There’s more to comfort foods when you’re sick than a bowl of chicken soup. Learn which foods go best with each symptom to help you feel better, and which foods to avoid.
Nausea
Watermelon, salty chips, ginger ale and ginger tea can help settle a stomach; in fact, ginger can be as effective as prescribed nausea medications. Bananas encourage mucus production from the stomach lining, reducing contact between the stomach lining and acidic triggers. Eat small meals more often, and drink fluids before meals, not during.
Migraines
Coffee can sometimes help reduce migraine pain. If you need more relief, try foods containing magnesium or calcium, including spinach, soy milk, avocado, sardines and tofu. However, some foods with magnesium and calcium, such as dairy products and nuts, may also trigger a migraine, so avoid those options, along with citrus and red meat.
Cold and Flu
Spinach LeavesYes, chicken soup may actually help fight colds and the flu, but other soups may be just as good. Steam rising from the bowl can help decongest a stuffy nose or throat. So if you prefer hot tomato soup, serve up a bowl.
Sore Throat
Many people can remember getting popsicles after a tonsillectomy. Cold foods can help reduce the pain of a sore throat, but if ice cream’s on the menu, stick to a low-fat variety. Full-fat dairy products can suppress your immune system. Broth-based soups and fruits are also a good idea, but avoid anything acidic, such as tomato soup, tomatoes or citrus fruits.