flu

Today’s Health Tip ~ Is Chicken Soup Really Good for the Common Cold?

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Chicken Soup is Helps Fight the Common Cold

Modern research has actually shown that chicken soup, more than other hot liquid, increases mucus flow and helps the body rid itself of the cold virus. Chicken is rich in an amino acid called cysteine which helps loosen secretions. This effect is increased by adding spices such as pepper and garlic. Often when people become ill with the cold or flu they lose body fluids and minerals called electrolytes. Potassium loss is of particular concern in dehydration. Parsnips are a very good source of potassium and should always go into chicken soup. So should carrots and onions because of their antioxidant content. 

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

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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.

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🍎 Health Hack ~ #5 of 5 Cold Fighting Foods

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Garlic

It’s long been known as a germ fighter. And one study showed garlic supplements may help prevent colds when taken daily. But more research needs to be done to figure out its real effects. It does have nutrients, and in food form it can also help spice up your meals when a stuffy nose makes everything taste bland.

WebMd

🍎 Health Hack #3 of 5 Cold Fighting Foods

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Germ Fighters

Kale, broccoli, cranberries, green tea, red onions, blueberries: What do these have in common? All have an antioxidant called quercetin that may help you fight the common cold. The research here is pretty new, but they may be on to something.

WebMd

🍎 Health Hack ~ #1 of 5 Cold Fighting Foods

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Chicken Soup

You should have some, and not just because Mom says so. Studies shows it clears nasal passages and congestion better than other hot liquids. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect that may help your cold symptoms.

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🍎 Health Hack ~ Stuffy Nose?

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It can be difficult to sleep with a stuffy nose and cough. Try these tips to breathe easier and have a better night’s sleep:

Use an extra pillow to prop up your head and ease sinus pressure.

Sleep with a humidifier or vaporizer in the room.

Take a hot bath or shower before bed.

Healthline.com

🍎 Health Hack ~ Hydrate to Knockout the Flu

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One symptom of the flu is a high fever, which can lead to sweating. You might also be dealing with bouts of vomiting or diarrhea. Your body needs plenty of fluids to replace lost liquids, and even more to fight off the infection.

Water is best, but you can also drink herbal teas or tea with honey. These can have a soothing effect on your symptoms while keeping you hydrated. Two things you should always avoid, though, are alcohol and caffeine.

Healthline

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