Eating certain foods when you are sick cannot cure an illness, we know that. However, there are important scientific evidence to show that certain foods can help immune function and make us feel better when our bodies fight infection.
It is important to note that while food can help your body feel better, in the case of COVID-19, get a vaccine and a booster shot they are by far the best ways to help fight the main symptoms of the virus. Medications are recommended by doctors and healthcare professionals in the case of certain illnesses, and food is just an added bonus to help lessen the symptoms that make your body feel exhausted.
So what types of foods can help boost your immunity and make you feel better when your body is not well? Dra. Cedrina Calder, MD, a preventive medicine doctor and member of our board of medical experts, share four different foods to turn to when you need a increased immunity during his attack of illness. These are the few foods you can turn to, and for more healthy tips on caring for unpleasant COVID-19 symptoms, check out our list of Best Foods to Eat for Omicron Symptoms, Says Doctor.
“Chicken it’s a good source of vitamin B6, which is necessary for healthy immune function, “says Calder.
According to a study in the Journal of Research in Immunology, a vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to a weakened immune system, making it an important micronutrient for health. Lean chicken breast is known as one of the best foods for vitamin B6 with up to 30% of your daily value in a single cup, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
Another added benefit of Chicken Soup It is the warm liquid that soothes a sore throat, which is a major symptom many experience with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
“Drinking warm fluids like soup can help soothe a sore throat,” says Calder.
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A cup of hot soup isn’t the only soothing liquid for a sore throat. A cup of this calming tea includes quite a few ingredients that can help with your immunity and your symptoms.
“Ginger help with reduce inflammation“says Calder.” Ginger can also relieve nausea, which can be a symptom of COVID-19 and other viral illnesses. “
In addition to reducing inflammation and relieving nausea, ginger is helpful for gastrointestinal function, pain, metabolic syndrome, and other symptoms, according to a review in Nutrients.
Calder also points out that some honey, another easy way to soothe a sore throat.
According to Calder, adding certain foods, such as chilies– to the foods that you are already eating can also help with the disease.
“The capsaicin in hot peppers like chili peppers can help with congestion when you’re sick,” says Calder. “It can relieve nasal congestion and stuffy sinuses.”
Previous studies have also shown the ways in which capsaicin can produce anti-inflammatory effects in a previous study of African Health Sciences.
Capsaicin is a chemical compound found in chili peppers like jalapenos, habaneros, and shishito peppers. You can also benefit from this compound by using cayenne pepper in recipes.
Along with the chili peppers, Garlic is another easy additive to your meals that can help with your immunity.
“Garlic stimulates immune cells and can help fight infection,” says Calder.
Another review in the Journal of Research in Immunology concluded that garlic modulates the secretion of cytokines, a response of the body’s cells that can help with injuries and infections, which means that eating garlic can work as an anti-inflammatory and improve your immune system.
You can simply add garlic to your favorite comfort dishes when you’re sick, like a pasta bowl or Soup.
For more tips on immunity, read the following:
