Best Foods to Eat Whilst Sick?

issystclaire
issystclaire Posts: 113 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I know it is just as important, if not more so, to get proper nutrition while being ill.

In terms of supplemts, etc, I have been taking the standard vitamin c with zinc tablets, drinking echinacea tea, and I also have been using chili sauce (2 tsp every 4 hours).

Aside from this stuff though, are there any other foods that are best to eat whilst sick that can help you get well faster?

Replies

  • tommygirl15
    tommygirl15 Posts: 1,012 Member
    I'm at the tail-end of a cold right now, I consumed more liquids than usual, including chicken-veg soup and tons of herbal tea. I take oil of oregano to speed up the healing process - I probably cut the duration of my cold in half.

    That, and Nyquil is my friend.
  • issystclaire
    issystclaire Posts: 113 Member
    What does the oil of oregano do?
  • icimani
    icimani Posts: 1,454 Member
    When I'm sick is about the only time I drink juice. I like grapefruit or orange juice heated.

    Chili powder?! Never heard of that one.
    I never heard of oil of oregano either.

    I'm a firm believer in zinc - I use the Zycam spray. But you have to catch it right at the beginning of a cold/flu otherwise it does seem to lessen the severity but it seems to make it hang on forever. Maybe that's just me though.
  • tommygirl15
    tommygirl15 Posts: 1,012 Member
    Here's a little info on oil of oregano: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/oregano-oil/

    It has a HUGE range of uses. The common cold is just one of many ailments it can treat. I have to warn you though, it tastes pretty nasty depending on how you consume it (I put drops under my tongue, let it sit for a few seconds, then wash it down with water). You could mix it in orange juice and drink it to help mask the taste.
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    Dry toast and crackers if you are nauseous.

    I also agree on the oregano oil. It will destroy your symptoms!
  • worshiptheking148
    worshiptheking148 Posts: 107
    3 words ; APPLE CIDER VINEGAR:devil:
  • secretlobster
    secretlobster Posts: 3,566 Member
    Depends what you're sick with. Sounds like a cold. Chicken noodle soup is your best friend. Cliché but it does feel good.

    I like to make someone bring me a Robek's smoothie when my throat hurts. Sometimes spicy food tastes good too, when nothing else seems to have flavor.
  • Phaedra2014
    Phaedra2014 Posts: 1,254 Member
    I know it is just as important, if not more so, to get proper nutrition while being ill.

    In terms of supplemts, etc, I have been taking the standard vitamin c with zinc tablets, drinking echinacea tea, and I also have been using chili sauce (2 tsp every 4 hours).

    Aside from this stuff though, are there any other foods that are best to eat whilst sick that can help you get well faster?

    Home made chicken broth with baby spinach, mushrooms, shredded chicken breast and a handful of orzo.

    Apples, pears, bananas. Vegetable purees.

    Stay away from the Gatorade-type drinks that have way too much sugar.

    ETA: Vitamin C usually makes me feel better faster. Not sure why. Also, sublingual B-12 helps me out.
  • Blown_Away1
    Blown_Away1 Posts: 123 Member
    I'm getting a cold myself. Here's what works for me. I believe in emergen-C twice a day and Zinc 50mg. Herbal tea and soup are my best friends.

    Go for walks to keep circulation in your system and increase your fluids. Try to get a bit of extra rest.
  • issystclaire
    issystclaire Posts: 113 Member
    3 words ; APPLE CIDER VINEGAR:devil:

    What does this do for you? And also, what is the best way to ingest it?
  • issystclaire
    issystclaire Posts: 113 Member


    Chili powder?! Never heard of that one.

    Not powder - pure chili sauce. Chili's are good for fighting bacteria as well as boosting the immunes system. My bf happens to be a chili freak so always has at least 30-40 sauces at hand. Sometimes I just take a tsp straight, sometimes I mix ith with lemon and honey in hot water to help with the flavour as I do not particularly care for the heat.
  • Illona88
    Illona88 Posts: 903 Member
    Herbal tea

    Veggie soups (animal fat can make you throw up)

    Fruit smoothies

    Whole wheat marie biscuits.
  • slenderbecky
    slenderbecky Posts: 14
    I kick the nutrient density into high gear if I'm exposed to illness, and I very, very rarely get sick.

    Dark leafy greens are spectacular for the immune system, as is garlic. You can make a delicious brothy garlic and greens soup...put in a little chopped potato for extra sustenance.

    Omega-3 fatty acids are also really good for immunity, so I make smoothies with ground flaxseeds or hempseeds in them.

    Red bell peppers are extremely high in vitamin C, higher than any fruit, and they are super low in sugar. It is good to avoid too much sugar (and definitely stay away from any added sugars or sugary foods) whilst sick because sugar suppresses the immune system. Also, beta carotene is good for the immune system, so think baked winter squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, etc.
  • issystclaire
    issystclaire Posts: 113 Member
    Thanks everyone for all the tips and suggestions.

    I am finally better after almost a week. I have spoken to my gp as well this week, telling them that I have been ill twice within a month. This time around turned out to be a sinus infection - but I am actually about to a have a full round of blood tests done to make sure no underlying issues or deficiencies are causing me to get ill so often either. Of course, I am hoping there's nothing wrong, but if so, I would rather find out so I can do whatever I need to, to fix it and not get sick again!

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