Flu Nutrition: What to eat while you have a cold

March 26, 2010

Diets & Nutrition

It is the flu season and we start to hear increasingly more sneezes around us. Avoiding a cold is sometimes difficult. It is important to know that a proper diet has an impact in terms of strength and recovery after a cold. Here are some flu nutrition tips that can keep you away from sneezing, a sore throat and coughs.

So, first of all it is essential to consume lots of liquids like water, herbal tea and freshly squeezed fruit juices. This way the toxins that cause the flu symptoms can be removed quickly from your body. At the same time, coffee and black tea should be avoided because they have a diuretic effect and they dehydrate the body, thus concentrating the toxins.

Milk and dairy products generally should be avoided while you have the flu. There are clinical studies showing that some components of milk trigger the release of histamine in the body, a substance which contributes to worsening your nasal congestion.

Alcoholic beverages should be prohibited because the body gets dehydrated really fast. Alcohol also favors the elimination of vitamin C from your body. You should also know that by drinking alcoholic beverages you put additional strain on your liver who is busy detoxing your body and getting rid of the flu toxins.

If you lack appetite, the consumption of solid foods should not be considered a priority. Vegetable soups, salads, vegetables sautés are viable meal choices while you have the flu. Grapefruits are fruits with miraculous properties in terms of treating colds. It has a high content of vitamin C and helps detoxify the liver. Other citrus fruits are beneficial, but they are too sweet to promote the drainage of the liver.

Nutritionists recommend that we eat the flesh and the pulp of grapefruits because that is the only way you can prevent colds and strengthen your immune system. Fatty foods, cream cheese, fatty meats and pastry should be avoided as much as possible.

Foods such as chili peppers, hot mustard, and radishes can be consumed in moderation because they have the effect of decongesting the nasal mucus and favoring drainage.

White blood cells (specifically neutrophils), which are designed to destroy viruses become lethargic and can not effectively defend the body when there is a high sugar intake in your diet. So sweets and sugary products should be eliminated from the diet while you have the flu.

A good flu diet must be balanced and if the doctor considers it is necessary, he may recommend certain vitamins and mineral supplements. Vitamin A is a vital nutrient for mucous membranes and helps keep the respiratory system healthy during colds. Lysine, an amino acid, has antiviral properties and therefore it is usually recommended. Vitamin B5 supports the adrenal function, helps relieve nasal congestion and minimizes fatigue. B vitamins generally have anti-inflammatory roles and help alleviate cold symptoms. Vitamin C and zinc help shorten the duration of colds and reduce the severity of the flu symptoms. Garlic and Echinacea are plants of great help in the case of colds. There are many foods that have medicinal properties and can help you fight the flu. They are handy and can help us get healthy and over the flu season.

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