You may think that nothing can help you feel better when you have the flu, and you would be right (or worse). Relief, on the other hand, may come from an unexpected source. Surprisingly, certain meals may actually make your flu symptoms worse – or better – without you ever understanding what is happening.
Because flu symptoms may include nausea and stomach issues, it is common for those suffering from the flu to have difficulty eating. It is possible to experience nausea and then develop gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea if food is ingested too soon after feeling sick.
Eating meals that are high in nutrients is beneficial no matter what sort of illness you are suffering from. In fact, it is particularly vital when you are suffering from a temperature. Not all food, however, is made equal. While comfort foods may be what you want when you're not feeling well, they aren't always the most effective way to help you feel better. In fact, I'd advise avoiding your favourite comfort foods if you're feeling sick, since you may end up developing a dislike for them if you eat them while feeling sick.
When you have the flu, it is recommended you avoid the following four foods:
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1. Caffeinated beverages and alcoholic beverages
The risk of dehydration increases when you have a fever because of the high temperatures and increased perspiration associated with the illness. The use of caffeinated beverages and alcoholic beverages might exacerbate your symptoms (particularly stomach-related problems), therefore I suggest drinking plenty of water and other clear liquids throughout the day to keep hydrated.
2. Oily and greasy meals
You'll want to stay away from meals that are tough to digest and that are rough on your digestive system in general. Meals rich in saturated fat, as well as fried and greasy foods, should be avoided or consumed in moderation.
3. Grains that are difficult to digest
Due to the fact that the flu may sometimes produce an upset stomach, it is advisable to consume meals that are simple and easy to digest, such as simple or refined carbohydrates. When you have the flu, foods such as dry saltine crackers, toast, and pretzels are easy on the stomach and are more likely to be tolerated than other foods. Having said that, foods that are heavy in fibre are also more difficult to digest, so I'd suggest avoiding them at least for a short period of time.
4. Foods or beverages that are high in sugar
Though vitamin-c-rich fruit juices may seem like the greatest thing to drink when you're ill, the majority of these selections are not nutritionally dense and might actually aggravate an already-weakened immune system. I'd suggest drinking plenty of water and other clear beverages to remain hydrated once again.
What do you recommend I eat instead?
When you're unwell, broth-based soups are a wonderful option since they're not only easy to take, but also help to restore any fluids and salt that may have been lost during your illness. If you're losing a lot of fluids due to stomach difficulties (vomiting or diarrhoea), electrolyte-containing beverages such as sports drinks or Pedialyte can help you stay hydrated more effectively than plain water. Once you've mastered the ability to handle liquids, begin gradually transitioning to soft, bland meals that are less prone to cause nausea.
I'd also advocate eating small, frequent meals once you're able to eat again, since some individuals have nausea worsened by eating on an empty stomach.
