Food can
cure and aggravate common sicknesses but cautious dieting can help in no small
way.
For a cold, avoid sugary drinks - cold generally results in low energy, and sugary
drink can be tempting but that move can cause inflammation in the body, weakening
the immune system, making it harder for white blood cells to fight the virus.
Therefore, keep yourself hydrated by drinking
hot drinks or water, which will flush the toxins from your body. Fruit and
vegetables will also provide the
nutrients you need to boost your immune system and help get rid of the
infection.
For a phlegmy cough; avoid milk as it increases the production of
phlegm.
Instead drink water to thin out the mucus
and help it to move more freely. Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties, so
try eating citrus fruits, berries and leafy greens too. Omega-3 fatty acids
also reduce inflammation so make sure you are eating plenty of oily fish and
seeds.
For an upset
stomach; avoid citrus
fruits such as oranges
and other citrus fruits are highly acidic and can aggravate the lining of the
stomach, especially when you’re not feeling too well. Tomatoes and tomato-based
sauces will most likely have the same effect as they are also very acidic. It is
also good to avoid alcohol because it contains chemicals that are difficult to
metabolise and will make your stomach even more unsettled.
Instead try bland foods, such as rice,
crackers, baked chicken and toast, which are easy for the stomach to tolerate.
For migraines; avoid cured meats as Researchers in America have found that people who
suffer from migraines have higher levels of a gut bacteria which processes
nitrates. This means they are more sensitive to foods containing nitrates and
this could trigger an attack.Nitrates are used to preserve bacon, sausages and
other processed meats and occur naturally in leafy greens. Chocolate, red wine,
coffee and fizzy drinks containing caffeine are also thought to trigger
migraines in some people.
Instead
consume foods rich in magnesium, such as almonds, pumpkin seeds, watermelon and
cucumber and drink plenty of water which will aid the relaxation of blood
vessels which eases pain as normal headaches can be caused by dehydration.
For a sore throat; avoid lemonade and grape juice which are highly acidic and irritating
to throat. Raw fruits such as pineapple may have the same effect.
Instead try peppermint tea and honey is also
known for its healing properties. Soft creamy foods, such as soups, yoghurt and
mashed potato, are also soothing. Ripe bananas aren’t acidic, so if you’re
craving fruit have one of these instead.
For a fever; avoid alcohol as it dehydrates the body. If a fever
has left you shivering and sweating in bed then you probably won’t feel much
like drinking anyway – even if it is mild, it’s best to stay away from alcohol
until you’ve recovered. Sugary foods such as sweets or chocolate will inhibit
your immune system further.
Try fresh fruits that are rich in
vitamin C and potassium-rich foods such as bananas and potatoes. Water-based
soups are hydrating and soothing while proteins such as chicken, turkey and
eggs will give your immune system the energy it needs.
For constipation, avoid: chocolate because it is high in sugar which
is difficult for your bowels to process and it also contains caffeine which
leads to dehydration, making your stools harder to pass.
To cure constipation, drink lots of fluids. Eat beans,
lentils and wholegrains to get your system working as it should do.
For sickness; avoid: burgers and chips as they can trigger acid reflux and
leave you feeling even worse than you did already.
Try ginger tea, ginger biscuits or
adding some fresh ginger to your meals. Bland carbohydrates, such as toast and
rice, or proteins such as turkey, are easy for the stomach to digest.
For diarrhea; avoid onions, beans,
cabbage and broccoli.
For a cure, try banana, it is high in potassium.
Stick to toast, crackers, boiled potatoes, oatmeal and other thick, bland foods
for the first 24 hours, and make sure you drink regularly to replace the fluids
you have lost.
