Choosing what to eat in the flu can greatly improve the well-being of the child, adult or elderly because it helps decrease the symptoms of fever, nasal congestion, body pain and feeling tired.
During the flu it is important to increase the intake of calories and fluids to decrease the feeling of fatigue because the body increases the metabolism to compensate for the wear and tear in the fight against disease and in addition drink plenty of water increases the diuresis and the release of toxins through the urine helping the body to get rid of the virus.
The best foods to eat while having the flu are teas, soups, raw or cooked fruits and vegetables.
Watch the video to learn how to accelerate the healing of the flu:
5 Foods to fight cold or flu
So what you should eat in the flu are foods like:
1. Vegetable soup or soup
Taking a soup helps to thin the secretions and expectorate more easily the steam of these foods that are consumed hot also help to unclog the nose. Chicken soup is a great example of a good soup for the flu because it has vitamins A, C and E and protein, which help the body to regain strength and increase the resistance of the immune system. In addition, the soup has sodium and potassium that help regulate body temperature and is useful in case of fever.
2. Herbal teas
Tea is a great home remedy for flu because in addition to moisturizing is a drink that is taken hot and steam helps in nasal decongestion. A good example of tea is chamomile tea, echinacea, mint and ginseng, which can be taken or inhaled to help unclog the nose. For inhalation you should prepare the tea and tilt your head up the cup, discarding your steam. A great tea for this purpose is eucalyptus.
Cinnamon tea with honey is also a great solution because it has antiseptic and antibacterial medicinal properties that help in the treatment of the flu. Simply boil 1 cup of water with 1 stick of cinnamon and let stand for 5 minutes. Coar and take next, 3 to 4 times a day.
Here's how to prepare other flu teas by watching the video:
Honey with propolis can be added to tea to lubricate the throat and decrease inflammation if there is a cough.
3. Yoghurt or fermented milk
The consumption of yogurt and fermented milks with probiotics during the flu stage helps to improve the intestinal flora, strengthening the immune system because they activate the body's defense cells, shortening the time of the flu. Yakult and Activia are good examples of yogurts rich in lactobacilli and bifidobacteria that can be used to prevent and treat the flu.
4. Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables increase the amount of water, fiber and vitamins C, A and Zinc, causing the body to react better to the virus in the production of antibodies. Being a good source of energy for the body that is weakened. The most indicated ones are citrus fruits like strawberry, orange, pineapple and lemon that reinforce the immunity.
Cabbage, carrot and tomato are sources of beta-carotene, act against infections and stimulate the immune system.
Lack of appetite is a common symptom in the flu that causes the disease to continue and that is why consuming nutritious, easily digestible and water rich foods such as those mentioned above help in the recovery of the flu.
5. Seasonings that heal
Garlic, mustard, pepper are useful for decongesting the nose and dissolving the phlegm, plus it has natural action that reduces fever and aches in the body. So use these condiments in meals while you have the flu, also eating lean meats that are excellent source of protein and look great when well seasoned.
Rosemary, oregano and basil are also great options for seasoning and fighting the flu and cold symptoms. Here's how to plant these herbs by clicking here.
See too:
- Soup to cure the flu
7 Tips to Reduce the Symptoms of Flu
