Monsoon is a time when most people fall sick. When you are sick, eating right is of utmost importance. Food provides more than only energy to our body. Certain foods have powerful properties that support your body in fighting the illness. These foods help in relieving the symptoms and also healing the body.

Some of the best comfort and healing foods are listed below

1.Soups and Broths.

Soups of mixed vegetables, pumpkin, carrot, tomatoes, beetroot, chicken etc. are a great source of vitamins, minerals, calories and proteins for your body. Besides being easy to eat,these foods are an excellent source of fluid for the body. In case of fever, the body needs more fluids. Hot soups and broth are effective in clearing nasal congestion and act as a natural decongestant. Chicken soup is very effective in healing cold and cough. These foods are very helpful if your stomach is unsettled and you are unable to keep down solid foods.

2.Coconut Water

It is important to stay hydrated when you are sick. Hydration of the body is very important when you have fever,vomiting or diarrhea since you lose a lot of water. Coconut water is sweet and tenderly flavoured. It has glucose and electrolytes which are needed for re- hydration.

3.Garlic

Garlic is an important food which is loaded with antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal qualities. It helps improve the immune system. Research has explored the good effects of garlic on people. People who ate raw garlic or garlic in some forms were found to be less sick then others. Garlic is found to be very effective in fighting cold and flu.In short, garlic helps you to avoid sickness and recover faster when you get sick.

4.Hot tea

Hot tea acts as a great remedy for cough and cold. Just like soups, teas especially herbal teas and green teas, act as a natural decongestant helping clear the mucus. Black tea can decrease the growth of bacteria in the throat and also shorten the length of cold or flu.

5.Ginger

Ginger is one of the main foods known for anti-nausea. It has antioxidants, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities.Ginger garlic paste is used a lot in Indian cooking. You can use ginger in cooking, brewing tea etc to get its full health benefits.

6.Spicy Foods

Spicy food like chilli, pepper etc contains capsaicin which helps in breaking mucus and clearing the sinus passages. But sometimes it also creates runny nose due to excess mucus production.You need to be careful in eating spicy food especially at times of sickness. A little amount of spice can be used with proper discretion to relieve congestion.

7.Bananas

Bananas are a great food in times of sickness. They are easy to chew and digest. They are a good source of calories and nutrients and relieve nausea and diarrhea.

Remember eating right foods will support and help build the immune system of your body. Proper rest, the right diet and the right nutrition will help you recover faster.

Please read our earlier article on diet.

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