When you’re feeling under the weather, a healthy diet is crucial to feed your body the boost of nutrients and vitamins it needs to feel better. Many of us are quick to pop pills and rely on medication prescribed by doctors, but there are also times just a change in diet can make a world of a difference.

Here are some tips you can try when you need a little help.

1. Stay hydrated

Image: starwellness.sg
Image: starwellness.sg

Because our appetite is likely to be reduced when we’re feeling sick, it’s important then that we have enough fluids. Ginger tea is a great choice for an upset stomach, and if you are vomiting or making frequent runs to the bathroom, an electrolyte-infused beverage is a good choice. If you have a fever, hot drinks like tea with lemon and honey can do wonders. Green tea is a natural detox so it’s great to take with honey if you have a sore throat.

2. Choose easily digestible protein

Some ideas include scrambled eggs or yogurt.

3. Citrus fruit

Image: stylecraze.com
Image: stylecraze.com
The soft white skin found on oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes contains flavonoids, which increase immune system activity.

4. Eat more greens

Don’t forget your veggie intake, if you need a time to boost your greens, this would be it! There are nutrients in leafy greens and broccoli that help you fight off infections.

5. Chicken soup is good for the soul

Image: healthist.com
Image: healthist.com

And no we’re not just quoting the title of the famous book. Clear broths like miso, chicken or veggie broth will keep you hydrated and are easy to digest if you don’t have much of an appetite. For an added boost, add chunks of veggies, whole grains like barley, and some kind of lean protein for more vitamins and nutrients. The hot liquids do double duty by warming the body from chills and also opening up sinus passages to relieve congestion.

6. Probiotics

Probiotics in yogurt can shorten colds and flu by almost two days and Greek yogurt is a great option too with your bowl of fruits.
Of course it also depends on the condition you have and what is best to eat to soothe or relief those symptoms.
– Cover Image: healthfoodhappy.com