We’re coming upon that time of year — arguably the BEST time of the year. Summer. But, with the summer fun also comes the summer heat! This rapid rise in heat can send your body into a tailspin, making it super easy to get sick. If you have had the misfortune of getting contracting a cold or any other sickness, here are 10 foods you should have to put your mind — and immune system — at ease.
1. Broth
A little simpler than your chicken-soup classic, broths are an excellent source of hydration when you’re sick and can even provide some caloric intake as well as necessary vitamins. BONUS POINTS for the fact that if you’re congested, the hot steam can decongest you.
2. Coconut Water
It’s super, super important for you to stay hydrated when you’re sick! And you can do so by drinking coconut water which sports both a super sweet taste that’ll take you straight to flavortown while filling you with electrolytes.
3. Hot Tea
Maybe this is a common one, but never underestimate the importance of hot tea! Like broth, tea can work as a decongestant. But tea leaves are filled with antioxidants and some anti-inflammatory properties that can attack the bacteria that can fester within your throat.
4. Honey
Formerly used to dress wounds in ancient Egypt, honey has amazing antibacterial properties and can even stimulate the immune system itself!
5. Anything Spicy
Spicy foods, namely chili peppers, contain capsaicin, a compound that burns when touched. This burning can break down build up in the sinus cavity and make it easier to breathe. Though, don’t have any if you’ve got an upset stomach, it’ll only make it worse!
6. Bananas
Known to help restore potassium that you might lose depending on your sickness. Chances are, if you are having trouble keeping things down, your potassium levels are low and bananas are a mild food that can help with that immensely.
7. Scrambled Eggs
If you’ve got a scratchy throat, scrambled eggs can be made super creamy and go down pretty easy to fulfill any hunger you might be suffering from if it’s hard to swallow. Eggs are also full of protein so you really can’t go wrong with this classic choice.
8. Avocado
Avo-awesome! Avocados are the superfood your body craves when you’re sick. They’re full of vitamins and calories that your body is lacking during a sickness! They are also known to decrease inflammation because of their bland base nature.
9. Lean Meats
Another hot-ticket for boosting your iron levels are some leans meats. If you’re fighting off some nasty cold or flu, be sure that if you’re consuming meats they’re of the lean variety. Though, if you’re throat is too sore, be sure to hit up the broth mentioned above!
10. Apples! Beans! And Berries!
Oh, my! The ABB trio comes packed with prebiotics and probiotics that boost your immune system! In addition, ABBs can keep your digestive system on track, pushing out all of the bad bacteria in your body.
And for a bonus, WATER!!! Water is always important but especially when you’re sick! Flush out everything of your system and keep hydrated so you can make a full recovery before the summer so you can go out there and enjoy yourself!!
