14 Feel-Better Foods to Eat When You Have a Cold (2024)

Home Cold and Flu

Updated: Oct. 11, 2022

Do you know which foods amp up your protection against colds and flu the most? We asked top nutrition experts to reveal the key immune-system boosters.

Berries

You can’t go wrong when snacking on berries of all kinds—especially since they’re the best foods for a cold. That’s because berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries—which have loads of health benefits—are a hydrating source of vitamin C. “Vitamin C functions as an antioxidant and plays an important role in immune function,” explainsAlex Miller, RDN, a corporate dietitian consultant in Grand Rapids, MI. She recommends getting your fill using fresh berries when possible: Add them to yogurt, cereal, salads, or smoothies. “Have fun with it—make a parfait with low-fat yogurt, fresh berries, nuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.” Healthy foods like berries can also help support a healthy immune system. Give this healthy blueberry muffin recipe a try.

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Bananas

Chock-full of potassium, as well as other powerful nutrients such as fiber and vitamin B6, bananas are about as good as it gets when it comes to strengthening your immune system.Additionally, studies have found that the electrolytes in bananas have energy-boosting benefits, which comes in handy when you’re feeling fatigued from a cold. Miller recommends adding a dollop of nut butter on a plain, sliced banana for a heart-healthy snack, or tossing some slices into your oatmeal, low-fat yogurt, or unsweetened cereal. You can also add them to smoothies and baked goods, like muffins, pancakes, and bread. For more-instant relief, try one of thesenatural cold remedies that really work.

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Eggs

Eggs might not be the first food you think to chow down when you’re feeling under the weather, but they may be one of the best foods for a cold. They’re loaded with protein, which is an important nutrient to have in your body when you’re fighting an illness of any kind, explainsRoger E. Adams, PhD, a Houston-based dietitian and nutritionist. And don’t skip out on the yolk. The yellow part of the egg happens to be where a lot of the egg’s protein lies. Yolks also contain other nutrients important for warding off illness, such as immune-boosting zinc and selenium.

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See Also

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Barley

If you’ve only come across barley as an ingredient in a soup, you might not be familiar with its slew of health benefits, particularly for your immune system. “Barley is a good source of fiber and selenium, which appears to have a powerful effect on the immune system due to its antioxidant properties,” Miller says. He recommends incorporating barley into just about every savory meal you consume. “Add it into salads with fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, and fresh herbs (barley with mushrooms, spinach, cannellini beans, and thyme),” he says. “It can also be used to make risottos and pilafs.” If you’re in the mood for soup, try chicken barley, mushroom barley, or vegetable barley soup. You can also have it for breakfast; simply cook and top with fresh fruit like apples, nuts or seeds such as chopped walnuts, and spice if desired, such as cinnamon, Miller adds. Eating well is something you should do when you’re sick, but don’t do these things with a cold.

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Fatty fish

When lunch or dinner time calls and you’re dealing with even the slightest hint of sickness, fill your plate with a nutrient-dense protein like salmon or tuna. One study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that fish oil boosted immune function.In the study, a diet containing DHA-rich fish oil boosted the activity of a white blood cell called B-cells, an important part of the body’s immune system response. If you’re not big into seafood or fatty fish like salmon or tuna, opt for fish oil supplementsinstead; you’ll still get the key benefits and plus heart-healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats that help keep your immune system working its best.

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Foods rich in vitamin C

When you’re feeling sick, you may not always be in the mood to prepare food—but try and fight the temptation to order takeout. Instead, reach for vitamin C-containing foods that require relatively little-to-no prep work. “Vitamin C is a good nutrient for helping to support your body’s immune system and just so happens to be added to many foods—you’ll sometimes see it on the ingredient list as ascorbic acid, sometimes as a preservative,” says Amy Gorin, RDN, a registered dietitian in the New York City area.

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Grape juice

OJ isn’t the only way to drink your vitamin C. One of Gorin’s favorite beverages to recommend for an antioxidant boost is 100% grape juice made with Concord grapes—it ranks with the juices that are healthier than you think. “It’s an excellent source of vitamin C, providing 120 percent of the daily value per serving,” she says. “The vitamin C and plant nutrients in 100 percent Concord grape juice may help promote a healthy immune system, per preliminary research.” Drink it or add it to a fruit smoothie to nurse your health.

