What should people with the flu eat?

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In addition to treatment drugs, nutrition has a great influence on people with colds and flu. Accordingly, foods for patients must be fresh, easy to absorb, but must be full of nutrients. So what should a cold patient eat?

1. What should people with flu eat?

1.1. Patients need to ensure enough water in the body Water accounts for 55%-60% of body weight, so water is essential for human health. Normally, each healthy person should provide enough from 1.5 liters to 2 liters/day. However, when you have a cold, you need to add more water than usual because the body loses water for many reasons such as sweating, vomiting, eating less food.
Besides providing water, detoxifying the patient's body, water also works to dilute the fluid that causes nasal congestion and prevent body infections. Accordingly, adding water to the body can be done in many ways such as:
Filtered water is the fastest and easiest way to replenish water for the body. Bone broth Teas such as ginger tea, herbal tea, especially green tea. Because the antioxidants in green tea help patients feel more comfortable. It is recommended to use green tea with honey to soothe sore throat muscles and relieve coughs. Honey lemon juice Fruit juices rich in vitamins and minerals are good for the patient's body such as: orange juice, coconut water,... However, using too much of these can also lead to disorders. digestion, so the patient should only drink a moderate amount. Use electrolyte water if the person is severely dehydrated due to vomiting and diarrhea.

1.2. Porridge, chicken soup Porridge or chicken soup are all foods suitable for people with flu. Because when sick with the flu, the patient will not have an appetite, difficult to eat. At that time, porridge or chicken soup is an easy food to eat, easy to digest and contains many nutrients. Usually, in chicken porridge there is meat, water, vegetables of all kinds. Therefore, this is a source of water and salt that has been lost in the body and replenishes necessary vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Eating chicken porridge during a cold will help the patient not lose water and stay hungry longer.
1.3. Foods rich in zinc Zinc is found in many foods such as beef, shrimp, oysters, oysters, chicken, cereals, oats,... Therefore, it is easy to supplement foods. This is for the patient. Beef is a typical food in the zinc group. Not only contains zinc, beef is also rich in protein, magnesium, potassium and vitamin B6 to help patients recover quickly and improve the immune system.

1.4. Vegetables Fruits and vegetables are nutrient-dense foods that help build a healthy immune system. Therefore, patients should add a variety of vegetables in their meals, especially dark-colored vegetables such as green leafy vegetables: spinach, kale, ... they have the effect of increasing Strengthens the immune system because it contains both fiber , vitamin C and vitamin E .
1.5. Ginger, Garlic These are all foods that are effective in the treatment of colds and flu, especially in dealing with some symptoms of flu such as headache, sore throat, chills,... Eat them. ginger, garlic as soon as the first signs of flu.
1.6. Yogurt is a healthy food, containing many beneficial bacteria for the intestinal tract, strengthening the immune system, relieving sore throat and many other nutrients for patients.
1.7. Fruits rich in vitamin C Vitamin C is found in many fruits such as oranges, tangerines, grapefruits. Supplementing with vitamin C helps the body receive an important source of nutrients that help strengthen the immune system.

1.8. Spicy spices Spicy spices such as pepper help people with colds and flu clear their noses and make it easier to breathe. However, if you have a sore throat, you should not try this method because it will make the condition worse.

2. What should people with flu not eat?

In addition to foods that are beneficial for people with colds, there are some foods that not only do not help recovery, but also worsen flu symptoms. Typically:
Processed foods, containing a lot of fat, will make patients nauseous and indigestion. Furthermore, these types of foods are often not rich in nutrients. Instead of eating processed foods, the sick person should eat foods that are fresh and rich in nutrients. At the same time, you should choose simple and frugal processing methods such as boiling, steaming, etc. to avoid fried and greasy foods. Alcohol, stimulants such as alcohol, coffee, soda will reduce the immune system and cause dehydration. Avoid or limit foods such as: biscuits, chips.... Hard foods and foods that are difficult to digest can aggravate coughs and sore throats. In addition, caregivers of patients with colds and flu should also note a few things to avoid infection:
Always use a mask during contact and care for sick people. Use antiseptic, hand sanitizer after care.

Patients who need nutritional supplements, caregivers also need to ensure their health when taking care of people with colds by: eating a lot of fruits, green vegetables, 1 cup of warm ginger tea and 1 cup of minced garlic mixed with water to reduce pain. Minimizing the risk of catching colds and flu, enhancing resistance against bacteria that cause colds. Personal belongings of the sick person should be disinfected regularly, do not share personal items such as toothbrushes, bowls, chopsticks, spoons, cups, cups... with the sick person. Caregivers should see a doctor if symptoms of a runny nose, headache, body aches, etc. appear during and after taking care of the patient. Diet has a great influence on the treatment of colds and flu. Therefore, the patient should follow the instructions as well as the advice of the doctor. In severe cases, the patient should be examined and treated early.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for examination, treatment and prevention of diseases. When performing the examination process at Vinmec, customers will be welcomed and used modern facilities and equipment along with perfect medical services under the guidance and advice of experts. Good doctors, well-trained both at home and abroad.
Customers can directly go to Vinmec Health system nationwide to visit or contact the hotline here for support.