When you’re feeling under the weather, there are several go-to foods that can provide comfort and relief. These tried-and-true options have earned their reputation for a reason – they can help clear your airways, reduce mucus, and alleviate symptoms of the common cold or flu. Here are fifteen highly recommended foods to include in your diet when you’re sick.
Chicken Soup: Science-Backed Remedy for the Soul and the Cold
Chicken soup has long been regarded as a comforting remedy for the common cold, and it turns out that this old wives tale is supported by scientific evidence. A study published in the renowned CHEST Journal revealed that chicken soup possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can effectively alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory infections.
Moreover, the process of transforming chicken into soup releases an amino acid called cysteine. Interestingly, cysteine shares a similar composition to a medication often prescribed for bronchitis, making chicken soup a natural alternative for respiratory ailments.
Vegetable Broth and Bouillon: A Vegetarian Alternative for Cold Relief
When it comes to combating colds, broths and bouillons offer a convenient and effective solution, particularly for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. While chicken soup is often hailed as a go-to remedy, vegetarians and vegans can still enjoy similar benefits without the use of chicken. Vegetable broth or bouillon serves as an excellent substitute, providing relief for colds and chills.
Aside from its meat-free nature, vegetable broth and bouillon’s effectiveness can also be attributed to its fluid content. Adequate fluid intake is highly recommended by physicians as an essential way to combat seasonal colds. By opting for vegetable-based alternatives, individuals can reap the same advantages as those who consume traditional chicken soup.