While there are some foods that help when you have the flu, such as chicken soup, garlic, and vitamin C rich foods, there are some that should be avoided to prevent the symptoms from worsening. Here are some foods that you should consider off limits when you catch a cold to allay an appointment with a top general physician in Lahore.
1-Simple Carbs:
Even though a steaming hot cup of tea and buttered toast may sound nice when you have the flu, it is worth remembering that refined carbs are quickly broken down into sugar and cause your blood sugar levels to rise, triggering an inflammatory effect. So, try to avoid simple carbs when you are sick and opt for whole grains instead as they take longer to digest and do not cause blood sugar levels to rise.
2-Sugary Foods:
Sugar is inflammatory and can weaken the white blood cells, which the body needs to keep infections at bay. Even though it is tempting to reach for comfort foods such as chocolates and artificially sweetened fruit juice when you are sick, you should not give in and stick to a healthy diet instead. You could also look for alternate ways of satisfying your sweet tooth when you have the flu such as munching on sweet fruits or dried fruits such as dates, raisins, and figs.
3-Caffeinate:
Hydration is key when you are sick to replace the fluids you lose but caffeinated beverages such as tea, coffee, and soda can make you feel dehydrated. Moreover, most of these drinks have sugar too and will lead to inflammation.
4-Dairy:
Dairy can sometimes make the mucus in your throat thicker, so if you notice that dairy is making you produce more phlegm, you might want to eliminate it from your diet when you are sick. However, if this is something you can tolerate, having milk or yogurt as dairy is a great source of vitamin D and calcium. It can help your body takedown infections. Moreover, yogurt contains probiotics, which is good for rebalancing your gut bacteria and improving your digestion.
5-Fried Foods:
Greasy, fried foods are inflammatory and can also weaken the immune system. Moreover, fatty food is also harder to digest than carbs and proteins and must be avoided if you have an upset stomach. Fatty foods also worsen nausea and make it difficult for you to eat foods that are actually good for you.
6-Hard Foods:
Crunchy foods that have a rough texture can be irritating for your throat and must be avoided if you have a sore throat or a cough. Therefore, do not eat nuts and crackers when you have flu.
7-Meat:
Try to eat more vegetarian dishes when you are sick as animal fats can impede your body’s ability to fight germs that cause the flu. Vegetables are also full of antioxidants and this can help your body fight off infections more effectively.
If you have the flu, consult a doctor. You can find and book an appointment with a top general physician in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad through oladoc.com. You can also call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your health concerns.
