What not to eat during a cold: Tips for speedy recovery
What not to eat during a cold to avoid worsening your condition (photo: Freepik)
Several foods should be avoided during a cold to prevent the immune system from weakening and speed up recovery.
RBC-Ukraine explains which foods are better to exclude from your diet if you have an acute respiratory viral infection.
Dairy products
Dairy products contain casomorphin (a peptide formed during digestion from milk protein, casein), which can increase mucus production in the intestines, worsening cold symptoms.
If you experience this reaction, it's better to avoid milk, cheese, and yogurt temporarily. However, this doesn't apply to fat-free yogurts and kefir.
Sausages and processed meats
These products are high in saturated fats, which can complicate the work of your digestive system and liver. They also often contain preservatives, colorants, and other additives, which may cause allergic reactions and further burden the body.
Additionally, the excessive salt in processed meats can lead to fluid retention and worsen swelling.
Coffee and energy drinks
Caffeine reduces hydration levels and increases stress during a cold. It's better to replace coffee with herbal tea or water to keep the body properly hydrated.
Citrus fruits
It may seem strange, as oranges, mandarins, lemons, and other citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. However, they can also irritate a sore throat, worsening discomfort.
Sweets and sugar
Sweet products and sugary drinks can suppress the immune system. The sugar they contain reduces the effectiveness of white blood cells, which fight infections. Therefore, it's best to avoid cakes, cookies, soda, and other sweets during a respiratory infection.
Fatty and fried foods
These foods are hard to digest and can burden the gastrointestinal tract, distracting the body from fighting the infection. Additionally, they increase the risk of heart disease and obesity.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages reduce hydration and weaken the immune system. Drinks like vodka, beer, wine, and whiskey can also interfere with the effectiveness of cold medications.
What to eat during a cold: Foods that will help you recover faster
To help the body recover faster during a cold, doctors recommend consuming tea with honey, lemon, and ginger, along with warm soups and broths.
Additionally, including oatmeal, buckwheat, or rice porridge in your diet is beneficial.
Fruits and vegetables such as bananas, apples, pears, carrots, and pumpkin (either baked or boiled) can also aid the body in fighting off viruses.
It's better to replace sausages and processed meats with lean meats and fish, like chicken breast, turkey, or steamed salmon, for a healthier alternative during recovery.
General recommendations for a cold:
- Eat small portions 5-6 times a day
- Hot or warm food will help warm you up and ease breathing
- Water and herbal teas will help moisturize mucous membranes and flush out toxins
- Take vitamin C to strengthen your immune system
Important! Proper nutrition is just one part of comprehensive treatment. Don't forget other doctor’s recommendations: taking medication, bed rest, humidifying the air, etc.
Sources: Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, and the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
