Cold and cough are very common in winters and they are very annoying. Cough and cold infections usually get better within a couple of days or sometimes weeks without any treatment. By taking little precautions and by following a healthy diet plan you can easily get rid of cough and cold this winter.
All you need to know is - foods or drinks to eat and avoid during cough and cold. So let's begin
What to Eat in Cough and Cold - Fruits & Vegetables
There are many fruits and vegetables that are really very helpful in curing cold and flu infections. Here are some of them;
Apples
'An apple a day keeps the doctor away is not just a saying; this fruit actually helps in preventing illnesses like the common cold. Apple contains phytochemical antioxidants, as per a study published in the Nutrition Journal. These antioxidants help improve your immunity and also reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Bell peppers
It must be noted that Vitamin C plays a vital role in supporting your immune system. According to studies, bell peppers can also help get rid of cold quicker and faster. People usually turn to oranges to get vitamin C intake but don’t forget that peppers too have a generous amount in them. They are very versatile and can be easily included in your diet in form of salads, pasta dishes etc.
Blueberries
Blueberries are full of antioxidants that are well-known for their anti-aging effects. But, antioxidants are also helpful in protecting your body from infection & diseases and hence they are the perfect remedy to cough and cold.
Spinach
Spinach is a healthy vegetable and is said to be great for your overall health. It is not only packed with digestion-regulating fiber, but spinach also contains vitamin C. And as we told before also that Vitamin C is a powerful nutrient that can help in preventing the common cold & help reduce symptoms of sickness.
Eggs
Eggs, particularly yolks, contain high immunity-boosting nutrients. Eggs have a high amount of vitamin D - a vitamin that is very important in regulating as well as strengthening immunity.
Garlic
Garlic is known as one of the best cold-curing foods. It is a powerful antioxidant with antimicrobial, antiviral & antibiotic properties. For cold and cough, garlic also offers decongestant & expectorant effects.
You can also drink fluids like
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Ginger tea
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Honey and lemon tea
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Hot soups
Food to avoid in Cough and cold
Fried snacks
Fried snacks such as nuggets, pakoras, and chips are high in fat and are not good for health. If you consume these fried snacks on regular basis then it will make your immune system weak. Hence avoid all fried items when you are having a cough and cold.
Caffeinated drinks
Caffeinated drinks have to be avoided when you have a cough and cold as they are dehydrating. Caffeinated drinks that you should not drink include coffee, energy drinks, cola drinks and tea.
Alcohol
Alcohol is never good for health but during cold and flu it worsens your health. Alcohol too is a dehydrating drink and that's why it should be avoided. Moreover, it affects the working of the immune system & drinking too much alcohol makes you more likely to get an infection.
Milk and dairy
It is said that milk & dairy products increase congestion and hence it must be avoided during cough and cold. Dairy products such as curd, butter, etc raise the intensity of mucus. When you eat dairy products in cold and flu, there will be more mucus production that will further lead to breathing problems & headaches.
Stay healthy and Stay Happy!!!
