3 foods and drinks you should consume when sick, according to a doctor
- When sick, eat foods high in vitamins and minerals like oranges, red bell peppers, and spinach.
- If you're sick and lost your appetite, try taking vitamin C supplements.
- Because you're often dehydrated when sick, be sure to drink plenty of water or a hot broth.
Chicken noodle soup is a classic remedy for the common cold. However, it's not your only option. Other foods, supplements, and fluids can help you find relief and get back on your feet. Here's what you should eat and drink to get over your cold.
1. Eat foods high in vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, and calcium
"At the first signs of a cold, you want to focus your diet around nutrients that will boost your immune system," says Fred Pescatore, MD, a physician who specializes in natural medicine. "Vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, and calcium are key."
Vitamin C and zinc have been go-to cold treatments for decades. Both of these nutrients won't prevent you from getting sick, but they may alleviate your symptoms.
The recommended amount of vitamin C per day for the average adult is 75 milligrams (mg) for women and 90 mg for men. Foods with lots of vitamin C include:
Likewise, the recommended amount of zinc per day for the average adult is 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men. Foods high in zinc include:
Though more research is needed, some studies suggest that a lack of magnesium can lead to a weakened immune system. Therefore, enough magnesium in your diet may help you fight infection.
The recommended amount of magnesium per day for the average adult is between 310 mg for women and 420 mg for men. Magnesium-rich foods include:
2. Supplements can also help
When you're sick, you may lose your appetite, which makes it harder to get the nutrition you need to recover. In that case, supplements can be a potent source of vitamins and minerals, Pescatore says.
"A normal healthy diet should include enough of these vitamins and minerals, but if needed, you can also supplement these vitamins to ensure you are getting the correct levels," explains Pescatore. "One of the tried-and-true nutrients to ensure a speedy recovery from the common cold is vitamin C."
Plus, small studies have suggested that common cold supplements of elderberry, ginseng, and garlic may lessen the severity of symptoms and decrease the duration of your sickness.
3. Drink water, broths, and caffeine-free tea
In addition to eating right, drinking enough is also important. A cold can dehydrate you, so drink plenty of water and avoid liquids that can further dehydrate you.
"Hydration is especially important to help your body fight off any infection or virus. Liquids like broths and [caffeine-free] teas are your best options," says Pescatore "Steer clear of sugary drinks like Gatorade and soda - sugar is known to suppress the immune system, making it tougher to recover from a cold. Other beverages such as coffee, alcohol, and fruit juices can dehydrate you as well."
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