Foods You Should Not Eat When You're Sick

Food probably isn’t the first thing that comes to your mind when you are battling flu or an infection. But eventually, you have to fuel the tank, and it does matter what you choose to eat when you are sick. There are some foods and drinks which can make you feel even worse. Therefore, it is always beneficial to know which foods to avoid during severe health conditions. By eliminating these foods and consuming more of immunity-boosting foods, you can recover quickly and reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Read on to know what you should avoid eating when you are sick-

1. If you have got the runs: When you have diarrhea, avoid candies and gums made of artificial sweeteners as they contain sorbitol which isn’t digestible and can instigate diarrhea. Also, avoid foods that can trigger bloating and gas, such as apple, onion, broccoli, beans and cabbage. Dairy, caffeine and alcohol can also provoke diarrhea.
2. If you are constipated: Constipation can occur when you are not eating enough fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, and veggies, which stimulate digestion. Avoid consuming dairy products, chocolates, pain medication and iron supplements if you are constipated.
3. If you are feeling nauseous: Feeling queasy makes all foods unappealing, but avoiding greasy, spicy, oily foods, alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated drinks can help calm stomach acids.
4. If you have sore throat: Hot fluids are by far the most beneficial. Not only do they help soothe your sore throat, but they're also known to loosen mucus, which may help relieve other symptoms such as congestion and stuffiness. So consider having soup or drinking hot water to alleviate the pain, and avoid scratchy, hard foods such as granola, potato chips and nuts as they aggravate the pain. Acidic juices made from vegetables and fruits, such as grape juice or orange juice, can also aggravate a sore throat.
5. If you have body ache: When your body aches, don’t grab that cup of espresso or that glass of whiskey, since both caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate your body, thereby worsening the pain.
6. If you have a headache: Stay away from artificial sweeteners, aged cheese, MSG (monosodium glutamate which is found in soy sauce), chocolate, red wine and processed meat. MSG has been linked to high blood pressure which can cause headache.
7. If you have an earache: Stay away from dairy products, processed and packaged foods, as they increase inflammation and lengthen the recovery process.
8. If you have an allergy: Avoid consuming milk, wheat, soy, berries, eggs, tomatoes, fish, nuts, chocolates and nuts as these foods commonly cause itching and can trigger rashes.
9. If you have runny nose: A hot broth or hot tea will give you comfort, but you should avoid spicy foods and alcohol. Spicy foods actually aggravate a runny nose. 

Take Home Message

Getting proper nutrition, drinking healthy fluids, and taking proper rest are some of the most important things you can do to feel better when sick. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!