Table of Contents
1. Sweet food
2. Refined carbohydrates
3. Foods high in salt
4. Processed meat
5. Caffeine
6. Alcohol
7. Foods high in fat
Jakarta, goldensamoyed Indonesia
—
While experiencing
cold
and flu, choosing the right food is the key to getting your body back quickly.Apart from maintaining intake
nutrition
, hydration is also very important.
When flu is accompanied by fever, the body usually sweats more, triggering dehydration.Therefore, drink lots of water and consume soupy foods when sick.
However, not all foods are safe to consume.There are several types of food and drinks that can actually make symptoms worse.Avoiding them can help speed recovery.
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Here are some foods that should be avoided during colds and flu, according to various sources:
1. Sweet food
Sweet foods and drinks should be limited during colds and flu.”High sugar intake can suppress the immune system,” said Irvin Sulapas, MD, a board-certified family physician at UT Health Houston, as quoted from
The Healthy
.
Consuming excess sugar can interfere with the ability of white blood cells to fight viruses that cause colds and flu.Even so, the natural sugar in fruit is still safe because it is accompanied by fiber.
2. Refined carbohydrates
White bread, white rice, pasta, cereal and processed cakes are carbohydrates that quickly turn into sugar in the body.The effect is similar to sweet foods and can worsen symptoms.
Instead, choose low-glycemic index carbohydrates such as whole wheat bread and high-fiber grains to help reduce inflammation.
3. Foods high in salt
Potato chips, soy sauce, frozen food, and canned soup contain high levels of salt which can trigger dehydration.This condition slows down recovery and makes the body increasingly weak.
Consuming excess salt can also inhibit the function of immune cells in fighting viruses.
4. Processed meat
Smoked meat, sausages and corned beef contain salt, sugar and nitrates which can trigger inflammation and disrupt breathing.
High salt levels can also worsen dehydration.When sick, it is better to choose foods rich in antioxidants such as fruit and vegetables.
5. Caffeine
Coffee or other caffeinated drinks should be reduced when you have a cold.Quoting Real Simple, caffeine can interfere with sleep quality, even though adequate sleep is very important for recovery.
Caffeine is also a diuretic so it can worsen dehydration.
6. Alcohol
Alcohol has a similar effect to caffeine, namely causing dehydration and slowing healing.Alcohol can also trigger muscle pain.
Even if you feel better, you should postpone consuming alcohol until you have completely recovered.
7. Foods high in fat
Fatty and oily foods require more energy and fluid to digest.This makes the body work extra and diverts energy from the immune system.
In addition, foods high in fat can increase inflammation and worsen symptoms such as a stuffy nose and sore throat.
Avoiding certain foods and drinks during colds and flu is important to speed recovery.Combined with a healthy diet and adequate rest, the body can get back in shape more quickly.
(rea/tis)
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