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Nutrition during the cold: 6 tips
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 20.10.2021
Good nutrition during colds is important for resistance to viruses and restoration of the immune system. But good nutrition does not mean abundant and fat. This means that the diet for colds should be varied and full of vitamins. Here you will learn useful tips on how to eat during a cold.
Tip # 1
With a cold, drink enough fluids to rid the body of toxic products, and as quickly and efficiently as possible. The ideal liquid is purified water and freshly squeezed fruit juice. Avoid drinks that have a diuretic effect, such as birch sap, green tea and coffee.
Tip # 2
Avoid milk and dairy products. At least one of the studies has shown that some milk compounds cause the release of histamine, a chemical that contributes to the development of a runny nose and nasal congestion.
Tip # 3
When cold, avoid alcoholic beverages, as they dehydrate the body. It depletes the body of vitamin C, and creates an additional strain on the liver, which must work very hard, to detoxify the body during illness.
Tip # 4
If your appetite decreases and you do not want to eat with a cold, still drink plenty of fluids. Products should be as light and easy to digest as possible. Choose food with a strong emphasis on vegetable soups, broths, salads and heat-treated fish or chicken.
Avoid foods high in fat, with a cold especially dangerous indigestible foods, such as cheese, red meat and pastries.
Tip # 5
With a cold, be sure to follow a balanced diet. Take supplements, which must include vitamin A, vitamins B (vitamins Bl, B2, B, B6, folic acid) and vitamin C, as well as minerals - zinc and copper.
Tip # 6
Grapefruit is an excellent food for fighting colds. It is a product with a high content of vitamin C. It also helps detoxify the liver, which, when cold, carries an increased load. The liver is your first line of defense of the immune system, and when immunity is weakened, you need something that will help its detoxification. For example, acidic or alkaline products.
All citrus fruits become alkaline when metabolized in the body. But oranges and other citrus fruits are too sweet to promote with some substances of the liver, so you will still get much better detoxification with the grapefruit. Experts recommend eating one or more grapefruits every day to prevent colds and strengthen immunity.
Attention: grapefruit can interact with certain prescription drugs, for example, drugs for lowering cholesterol, psychotropic drugs, antihistamines, etc. Therefore, consult your doctor to make sure that the grapefruit does not hurt you if you catch a cold if you are taking any medications.
Nutrition for colds requires the most careful approach. A properly organized diet will help you to recover faster and to please others with a good mood.