Hippocrates famously said, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.”
It’s true that food can do much more than provide energy.
And when you’re sick, eating the right foods is more important than ever.
Certain foods have powerful properties that can support your body while it’s fighting an illness.
They may relieve certain symptoms and even help you heal more quickly.
These are the 6 best foods to eat when sick.
1.Broths
Broths are excellent sources of hydration while you’re sick.
They’re full of flavor and can contain calories, vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, folate and phosphorous.
If you drink them while hot, broths also have the wonderful benefit of acting as a natural decongestant because of the hot steam.
Drinking broth is a good way to stay hydrated, and the rich flavors can help you feel satisfied. This is especially helpful if your stomach is unsettled and you are unable to keep down solid foods.
2.Ginger
Ginger is probably best known for its anti-nausea effects.
if you are feeling nauseous or throwing up, ginger is the best food available to relieve these symptoms. Even if you aren’t nauseous, ginger’s many other beneficial effects make it one of the top foods to eat when sick.
3.Bananas
Bananas are a great food to eat when you’re sick.
They’re easy to chew and bland in flavor, but also provide a decent amount of calories and nutrients.
Another big benefit of bananas is the soluble fiber they contain. If you have diarrhea, bananas are one of the best foods you can eat because the fiber can help relieve diarrhea.
4.Leafy, Green Vegetables.
It’s important to get all of the vitamins and minerals your body needs while sick, but that can be difficult to do with a typical “sick foods” diet.
Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, romaine lettuce and kale are packed full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They are especially good sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K and folate.
Dark green vegetables are also loaded with beneficial plant compounds. These act as antioxidants to protect cells from damage and help fight inflammation.
5.Oatmeal
Like bananas, oatmeal is bland and easy to eat while providing the calories, vitamins and minerals you need when sick.
It also contains some protein — about 5 grams in a ½ cup.
Oatmeal has some other powerful health benefits, including stimulating the immune-system and improving blood sugar control.
However, avoid buying artificially flavored oatmeal with lots of added sugar. Instead, add a small amount of honey or fruit to provide even more benefits.
6.Salmon
Salmon is one of the best protein sources to eat when sick. It is soft, easy to eat and full of the high-quality protein your body needs.
Salmon is particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have strong anti-inflammatory effects. Salmon is also a good source of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin-D, which many people are lacking in. Vitamin-D plays a role in immune function.