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Kombucha

This trendy fermented tea is flying off the shelves of grocery stores across the country—and for good reason. It’s loaded with a myriad of essential nutrients that help keep your immune system in fighting condition, such as B complex vitamins, vitamin C, and zinc. Kombucha also contains various probiotic strains, which are excellent for your gut and are known for their immune-enhancing properties, explains Scott Schreiber, RD, chiropractic physician and certified nutrition specialist. Sugar is used in the fermentation process, so Schreiber suggests avoiding the brands with extra added sugar, as this may decrease the effectiveness.

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Yogurt

Yogurt is one of the best foods for a cold because it’s a good source of protein—especially Greek yogurt—which plays a role in the body’s defense mechanism, Miller explains. Choose live culture versions, and you’ll get probiotics, or “good bacteria,” which may help ease the severity of colds. Be sure to also look for yogurts that are fortified with vitamin D, as Miller notes that low vitamin D levels have been linked to an increased risk for the cold and flu. If you’re not feeling well, he suggests opting for a single-serve container in a mild flavor that you can tolerate, such as vanilla. “Top with nuts or seeds and fresh berries for a boost of essential fatty acids, fiber, and vitamin C.”

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Nuts and nut butters

In any form—pure or pureed—nuts are an excellent way to increase your levels of dietary protein as well as add some essential fats into your diet when you are sick. Plus, nuts and seeds are excellent disease fighters. “Essential fats can help the skin and mucous membranes stay healthy, which helps ward off invaders from getting into your body,” explains Dr. Adams. “Additionally, nuts and seeds are high in selenium vitamin D, zinc, and copper, all of which are key ingredients to maintaining and boosting your immune system.” On the other hand, here are the foods you shouldn’t eat with a cold.

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Sweet potatoes

You probably already know that sweet potatoes—possibly nature’s healthiest vegetable—are a great addition to many meals, but did you know that they’re also loaded with immune system-strengthening nutrients, like vitamin A? “One medium sweet potato provides over 100 percent of your vitamin A for the day, a vitamin that helps regulate the immune system and protects from infections by keeping our skin and internal tissues healthy,” says Miller. Not in the mood for a mushy potato when you’re feeling sick? Try sweet potato toast. Miller’s go-to recipe: Slice a sweet potato into ¼-inch long vertical slices, turn your toaster up to high, and toast your slices two to three times or until tender. Top your toast with whatever sounds good to you—nut butter, banana slices, and cinnamon; nut butter and raisins; a poached egg and mashed avocado; black beans and cheese; grated parmesan and fresh basil. The options are endless.

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Cruciferous vegetables

Sure, you might not feel like a veggie stir-fry when you’re battling a stuffy nose and itchy throat, but cruciferous veggies like broccoli, bok choy, and kale are loaded with nutrients that help you get well. Yet, another reason why these veggies should be added to your grocery list of the best foods for a cold. “Broccoli, in particular, contains vitamin E, an antioxidant and phytochemical that’s great for fighting colds and flu,” says Schreiber. He suggests getting your fill however you can—be it in a soup, salad, or raw with a little dressing or Greek yogurt dip.

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Ginger

This flavorful flowering plant is good for more than just seasoning. “Ginger is also known for its ability to help ease cold symptoms by relieving congestion and stimulating circulation in the body,” says Miller. “It has an active compound called gingerol, which is known for its antimicrobial properties.” Take a look at ginger’s many health benefits. He recommends sprinkling ground ginger on roasted carrots, sweet potatoes or pumpkin or buying unsweetened ginger tea, which will also help ease a sore throat.

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Water

There’s a reason everyone from your mother to your doctor tells you to stay hydrated, especially when you’re feeling under the weather. This is because our body is made up of nearly 60 percent water—which means it requires a ton of the stuff to run properly. “When we become dehydrated, all of our body’s systems suffer, especially the immune system,” explains Dr. Adams. “For this reason, water and other non-caloric beverages are a must when fighting illness.” Sugar-free add-ins or even squeezes of citrus fruits may make water taste better when ill and will encourage you to drink more. Coffee and tea are fine, too, though your stomach might not tolerate them well when you’re feeling sick. While you’re trying to get better, make sure you watch out for signs your commoncold could be something much worse.

Originally Published: November 29, 2018