you have the flu
Alcohol – this would cause dehydration and lower your immune system
Caffeine – coffee, tea and soda make you more dehydrated and some contain sugar
Processed foods – These do contain many nutrients and your body will heal far less.
Hard food – These can aggravate a cough or sore throat
