When we are sick with the flu, it is essential to follow a beneficial diet rich in essential nutrients. Find out which is the most recommended nutrition.
With the arrival of the change of season, especially autumn, it also means the beginning of a much colder time, which usually causes a decrease in our defenses and the arrival of the most typical and common infectious diseases of this time of year.
The flu, colds and colds are in fact the most common illnesses after the arrival of autumn, and the cases increase as the season goes by, and has the highest levels when winter settles equally among us.
The so-called seasonal flu is the most common disease, consisting of an acute viral infection caused by a flu virus, which is divided into: type a flu, type B flu, and type C flu (whose cases are less frequent).
It is caused by what is medically called seasonal epidemics, which recur annually during the fall and winter seasons in temperate regions. And although a useful option to prevent infection is the flu vaccine, it is true that the risk of catching the virus is not 100% eliminated.
Once we have gotten sick, it is essential not to self-medicate and to follow the advice that our doctor has indicated. It is true that the medications prescribed by the specialist can help reduce the most typical symptoms (headache and general malaise, fever, sore throat, cough …), but it is also interesting to follow a proper diet, and rest for at least one week.
When it comes to the diet itself, we can follow the following basic tips:
- Foods rich in vitamin C: this vitamin is an antioxidant nutrient that helps to strengthen the body naturally, and helps eliminate toxins that our body accumulates and therefore does not need. Citrus fruits, peppers, and dark green leafy vegetables are ideal.
- Foods rich in vitamin A: it is a vitamin that helps protect the lining of the lungs and throat, preventing them from contracting infections. Foods such as green and dark, yellow, orange and red vegetables are ideal, as well as foods of animal origin such as mackerel or liver.
- Foods rich in B vitamins: these are vitamins that, in addition to being beneficial for the nervous system, provide immuno-stimulating properties, which means that they help to strengthen the immune system. Whole grains, green vegetables, legumes and mushrooms stand out.
- Foods rich in zinc: it is a mineral that helps reduce the duration of the process that the flu usually lasts. Among the foods richest in this mineral are eggs, vegetables and greens (such as celery, aubergines or asparagus), seafood and liver.
- Drink fluids: it is essential to avoid dehydration and to help our body eliminate the virus. Water and natural juices are ideal, but also infusions and teas provide essential cleansing benefits against the flu.
If the flu has not yet caught you and you want to strengthen your immune system, we advise you to read our note dedicated to increasing defenses.
