Please note that this post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
We all know how the symptoms start when we begin to feel under the weather.
It could be that uncomfortable scratch in your throat, or the congestion in your nose. It could be that you have difficulty swallowing, or feel that horrible, dull ache throughout your body.
Whatever your symptoms are, it’s easy to feel powerless when our bodies succomb to the cold or flu.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to not only lessen these symptoms, but also fend off the illness before it worsens.
Here’s what you should eat and drink at the first sign of the cold or flu.
What to Eat and Drink to Fend Off the Flu or Cold
1. Chicken soup. There’s a reason why your mom always made you chicken soup when you were sick. Research has shown that chicken soup can actually defend against illness and infection, making it one of the best things for you to eat when you’re starting to feel the cold or flu coming on.
2. Sources of zinc. Zinc is essential for healthy immune functioning, so be sure to get plenty of it the moment you start to feel under the weather. Eggs, nuts, whole grains, and seeds are all great options.
3. Ginger tea. Ginger contains a powerful compound that targets rhinoviruses: a common cause of the cold. Drink ginger tea at the first sign of a cold, and be sure to add in honey. Honey is a proven immune booster and can even boost white blood cells to fight off infections.
4. Add in garlic. Garlic provides a number of health benefits, particularly when you’re sick. In fact, one study found that people who consume garlic regularly fall ill less frequently than those who don’t. Try adding it into your cooking, or even take a supplement.
Related: This is the Amount of Sleep You Need When You’re Sick.
Drop a line