Flu And Nutrition: 10 Do's And Don'ts | Respiratory tract disorders and diseases slideshows | Body & Health Conditions center

Drink Plenty of Fluids

If you are suffering from the flu, fluids are your best ally. There are several reasons why fluids are recommended here. First of all, the flu generally comes with fever, and with fever you tend to lose a lot of fluids (through sweating). So, oral intake of fluids ensures that you replace what you lost. The most common way to replenish your fluids is through water and soups. However, for children, pedialyte solutions are also a great option, just like Gatorade is. You might be wondering what the deal is with a sports drink and the flu. And the answer lies in the electrolytes. Gatorade is rich in sodium, potassium and other ions necessary in adequate body function. This is even more recommended if your child is actively vomiting or has a diarrhea as a result of the flu.

Sources & Links

Important notification about information and brand names used in this slideshow!
Photo courtesy of Cali4beach by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/cali4beach/6464289901/
www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/what-to-eat-when-you-have-the-flu
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-klein/foods-for-cold_b_1885300.html
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/home-remedies-9/slideshow-flu-foods
http://www.ehow.com/way_5207017_not-eat-flu_.html
http://celinemarrec.com/what-not-to-eat-and-what-to-eat-when-fighting-a-cold/VibrantLiving

...But no Orange Juice

This must be a big shock for you! No? Well, let me explain still... It's not like there is something wrong with orange juice, it's just that it has no special effects against the flu! If you would like to drink it because it is also considered as "fluids", fine, go ahead. But it is quite poor in electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium namely) compared to other drinks like milk or gatorade. Additionally, studies have shown that taking vitamin C when a cold starts does not make the symptoms any less severe. So there is no real medical reason for jacking up your vitamin C levels when you suffer from the cold.

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Eat Soups, Especially Chicken

Who wouldn't want grandma’s especially homemade chicken soup! Too bad the only times you could eat it as needed are when you have the flu and the cold! If soups are heavily recommend during cold weathers, it’s because they have a certain power…The magic is in the heat that rises from the pot and gradually ascends to our nostrils, embedded in the aromatic smell of the garlic, chicken and herbal spices of that majestic soup! And yes, that head unclogs our nostrils to make us breathe better, and soothe our throat to erase any pain. Additionally, the same heat can kill the flu viruses, since they do not like warm environments. This is why eating soups, taking warm water baths, saunas, or physical exercise are strongly recommended in cases of flu or cold.

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Avoid Salt

Yes, you read right. Salt is a "no-no" when you have the flu. Does this mean that you should abstain from your chips and crackers during that period? Possibly yes. Don't beat yourself up too much, this is all for your good. The direct explanation for this recommendation is the "water connection". Salt is directly related to water in our body. The more salt you consume, the more water you will need to consume as well, to maintain the osmolarity of the extracellular fluid. And the more water you drink, the more you will need to urinate. And because the intake and the output are not always balanced, there is a possibility for dehydration, which could worsen your symptoms.

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Choose Proteins, Skip the Fat

In order to fight the flu, you really need to bring your best game on! And if this requires making some adjustments in your diet, then go for it! The reason why proteins are encouraged in such conditions (and even in most disease states) is because they support he immune system, thus making them white blood cells stronger to eliminate the virus. In addition, they are easier and faster to digest, which is a crucial point during that period when your body needs to be strong. Fatty meals however could slow down your body and delay all processes, simply because they take more time to be digested.

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Photo courtesy of Karin by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/mismisimos/2663211495/
celinemarrec.com/what-not-to-eat-and-what-to-eat-when-fighting-a-cold/VibrantLiving

No Alcohol, Juice the Vegetables Instead

Even though drinking alcohol gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling inside, it is not recommended when you have the flu. The reason is, it inhibits all your body defenses and turns down your immune system, which is what you need the most to get rid of the flu virus. So what is the point or feeling good for only one instant when you know that you will be bedridden for the next couple of days because of an aggravated flu? Instead, opt for fruit and vegetable drinks! Yes, go green…or yellow. Fruits and green leafy vegetables are rich in powerful antioxidants that can prevent cellular damage and strengthen the immune system.

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Eat Popsicles

Who would have believed that popsicles could actually help you with the flu? Sweet little miraculous things… When you have a cold or a full blown flu, popsicles can help in soothing your throat whether it is sore, swollen or prickly. Additionally, as popsicles stimulate the production of saliva in the oral cavity, it can help you to stay hydrated, which is a positive thing. And this is even a very convenient solution for kids! But when choosing your popsicles, always opt – as often as possible – for those that are made from a 100% fruit juice, to ensure that you are benefiting from the natural ingredients as well.

Sources & Links

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Photo courtesy of Kathy by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/auntikhaki/3671322447/
www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/home-remedies-9/slideshow-flu-foods

Skip Dairy Products

And no, milk is a big "no-no" for all those who suffer from the flu. Normally, dairy products are an integral part of a healthy diet. However, when you suffer from the flu, you need to put a hold on all the milk, the cheese, the yogurt and the butter that you used to take. The reason? Fairly simple. Dairy products stimulate mucus production in the throat. And because your respiratory tract is already partially occluded, this could worsen your breathing symptoms. So store that milk and that cream cheese somewhere far away, because you won't be needing them for at least a few days!

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celinemarrec.com/what-not-to-eat-and-what-to-eat-when-fighting-a-cold/VibrantLiving

Eat garlic

Garlic doesn’t simply offer give all your delicious meals a pungent taste, it is also a naturally occurring anti-microbial agent! Garlic could help your immune system in fighting off infections, including viral infections. In addition, the Allium sativum (scientific name for garlic) can stimulate your immune system in releasing more chemical mediators to fight off the pathogens. And when it is added to grandma’s miracle working chicken soup, garlic contributes to relieving nasal congestion. So spice things up a little, include garlic in your meals - especially your soups and stews - and get rid of the cold virus in no time!

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No spicy foods

The main issue with spicy foods here is, they can increase secretion and thus cause water loss, which is not what we want as we aim at preventing dehydration from the flu or the cold. Additionally, spicy foods could cause bowel irritation, which ultimately manifests itself by diarrhea and vomiting. Aromatic spices such as garlic, curcumin, canella or clove are allowed. However, peppery spices like cayenne pepper, hot pepper or black pepper are to avoid, because of the above-mentioned effects. Some spices like garlic, ginger or onions are highly recommended because of their anti-microbial effects, and also because they work as potent anti-oxidants.