What is the best comfort food when sick?

If you've got an upset stomach, it's advised to follow what's called the BRAT Diet, which stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast . The BRAT diet consists of easily digestible, doctor-recommended comfort foods for an upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

What foods are good for fighting a cold?

Kale, broccoli, cranberries, green tea, red onions, blueberries : What do these have in common? All have an antioxidant called quercetin that may help you fight the common cold.

What foods help fight viruses?

Apples, berries, tomatoes, celery and onions (veggies and fruits) Yogurt, sauerkraut and kombucha (probiotics) Salmon, walnuts and chia seeds (omega-3 fatty acids)

What foods make you feel better when sick?

Eating fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C is a smart move. Vitamin C boosts your immune system, which is how your body naturally fights off infection. If you're feeling nauseous, following the BRAT diet – bananas, rice, apples and toast – may be your preference.

Is peanut butter good when sick?

Protein sources such as lean meats, dairy, eggs, and legumes are especially important because they supply the amino acids that your body needs to build the components of your immune system. Choose protein-rich plant sources with heart-healthy fat, such as peanut butter and nuts.

Are eggs good to eat when sick?

Cooked eggs are part of the bland diet, so you might tolerate them if you have diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting . Remember to eat more frequently, in smaller portions than usual. Slowly chewing your eggs helps reduce stress on your stomach. 1 Cooked eggs are also soft, which might be easy on a sore throat.

What is the best breakfast when sick?

Like bananas, oatmeal is bland and easy to eat but also provides calories, vitamins, and minerals you need when you're sick. A 2021 research review suggests that oats may help boost your immune system and aid digestion.

What food makes your stomach feel better?

Bland foods and clear liquids, such as crackers, white rice, toast, and broth , help ease diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. It's important to stay hydrated and fuel your body so it can recover.

What to drink when sick?

“ Water is the gold standard. However, non-sugar drinks such as Pedialyte, green or black tea or non-sugar sports drinks work for adults, too.

What foods should you avoid after being sick?

Try foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, dry toast, soda crackers (these foods are called BRAT diet). For 24-48 hours after the last episode of vomiting, avoid foods that can irritate or may be difficult to digest such alcohol, caffeine, fats/oils, spicy food, milk or cheese .

What foods keep you from getting sick?

You need a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, herbs, and spices in your diet to enable your body to stay as healthy as possible. Good choices of foods to boost the immune system include citrus fruits, spinach, almonds, papaya, and green tea .

Is cheese bad when sick?

It is not true that dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and ice cream, cause your body to make more mucus. However, Dr. Besser says these foods might be harder to digest, so it's best to steer clear until you feel better .

Can I eat pizza when sick?

Choosing what to eat when you're sick depends on your symptoms. Opt for easily digestible and nourishing foods, like broth-based soups or plain crackers. Pizza may be heavy, so consider lighter options to support your recovery.

The Best Foods to Eat When You Are Sick (2024)

During the COVID-19 pandemic it is more important than ever to do everything we can to stay healthy.

If you find you have any cold or flu symptoms, contact your doctor to find out if you should be tested for coronavirus. Meanwhile, choosing the right foods can help you feel less miserable and get better faster.

“You want to pick foods that can boost your immune system so your body can fight off infection, and fluids are essential to the healing process,” said Family Nurse Practitioner Jennifer Wilson, who cares for patients at SamCare Express in Albany and Corvallis. “Listen to your body and what sounds good. You’ll get better faster if you stick to healthy foods and avoid greasy, sugary or junk foods.”

Five Foods for a Cold or the Flu

Fermented Food

Fermented foods have probiotics that can help prevent a cold and shorten the duration, according to research published in the British Journal of Nutrition. Try plain yogurt topped with honey, or miso soup with plenty of vegetables.

Hot Tea

Hot tea can help clear your sinuses and keep you hydrated. Varieties of tea have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can support your immune system while you’re sick, according to Wilson. You can choose a tea formulated for a cough or cold, or a traditional black or green tea if you prefer. There is some evidence that Echinacea tea can shorten the duration of a cold, according to research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. If you’re not a fan of tea, try a squeeze of lemon in hot water with a little honey.

Garlic

Garlic is a powerhouse of antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties that can also boost your immune system. Add fresh pressed garlic to soup or try garlic tea: simply chop three cloves of fresh garlic and let it steep in one cup of hot water. You can add fresh lemon juice or honey if the garlic flavor is too pungent.

Chicken Soup or Other Broth-based Soups

Chicken soup is well studied as an effective remedy when you’re sick. The vegetables deliver vitamins and nutrients your body needs to fight infection, the meat gives protein and the warm broth provides fluids and helps clear sinuses. According to research in the journal Chest, the soup may also be anti-inflammatory which can help ward off infection. Or, try a vegetable broth-based soup like minestrone and add chickpeas for protein if you need a little variety.

Fruit

Fresh fruit has important vitamins and minerals your body needs when you’re sick. Apples, bananas and pomegranates are all good choices. Eat citrus if it sounds good but be careful if you are nauseous or have a sore throat; too much of these high-acidity fruits may make you feel worse.

Foods to Eat When You Feel Nauseous

Ginger

Ginger ale or ginger tea can help settle your stomach when you feel nauseous. Use fresh or dried ginger for tea. Soda may feel better in your tummy if it’s flat instead of bubbly.

Crackers

Choose plain or lightly salted varieties and bland is better; save the multigrain seed crackers for when you’ve recovered.

BRAT

That stands for bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. These classic remedies are mild and easily digestible for a sensitive stomach. These are also good choices if you are struggling with diarrhea while you’re ill.

Staying Hydrated Is Important

Get plenty of fluids when you’re sick. Water, tea or even sucking on ice chips can help keep you hydrated. Wilson notes that you may need a drink with electrolytes if you’re vomiting, but once that stage has passed it’s better to stick with a non-sugary drink. Juice, alcohol and coffee should also be avoided.

“When you’re sick, the best thing you can do is take care of yourself so that you can get better,” said Wilson. “Eat foods that provide nutrition and support your journey back to health.”

Not getting better after a cold or the flu? Book an appointment today with SamCare Express in AlbanyorCorvallis.

If you’re signed up for MyChart, you can schedule an e-visit in the comfort of your own home.