As cold and flu season approaches, everyone is on high alert to ward off these illnesses. Cold and flu symptoms are annoying, and everyone would rather avoid struggling with them. Common symptoms include fever, runny nose, body aches, fatigue, headache, sneezing, and coughing. Certain foods and drinks can alleviate these symptoms and help you recover faster.
Here are a few foods and drinks that can be helpful when dealing with a cold or flu:

1. Lemons
Lemon juice has been praised as a health booster and miracle detox drink. While these claims may be exaggerated, lemon juice certainly is beneficial! Lemons are loaded with vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system. Additionally, people have claimed that lemon juice can thin out mucus caused by a cold or flu and help you expel it from your body more quickly.

2. Chicken broth
While this may seem like an old wives’ tale, chicken broth actually has many benefits that will ease symptoms of a cold or flu. It contains a protein called cysteine that breaks down into hydrogen sulfide in the body. This compound is known to thin mucus secretions, so they flow easily through congested nasal passages. In addition, chicken soup also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. This means that it will help reduce the soreness, achiness, and fever you feel when suffering from a cold or flu.

3. Bananas
Bananas are an excellent food for people who have the flu. They contain many essential nutrients, such as potassium and vitamin B. Potassium is an important electrolyte that your body needs to function properly, while vitamin B helps improve metabolism in cells throughout your body. Bananas also help cool you down when you feel feverish by reducing elevated core body temperature. In addition, they can ease upset stomachs that often accompany colds and flus thanks to their high fiber content.

4. Ginger
Ginger has long been used as a home remedy for a cold or flu due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Studies also show that it helps relieve nasal congestion, postnasal drip, sinus pressure, sore throats, and coughs. Ginger is also known to calm upset stomachs caused by nausea or vomiting from the common cold or the flu. For these reasons, it should be consumed in its raw form. Try adding slices of raw ginger and lemon to hot water for a simple ginger tea.

5. Garlic
Garlic contains many antioxidants that help fight infections caused by cold or flu. It also has antimicrobial properties that can break down the cell walls of bacteria and viruses, thereby preventing them from multiplying in large numbers. Garlic’s effects are not limited to your respiratory tract. It can also help treat other symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches brought on by a cold or the flu.

As you treat your cold or flu at home, ensure you stay rested and hydrated. Sticking with proper nutrition and adding the above foods to your diet can help boost your immune system and promote quick recovery.