Does food taste bad when you're sick? Let's learn about the right foods to boost immunity (Immunity & Nutrition)

It's normal to feel hungry when we have a cold or a fever, isn't it? Sometimes the adults at home say, "Don't eat too much right now, your body is feeling sick." How many times have we heard stories like "Don't eat when you have a cold, eat when you have a fever." But is there really any truth to this story? What does our body really need when we are sick? Okay, let's talk about this today, in a simple way. Let me say one thing first: you should never stop eating when you are sick. That is bad advice.

Think of our body as a car. When we get sick, it means that there is a big battle going on inside our body. The soldiers of our immune system (things like white blood cells ) are fighting the virus or bacteria that caused the illness. This battle requires a lot of energy. So, just as a car needs oil to run, our body needs nutrition, that is, good food, to fight this battle. If we don't eat, our fighting soldiers lose the energy they need, and the illness gets worse.

Immune Superheroes: Antioxidants

The foods we eat contain special nutrients that help our immune system. The most important of these are antioxidants . Simply put, they produce "free radicals" that damage our body's cells. These are like little bad guys in our bodies. Antioxidants catch these bad guys and destroy their harmful effects. This protects our cells and strengthens our immune system . Even if you get sick, this can help you recover faster.

There are several types of these antioxidants. Let's look at the main types and which foods contain them.

Another superfood that helps immunity

In addition to antioxidants, there are several other special nutrients that help keep our immune system healthy.

Bioflavonoids

These are like vitamin C 's best friends. Together with vitamin C, they help to further enhance the function of the immune system.

• Where are they found?: They are found in abundance in the pith and white pith of fruits like oranges and tangerines, as well as in things like chili peppers, limes, cherries, and grapes. Onions (especially red onions) also contain a powerful bioflavonoid called `(Quercetin)`.

Glutathione

This is another powerful nutrient that helps the immune system fight infections.

• Where are they found?: Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and spinach contain them.

Phytochemicals

These are special chemical compounds found in plants. These are very beneficial for our body's health.

• Where are they found?: They're actually found in almost every plant. So if you eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, and grains , you'll naturally get this nutrient. They're abundant in things like apples, onions, red peppers, soybeans, and tomatoes.

Proteins that repair the body

When we get sick, our body's cells get damaged. Protein is essential for repairing and rebuilding these damaged cells. Protein is also essential for fighting viral and bacterial infections.

So when you're sick, try adding these protein-rich foods to your diet:

• Skinless chicken or turkey
• Fish
• Eggs
• Milk and yogurt
• Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and green beans
• Soy

Our grandmothers' secrets: chicken soup and hot tea

Remember the comforting feeling of a hot bowl of chicken soup that our mothers and grandmothers used to make when we had a cold ? It's not just a story. Research has even proven that chicken soup can reduce the symptoms of a cold.

• Reduces nasal congestion: Warm steam reduces congestion inside the nose.
• Thins mucus: This allows us to easily remove mucus.
• Reduces inflammation (Anti-inflammatory): It can reduce minor swelling in the body and bring health to the body.

It is also good to drink hot tea. There is great value in our people drinking things like coriander, ginger, and plain tea. These provide the body with the necessary fluids and thin the mucus. Green and black tea in particular contain powerful antioxidants called `(Flavonoids)`, which also helps the immune system.

So, the next time you have a cold or flu, don't go without food and try to give your body the strength it needs to fight it. However, if your symptoms are severe, don't improve within a few days, or if you have any concerns, be sure to see your doctor.