Nutrition plays a crucial role in the treatment of the flu. By adequately supplementing nutrients and avoiding certain foods, individuals suffering from the flu can recover more quickly.
Foods to Eat and Avoid When You Have the Flu
The flu is a common illness. On average, an adult may catch the flu 2 to 3 times a year, while children can experience it 6 to 7 times annually.
During the treatment of the flu, in addition to medication and rest, proper nutrition plays an essential role in helping patients enhance their health and recover faster. So, what should one eat and avoid when suffering from the flu?
1. Causes and Symptoms of the Flu
The flu is caused by the Influenza virus. This virus spreads easily through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Others can inhale the virus directly or touch contaminated surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth, allowing the virus to enter the body.
Common symptoms of the flu include:
- Headaches.
- Fever: Flu-related fevers can range from 37.8 to 40 degrees Celsius. Most fevers last less than a week, typically around 3-4 days. Note that children tend to have higher fevers than adults.
- Chills and sweating.
- Dry cough.
- Muscle aches and fatigue.
Dry cough is one of the symptoms of the flu – (Image from the Internet).
2. What Not to Eat When You Have the Flu?
Establishing a scientific and reasonable diet is vital in quickly alleviating flu symptoms. Treatment effectiveness increases when patients strictly adhere to a balanced diet. Here are six categories of foods to avoid when suffering from the flu.
2.1. Avoid Excessive Protein-Rich Foods
While it’s important to consume protein for health, it should be done in moderation and within necessary limits rather than in excess.
When suffering from the flu, eating too many protein-rich foods such as eggs, shrimp, crab, and fish can lead to excessive energy absorption, hindering fever reduction and complicating flu treatment.
2.2. Limit Processed Foods High in Fat
Processed foods often lack safety and hygiene, and the nutrients in these foods diminish during processing. Foods high in fats can also require the body to expend energy for digestion.
Therefore, when suffering from the flu, individuals should avoid these foods to aid in the recovery process.
Avoid high-fat and greasy foods when you have the flu – Image from the Internet.
2.3. Avoid Salty Foods
Patients with the flu should limit foods high in salt. Excessive salt intake can reduce the amount of lysozyme in saliva, which helps protect the throat.
2.4. Refrain from Alcoholic and Carbonated Drinks, Stimulants
Alcohol and carbonated drinks should be avoided when suffering from the flu. These beverages not only increase the risk of dehydration but also weaken the immune system, prolonging recovery from the flu.
Additionally, coffee, tobacco, and other stimulants should be avoided as they can worsen coughing and sore throat.
2.5. Limit Dairy Products
To reduce coughing when suffering from the flu, patients should limit milk and dairy products like cheese. Milk can increase mucus production in the lungs, causing more coughing.
2.6. Avoid Duck Meat
Although duck meat contains a good amount of vitamin B6, which supports bodily functions, it also has a high natural fat content that can hinder nutrient absorption and digestion. Additionally, duck meat has cooling properties that may exacerbate flu symptoms. Therefore, individuals should avoid duck meat when suffering from the flu and can consider other meats like beef, pork, or chicken instead.
Aside from the foods to avoid, patients should include nutrient-rich foods high in vitamins and minerals, such as green vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts, and anti-inflammatory foods like ginger and garlic, and drink plenty of water.
Consume foods rich in vitamin C when you have the flu – (Image from the Internet).
3. How to Prevent the Flu?
The flu can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet, as well as getting vaccinated. Specifically:
- Wash hands frequently with soap, especially after touching public surfaces or before eating.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Regularly clean your home and personal items. Particularly, if you have children, keep the living environment clean and ventilated, sanitize toys, and educate children not to put toys in their mouths.
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
- Avoid large gatherings during flu outbreaks.
- Get vaccinated against the flu. Children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions should be fully vaccinated as they are more vulnerable.
- Boost your immune system by building a healthy diet and exercise routine. Include foods rich in vitamin C, eat plenty of green vegetables, consume liquid foods, grains, and vegetables containing glutathione and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, dedicate about 30 minutes daily for physical activity, such as running, yoga, cycling, etc.
The above information addresses the question of what not to eat when suffering from the flu and how to prevent flu transmission. It is essential to note that in addition to focusing on maintaining a daily diet, those affected by the flu should consult a doctor for accurate diagnosis and advice to prevent serious complications.
