Flu Relief: 11 Foods & Drinks to Feel Better Fast
Dr. Vyas says that you’ve likely heard you should get plenty of fluids when you’re sick, and this common advice indeed holds true. Symptoms of the flu, including fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, can cause a rapid loss of water and electrolytes, leading to dehydration.
“When you’re dehydrated, you need to drink lots and lots of fluids to compensate for that,” Vyas says.
It’s generally believed that warm liquids work better than cold ones to ease symptoms of the flu, and some scientific evidence backs up that conventional wisdom. In one of the most recent studies, researchers compared the effects of hot and room-temperature drinks when consumed by 30 people facing the cold or flu.
“The hot drink provided immediate and sustained relief from symptoms of runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness, and tiredness, whereas the same drink at room temperature only provided relief from symptoms of runny nose, cough, and sneezing,” the researchers state. The benefits may be a result of the hot liquids promoting salivation and airway mucus secretions to lubricate and soothe the upper airways, they concluded.
Vyas notes that broth is a great option when you’re sick with the flu. It’s rich in nutrients, and the heat can soothe a sore throat.
The benefits likely remain the same whether it’s chicken, vegetable, or bone broth, says Lori Dror, a registered dietitian with Northwell Health in Long Island, New York. But she recommends opting for a low-sodium variety. “When we are already feeling run down, we want to avoid high-sodium foods, which can lead to swelling and increased fatigue,” she says.