The worst foods to eat when you’re sick, and the best ones
Try the BRAT diet for diarrhea caused by a stomach virus or an unsatisfactory meal. Constipation can be caused by not eating enough fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Drinking six to eight glasses of water per day also helps get things moving. Saltine crackers and Manuka honey can help soothe a sore throat. Magnesium-rich foods ease general muscle aches.
Is Cream of Wheat okay for upset stomach?
Use low-fat milk, cheese, or yogurt; if you have severe diarrhea, you may need to stop eating or drinking dairy products for a few days. Pasta, white rice, and cereals such as cream of wheat, farina, oatmeal, and cornflakes are also acceptable.
What should you not eat when sick?
When you’re sick, dietitians recommend avoiding these 10 foods.
- Avoid alcohol at all costs. Instead, drink plenty of water.
- Cut back on caffeine. Caffeine can dehydrate you.
- Don’t eat anything acidic.
- Ditch the canned soup.
- Avoid saltines.
- Say no to junk food.
Is it OK to eat cereal when sick?
When you’re sick, all foods seem unappealing, but the right ones can help by calming stomach acids, according to Dr. Lee. u201cIn general, keep food portions small and odors to a minimum,u201d he says. Best foods: Dr. Lee recommends saltine crackers or pretzels, as well as small amounts of dry toast or cereal.
What should a sick person eat for breakfast?
Oatmeal, like bananas, is bland and easy to eat, but it also provides calories, vitamins, and minerals that you need when you’re sick. A rat study found that beta-glucan, a type of fiber found in oats, helped reduce gut inflammation.
Why is Cream of Wheat bad for you?
Cream of Wheat has a high sodium content and contains gluten, which can cause side effects in people who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
What should I eat after vomiting all night?
Avoid foods that can irritate or be difficult to digest for 24-48 hours after the last episode of vomiting, such as alcohol, caffeine, fats/oils, spicy food, milk, or cheese (this is known as the BRAT diet).
Are eggs good when you are sick?
When you’re recovering from a cold or flu and don’t have much energy, eggs are probably the easiest and quickest food to prepare. Keep the yolks in–that’s where the vitamin D is, and two eggs contain 160 IU of vitamin D. Eggs also contain zinc, a mineral that helps your immune system stay in top shape.
What foods fight viruses?
Live cultures, also known as probiotics, are found in yogurt, Kombucha, Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Pickles, Tempeh (Fermented Soybeans), and certain types of cheese. They are thought to help stimulate the immune system to fight disease.
Is peanut butter good when sick?
If you’re experiencing nausea, avoid spicy, fried, or greasy foods and instead opt for easily digestible, protein-rich foods like peanut butter. A lack of protein can exacerbate nausea, so keep track of your protein intake.
Which fruits should avoid in cold and cough?
When recovering from a flu or cold, mucus is your worst enemy, so if you think this superfood is a safe bet when you’re sick, think again. Strawberries, for example, are histamine releasers, which can contribute to congestion.
Can I eat fast food when sick?
While you might crave junk foods while you’re sick, they won’t help your body heal, so stock up now on these healthy staples so you’re prepared for any sickness that may come your way this year.
Is Cereal bad for sore throat?
Warm foods and beverages, such as warm cooked pasta, such as macaroni and cheese, warm oatmeal, cooked cereal, or grits, can also help to soothe your throat.
How can I boost my immune system fast?
How to Boost Your Immune System in a Healthy Way
- Don’t smoke.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Get enough sleep.
- Prevent infection by washing your hands frequently and thoroughly cooking meats.
What should I eat when I feel weak and tired?
Fatigue-Reducing Foods
- Nuts.
- Water.
- Vitamins and supplements.
- Unprocessed foods.
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Non-caffeinated beverages.
- Lean proteins.
- Whole grains and complex carbs.
Are eggs good for flu?
Protein is found in lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, and seeds, and it is used by the body to build strength and maintain what it already has.