Kids Health Notes

Foods that help fight the colds or flu

by Grace on January 18th, 2008

The long cold months are synonymous with the flu season, and there are several ways of protecting your family from getting sick, or help fight the sniffles. One of the best ways is FOOD.

Foods that help fight the flu/cold:

• Fluids. water, decaf tea, fruit juice, soup. Liquids help to hydrate, and thin mucous secretions.
• Chicken soup helps with mucous secretions.
• Fruit, especially citrus, to increase vitamin C. Grapefruit helps detoxiy the liver.
• Spicy food promotes drainage of the sinuses. Hot Mexican or Indian foods are good congestion busters.
• Fresh, raw fruit and vegetables, whole grains, garlic, pulses, beans, small helpings of fish, nuts and seeds. These foods appear to increase resistance to infection and improve vitality.
• BRAT - banana, rice, apple/sauce, tea- to control diarrhea symptoms.
• Any other food that you can keep down! (except - see below)
• My personal choice - hot Lipton or green tea steeped lemon and honey.

Foods that make the flu worse (i.e., what to avoid):

• Dairy products like cream based soups, ice cream, pudding or milk as they increase phlegm and congest sinuses.
• Alcoholic and caffeinated drinks, as these are dehydrating.
• High-fat, indigestible foods such as cheese, red meat and pastries.

This post previously appeared in Flu Patrol.

[Source: Dietician.com; Holistic Online]

Tags: flu, colds, season, foods, protection, comfort food

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POSTED IN: Family and Home, Healthy Development and Habits, Infectious Diseases, Nutrition and Recipes