If you get sick with COVID-19, there are certain foods and drinks that may help you feel better.
A registered dietitian shares which ones are best.
When we get sick with the common cold,many of us turn to soupfor comfort and nutrition.
Blaine Moats, Adobe Stock / Tetiana
If we’re knocked down by the flu, we may only be able to stomach bland foods.
But what should you eat when you have COVID-19?
Spoiler alertthere is no magic diet that will help.
Personalize Your Diet
Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary greatly from person to person.
Just like with the flu, you may not be feeling as hungry.
You may also lose yoursense of taste and smellwith COVID-19, which can impact your appetite.
Eating foods that bring comfort and nutrition while feeling ill is one coping strategy.
It may beminestrone soup, pretzels and Lemon-Lime Gatorade.
Juice is a tasty option and can also help you get some nutrients.
In fact, when you have a fever, your metabolism rises, which makes you burn more calories.
Plus, its broth adds hydration.
Foods to Limit
If you start feeling sick, it’s best to avoid drinking alcohol.
Alcohol is dehydrating andmay inhibit your immune systemthat’s working hard to fight off the virus.
Instead, keep yourself hydrated with drinks like water, tea, broth, juice or seltzer.
They take more energy to digest and may upset your stomach and GI tract.
Swap them for foods that areeasy to digest, such as bananas, cooked carrots and peeled white potatoes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of Covid-19.
Balli S, Shumway K, Sharan S.Physiology, Fever.
StatPearls Publishing; 2023.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Colds, Flu, and Complementary Approaches.
Calder P.Foods to deliver immune-supporting nutrients.Curr Opin Food Sci.
