Alright, so you’ve come down with the sniffles, a little cough, and body aches. Though you’re probably thanking your lucky stars you don’t have COVID-19, it’s still not fun to deal with a cold.
While eating when you’re sick isn’t necessarily top of mind, it’s important to remember the right foods and beverages can help you get better faster. Whether they’re relief from your symptoms or strengthening your immune system, it’s important to put nutrients back into your body.
From obvious cold remedies to special add-ins, here’s what you need to be eating and drinking if you’re dealing with a seasonal cold.
Chicken Soup
Alright, let’s say it together… DUH! It’s a tale as old as time, but chicken soup really does work when fighting off a cold. Not only is it yummy, but chicken soup has been proven to clear nasal passages and fight off congestion.
If you have a stuffy nose or are having a difficult time breathing, grab yourself some chicken noodle soup. Not to mention, it’s an easy food to get down when you’re not feeling like yourself.
Need to spice it up? Try a Mexican version with extra jalapeno and chilis in adobo for some extra heat!
Citrus, Citrus, Citrus
If you notice a cold coming on that means it’s time to start pounding the vitamin C. No, really, like have as much of it as possible. While vitamin C can’t necessarily keep up from catching a cold, it can help us get rid of a cold faster.
Put lemon or lime into your water, drink a smoothie full of yummy citrus fruits, or just start eating oranges every day.
More Water, Please
Again, let’s say it together… DUH! Just like chicken noodle soup, it’s fairly obvious it’s a good idea to drink water when you’re feeling under the weather.
However, there’s a good chance you’re not drinking enough of it.
Water helps to loosen the mucus in your nose and chest to relieve congestion (TMI, but it’s true). It also helps the body to function properly and flushes out toxins. Add a little bit of lemon to your water for extra benefits or drink hot water if you’re looking for a little relief for your throat.
Tea and Honey
If you get a little bit tired of chugging water, change it up and have tea instead, preferably chamomile tea. Add a bit of honey to your tea, which will help to boost immunity and soothe your throat.
This is a great way to sneak that citrus in your cup, too! A little bit of chamomile tea with a squeeze of fresh lemon can really make a difference.
Related: 5 Stress-Busting Teas You Need in Your Life
Turmeric
So you’ve probably seen people eat this orange powder before, but do you know why it’s considered to be a miracle worker? Well, first of all, curcumin — which is the natural compound in turmeric — has been proven to boost immune cell activity.
It also enhances antibody response, so it helps your body to fight infections faster. When you’re feeling a bit under the weather, sprinkle a bit of turmeric into bone broth or smoothie. It’s a game-changer!
Bone Broth
Speaking of bone broth… drink a lot of it if you’re feeling sick! The steam from the soup helps to relieve congestion and reduce inflammation, but it’s also a great vehicle for eating a number of healthy add-ins.
Throw some garlic into the broth, which is proven to boost immunity, cayenne pepper, which relieves nasal congestion, or ginger, which eases nausea. If you can, try to have a couple of bowls of bone broth a day. Your body will thank you later!
You can make bone broth yourself easily and cheaply on the stove, or quickly in the Instant Pot.
