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what to eat in cough and cold
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Nutrition & Diet
Question #23156
24 days ago
49

what to eat in cough and cold - #23156

Mira

I am really struggling right now with this nasty cough and cold that just won't go away. It's been like three days of sneezing, coughing, and feeling just ugh. I tried over-the-counter meds, but they don’t seem to work as well as I thought. Friends keep asking me "what to eat in cough and cold" to help recover faster. I wanna get back on my feet, you know? One minute I'm sipping warm lemon water, the next I’m debating whether chicken soup is enough or if I should try something else. I keep hearing mixed stuff about honey and ginger too, but like, what exactly is good when you're sick?? I just remembered, my grandma used to swear by this weird herbal tea for cough, but honestly wasn't sure how effective that was, lol. Like what to eat in cough and cold? Is there stuff I should definitely avoid? I felt like something oily or spicy might just make it worse. Really just need some simple advice here. Anyone gone through this and found stuff that worked? What did you eat that made you feel better?? I'll take any tips, fr… I feel like I need a whole food revival to kick this hangover of a cold.

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Doctors' responses

In dealing with a persistent cough and cold, the right diet can indeed support your recovery and ease symptoms. For starters, staying well-hydrated is critical, so continue with warm beverages like lemon water or herbal teas—these can soothe an irritated throat. While chicken soup is a classic, it’s more than just comfort food. It helps thinning mucus and provides necessary nutrients and hydration, making it a great choice when you’re under the weather. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with congestion and soothing your throat. Adding fresh ginger to your tea or soup is a good idea. Honey, especially dark varieties, can act as a natural cough suppressant, so adding a spoonful to hot tea may be beneficial. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, kiwi, or red bell peppers, can boost your immune system slightly, though don’t expect any miracles. Eating balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables remains essential. You’re right to be cautious with oily or spicy foods; they might aggravate a sore throat or worsen stomach upset. It’s generally wise to avoid alcohol and excess caffeine, as they can dehydrate you. If your symptoms persist, consider consulting with a healthcare provider, especially if you experience fever, shortness of breath, or other concerning symptoms, which may warrant further investigation. Eating a varied diet, staying hydrated, and resting are key strategies to aid your recovery, but persistence with symptoms should not be ignored if they start to worsen.

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