Extraordinary Health Magazine EH Magazine Vol 44 | Page 51

Best Foods for Getting Better
Even if you ’ ve lost your appetite and can ’ t stomach the thought of eating , your body still needs nutrient-dense foods to help you heal and stay properly hydrated . And aren ’ t you sick and tired of being sick and tired ? When you ’ re feeling achy and awful this winter , get off the couch and into the kitchen to grab these feel-better foods :
1 . CHICKEN SOUP IS GOOD FOR MORE THAN THE SOUL .
Grandma was right after all … chicken soup is just what you need when you ’ re sick . Chicken soup is brimming with vitamin-rich vegetables to help your body fight off illness and protein-packed chicken to feed your need for nutrients and calories . And studies have shown the broth in chicken soup can help can help with sinus congestion , as well as prevent the dehydration caused by a fever or sweating . If this classic favorite isn ’ t yours , try other broth-based soups like bone broth or minestrone because they also provide the nutrients , hydration , and sinus-relief you need when you ’ re sick .
2 . HOT TEAS EASE CONGESTION AND ILLNESS .
For centuries , many cultures have treated tea as medicine due to its illness-fighting abilities . Today , modern science is catching up and catching on to this concept because studies have shown that the anti-bacterial compounds in tea , especially green tea , can help fight off infections . Just like broth-based soups , warming liquids like hot tea help relieve congestion and keep you hydrated .
5 . GINGER KICKS NAUSEA AND ILLNESS TO THE CURB .
Ginger has been at the root of healing traditions for centuries , but now modern medicine is supporting this ancient wisdom about the benefits of this soothing superfood . Ginger ’ s magical medicinal powers stem from its main bioactive compound , gingerol , which can help fight off illness . And ginger has a long history of relieving nausea and settling an upset stomach . So whenever you ’ re queasy or sneezing , warm up to ginger .
4 . BANANAS ARE APPEALING FOR TUMMY TROUBLES .
When you ’ re sick , bananas are as good as gold because they ’ re packed with potassium , which replenishes the electrolytes lost during bouts of sweating and nausea . They ’ re also soft , bland , and easy to digest for a sensitive stomach . And the soluble fiber in bananas can help you with digestive issues .
3 . GET A WHIFF OF THE BENEFITS OF GARLIC .
You shouldn ’ t turn up your nose at garlic because it ’ s packed with antiviral , antibacterial , and anti-fungal properties that can give your immune system a boost
to help fight those winter blues .
Worst Foods for Getting Well
THE FOLLOWING FOODS MAY DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD WHEN YOU ’ RE FEELING SICK :
Spicy foods – While a little spice can be nice for clearing up congestion , you should steer clear of spicy foods because they ’ re rough on a sensitive stomach .
Sweet treats – There ’ s no way to sugarcoat it … snacking on sugary candy , cookies , and ice cream can weaken your natural defenses by causing inflammation that affects your body ’ s ability to fight illness .
Fried foods – Deep-six those deep-fried favorites like French fries and onion rings , along with other greasy grub , because they can contribute to inflammation that suppresses your immune system .
When winter is upon us , getting sick should be on your mind . If you find yourself sniffling , sneezing , and suffering this season , you can get better faster by feeding yourself well .
www . Gardenoflife . com • Extraordinary Health • Vol 44 • 49