What to Eat and What Not to Eat When You’re Sick

It seems as though everybody is sick. Living in close quarters with several other people and sharing bathrooms is a reality most of us at Fairfield University face, and typically that’s what gets us feeling under the weather. It can be difficult to get all the nutrients you need while feeling sick. Eating and even staying hydrated is not the first thing on your mind when we catch a cold or have the flu. You may even ask yourself, “What am I supposed to be eating or drinking to feel better?” Fortunately, there are plenty of foods and drinks available in places as convenient as the Stag Shop to help build your immunity and soothe your symptoms. Here’s what to eat and drink (as well as what not to eat and drink) when you are feeling sick.

Eat: Chinese Food

You now have the perfect excuse to order Chinese food. Chinese food is loaded with immune system boosters such as ginger, turmeric and garlic. As an added bonus, if you order spicy Chinese food, your mouth and throat will be so hot that you might just forget about how much your throat hurts. Lastly, spicy food will help clear out those sinuses.

Stay Away From: Dairy

Milk, yogurt and any other dairy product you might eat daily is best avoided when you catch a cold or the flu. Not to make your stomach churn, but the ingredients found in dairy cause mucus to thicken in the throat, making it harder for those symptoms to go away.

Drink: Tea

Many of us love a good cup of tea when we are sick. Many flavors of tea are made with immune-boosting ingredients, such as citrus, ginger and lemon. Plus, you can add honey to your tea, which soothes the throat.

Stay Away From: Caffeine and Alcohol

Caffeine is the start to many college students’ days, but when you are sick, it is best to stay away from it. While it can wake you up, it can make you more dehydrated as well. This is also the case with alcohol, so if you are of age and planning on having a fun weekend out, maybe stay away from drinking while you are still under the weather.

Eat: Soup

Chicken noodle soup is one of the best known cures for the common cold and other illnesses because the ingredients are anti-inflammatory, causing your nasal passages to clear up and the constant nose-blowing to die down. Plus, it keeps you hydrated since soup is liquid.