Tag: Diet when sick

According to a 2016 article by Men's Health, eating refined sugar can temporarily suppress the white blood cells' ability to fight off bacteria. So, can I eat sweets if I have a cold, or should I be avoiding that pint of ice cream or candy bar? It's a common craving, but the answer requires a look at how sugar truly affects your body when it's already fighting an infection.

According to OSF HealthCare, staying hydrated is a key defense when fighting the flu. When you are sick, your body's energy demands increase dramatically to power the immune system, making carbohydrates an essential part of your recovery. The common belief that eating carbs when sick is bad, however, needs to be more nuanced, differentiating between simple and complex varieties.

While the centuries-old saying 'feed a cold, starve a fever' is largely outdated, it holds a kernel of truth in the importance of nutrition during illness. Scientific evidence shows that when your body is fighting a virus, it uses extra energy, making proper fuel and hydration essential for a speedy recovery.

According to a study published in *Newsweek* in 2018, researchers found that a diet high in fat and calories can trigger an inflammatory immune response similar to a bacterial infection. While cravings for comfort foods are common, opting for nutrient-dense options is critical for a speedy recovery.

For many people with tonsillitis, swallowing is painful, making eating a challenge. When your throat is inflamed and irritated, choosing the right foods is crucial for comfort and a speedy recovery. The question of whether or not to eat meat often arises, as not all meat is created equal during illness.

According to a 2024 review in the journal *Nutrients*, some types of ice cream may have beneficial effects on certain health conditions, but is ice cream good to eat when you feel sick with a cold, sore throat, or upset stomach?. The answer depends entirely on your specific symptoms and can surprise many people who were told to avoid all dairy when ill.

According to a 2024 review, zinc and vitamin B content found in foods like mutton can significantly support the immune system during illness. So, is mutton good for a cold, and what's the best way to prepare it for maximum benefit?

According to health experts, eating unhealthy foods like processed snacks or fast food won't do much to help fight off infections or alleviate symptoms when you are sick. So, is McDonald's good when you have a cold? The short answer is no, and the reasons lie in the very ingredients that make fast food appealing.

Over 50% of the daily salt intake for most people exceeds their actual needs, and adding more salt from chips when sick can be counterproductive to recovery. So, is it bad to eat chips when sick? In short, yes, it's generally best to avoid them.

During cold and flu season, what you eat can directly impact your recovery time, with some foods aggravating symptoms rather than helping. Therefore, it's crucial to understand which fruits to avoid in cold and flu cases to prevent throat irritation, increased mucus production, and unnecessary discomfort.