The flu, also called influenza, is a contagious upper-respiratory virus that causes fever, chills, body aches, nasal congestion, dry cough and fatigue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend staying home, resting and avoiding contact with others once you acquire the flu. If you experience severe symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, severe vomiting or chest pain, seek medical attention. Numerous foods and beverages can support your wellness and recovery from the flu.
Warm Fluids
Warm fluids, such as soup, warm water and herbal tea, can reduce flu symptoms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the chicken soup helps alleviate nasal congestion, inflammation and body aches. Hot steam from soup and hot beverages may also reduce congestion.
Choose broth-based chicken soup when possible, since creamy soups may provide fewer benefits and possibly increase congestion. Vegetables in soup provide antioxidants that can help your body defend itself against infection and disease. Chicken provides amino acids, which support tissue repair.
Other protein-rich soup ingredients include beans, lentils, split-peas and tofu. Teas are also antioxidant-rich. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests herbal teas, such as ginger tea, which can particularly help if you are experiencing nausea.
Adding honey to tea can help sooth throat pain and provide modest amounts of glucose, the body's primary energy source. Lemon added to tea may provide a natural cleansing effect. Avoid or limit caffeinated teas and coffee, which may disrupt your ability to rest.
Vitamin C-Rich Foods
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, known for its disease-fighting capabilities. Since excessive vitamin C in supplement form can cause negative side effects, opt for vitamin C-rich foods. Valuable sources of vitamin C include red and green bell peppers, citrus fruits, citrus juices, berries, kiwifruit, Brussels sprouts, tomato juice, broccoli, cantaloupe and cabbage.
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, five servings of fruits and vegetables daily provides over 200mg of vitamin C---more than twice the recommended daily amount for children and adults. Consume a variety of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables when you have the flu. If your appetite is reduced, consume fruit juices, vegetable juices, fruit smoothies, broth or tomato-based vegetable soups for similar benefits.
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods can reduce congestion associated with the flu. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests spicy foods, such as horse radish, to reduce sinus congestion. You may also add cayenne pepper to soups, teas and other foods, or enjoy a spicy vegetable or chicken-based curry or stir-fry dish.
Since the flu can reduce your sense of taste, spicy foods may also provide greater taste potential than bland foods. Consume cautiously spicy foods and beverages to prevent burning your tongue or developing other bothersome symptoms.
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