Today’s Health Tip ~ Have the flu? Here are the Best Foods to Eat

The Best Foods to Eat When You Have the Flu

1. Stay Hydrated -Our body needs more hydration when you have the flu or any illness that causes a fever. Family medicine specialist Neha Vyas, MD says, “Your body needs hydration more than any specific food when you’re fighting an illness. Stay hydrated with water or electrolyte-rich beverages. You can also drink broths and herbal tea.” Just be sure to stay away from caffeinated drinks like coffee and soda, and from any drinks high in sugar, which can actually further dehydrate you.
2. Broth – Broth is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and it helps prevent dehydration. It’s also warm and cozy, helping to soothe your sore throat and clear up that stuffy nose.
3. Chicken Soup – You can super-charge your broth by adding protein- and iron-rich chicken and healthy veggies, which will better enable your body to better fight off the flu.
4. Ice Pops -Warm liquids typically soothe a sore throat better than cold ones, but if you want to switch it up (and keep hydrating), an icy treat may help cool down that inflamed tissue. Just make sure you’re choosing ones that are all-natural and don’t have any added sugars.
5. Fruit or Vegetable Juice – Bring on the OJ! Whole fruits and veggies are always best, but sometimes when you’re sick, you just can’t handle a whole lot of food, period. In a pinch, sip on natural fruit or veggie juice to pack in the nutrients you’re missing.
6. Garlic – Studies show that eating garlic in the raw may boost your immunity. You’ll get the most benefit from raw garlic, rather than cooked garlic or garlic supplements. You can even put it in hot tea — just add a little bit of honey to mask the strong scent and make for a more favorable flavor.
7. Leafy Greens – You may not think of a salad as comfort food, but greens like spinach, kale and cabbage are packed with vitamin C and iron that can fight inflammation and help you feel better faster. If you can’t stand the idea of scarfing a salad while sick, add a leafy green to your chicken soup or other cozy stew to reap the benefits in a slightly more flu-friendly form.

Source