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Apr 22, 2020 · iStock. Putting a cold towel directly on your forehead is the go-to method for most people when it comes to fighting a fever. However, it actually doesn't help. And if that's your only healing method, you could be making things worse by wasting time.
- Kali Coleman
- Senior Editor
- New York, NY
- Overview
- Colds and flu
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Constipation
- Summary
Certain foods may benefit people who feel unwell. For instance, herbal teas may help relieve cold symptoms, ginger can settle an upset stomach, and flaxseed may help relieve constipation.
Different types of food can combat different types of illness. A person with a sore throat may benefit from foods that would not help someone who feels nauseous.
A blocked nose, a cough, and a sore throat are common symptoms of colds and flu. The following foods can help to ease congestion and inflammation and boost the immune system.
1. Herbal teas
When experiencing cold and flu symptoms, it is important to stay hydrated. Herbal teas are refreshing, and breathing in their steam can help to clear mucus from the sinuses.
Adding ground turmeric to a cup of hot water may help to relieve a sore throat. Research suggests that turmeric has both anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Tea leaves are abundant in natural plant compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins. These stimulate the immune system. Catechins, in particular, may protect against certain types of influenza virus.
Some people recommend drinking Echinacea tea to shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms. However, this effect has yet to be proven by scientific research.
When someone has one or more of these symptoms, the key is to eat foods that settle the stomach. Doing so should help people to regain their appetite.
1. Ginger
Research suggests that ginger could help to reduce the effects of nausea and vomiting, although more studies are required to confirm these findings.
A person can make ginger tea by adding 1–2 teaspoons of fresh ginger to a cup of hot water. Steep the ginger for 5 minutes before straining the mixture and sweetening it with a little honey.
Crystallized ginger should be eaten in moderation, due to its high sugar content.
Avoid fizzy ginger ale, as this can further irritate an upset stomach.
The key to relieving constipation is to increase fiber intake.
Fiber is either soluble or insoluble. Soluble fiber traps water in the stools, making them softer and easier to pass. It also helps to nourish gut bacteria. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stools, helping to clear the intestines.
Be aware that eating more dietary fiber can cause excess gas. A person should increase their intake gradually to avoid bloating.
Soluble fiber also absorbs a lot of water, so be sure to drink plenty.
1. Oatmeal and oat bran
A single cup of oatmeal made with water contains about 4 grams of fiber, around 16 percent of an adult’s recommended daily intake.
Dietary changes can provide some relief when an individual feels sick. A person should try to follow the recommended diet for their symptoms while avoiding foods that will worsen them.
It is important to remember that prevention is better than a cure. Staying hydrated and eating a healthful diet rich in nutrients will help to stave off many of the ailments listed above.
Shop for foods
Most of the foods and drinks listed in this article are available for purchase in grocery stores and supermarkets. Some are also available for purchase online:
•herbal teas
•ginger products
May 24, 2024 · You can help bring down a fever with simple at-home remedies like rest and fluids. Reducing your fever can help safely and quickly reduce symptoms like headache, chills, and sweats. This article details each of the recommendations for how to break a fever as fast as possible at home.
Feb 15, 2022 · If you're looking to reduce a fever or break a fever, OTC medications and comfort measures can cool a high temperature down.
Dec 5, 2023 · When should you treat a fever? Before people used aspirin or acetaminophen to lower a fever, healers around the world believed that raising body temperature would speed recovery from infection. A few generations back, grandmothers would often pile on the quilts when someone was sick with a cough or a cold.
Apr 1, 2024 · Do take OTC medicine. One of the most common ways you can fight a viral fever is with over-the- counter (OTC) medications. Keep in mind a low-grade fever of between 98.7°F and 100.4°F may not need fever-reducing medication.
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Dec 6, 2022 · Garlic and Ginger. Surprisingly, your spice rack may house a number of natural fever remedies and immunity helpers. Garlic, for example, contains allicin, which is an antibacterial compound that can help reduce inflammation and possibly fight a fever, Dr. Jose says.
