{"id":16819,"date":"2023-01-04T10:00:56","date_gmt":"2023-01-04T16:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=16819"},"modified":"2023-01-03T14:17:06","modified_gmt":"2023-01-03T20:17:06","slug":"foods-to-eat-when-sick-with-flu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/foods-to-eat-when-sick-with-flu\/","title":{"rendered":"Foods to eat when sick with flu"},"content":{"rendered":"

Being sick with the flu<\/a> is no fun. But if you keep your body well-fed, it can help your body recover from illness.<\/p>\n

So, what are the best foods for flu?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s about introducing healthy vitamins and minerals into your body to keep your immune system strong as it fights the flu.<\/p>\n

Hydration is most important<\/h2>\n

\u201cThe main key to helping your body stay fit to fight the flu is hydration,\u201d said Mohammed S. Khan,<\/a> MD, a primary care physician for OSF HealthCare.<\/p>\n

A common symptom of the flu is fever<\/a>, and your body responds to fever by trying to lower your body temperature through sweating. To avoid dehydration, and to keep your cells functioning properly, you need to replace the water you lose due to sweating.<\/p>\n

You also lose electrolytes like sodium, calcium and potassium when you sweat. Beverages that have electrolytes \u2013 Gatorade and Pedialyte, for example \u2013 can help you hydrate more quickly than water.<\/p>\n

Broths can also help you hydrate, while providing important nutrients and being easy on the stomach. Add some cooked chicken, noodles and vegetables to that broth and you\u2019ve got a protein-rich chicken noodle soup to help you keep up your strength.<\/p>\n

Hot tea can help you hydrate. Plus it can help soothe a sore throat.<\/p>\n

When picking a drink, however, avoid drinks with caffeine or sugar, which can dehydrate you even more.<\/p>\n

Foods to eat when sick<\/h2>\n

\u201cAvoid things that can cause more problems, like spicy or fried foods,\u201d Dr. Khan said. \u201cSoups and broths can be helpful, and softer foods will be easier to handle. You want to eat healthy things that are easily digestible and not irritating to your stomach.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Looking for healthy meals to keep up your strength?<\/p>\n

Check out our recipes here<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Eating fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C is a smart move. Vitamin C boosts your immune system, which is how your body naturally fights off infection.<\/p>\n

Foods high in vitamin C<\/em><\/p>\n