These are some important foods to (try to) eat if you’re battling the flu.
Clear Fluids
When you are fighting off the flu, you need to drink plenty of clear fluids to avoid dehydration. People who have fevers often have low appetites or face nausea and vomiting, which can cause dehydration. Drinking plenty of clear fluids can help keep mucus thin and help lessen congestion. A good rule of thumb is to check your urine -- if it is a pale yellow, then you are adequately hydrated.
Popsicles
Along the same lines as clear fluids, popsicles help keep you hydrated while you’re fighting the flu. Icy popsicles can also help soothe sore, painful, or dry throats. By buying popsicles that are made from 100 percent fruit juice, especially strawberry or orange, you can help give your body a boost of vital nutrients, rather than just taking in sugar water, and vitamin C is an essential immune booster.
Lean Protein
If you’re like most people fighting off the flu, you’ve lost most of your appetite, and eating protein is the last thing on your mind. However, if you can stomach it, eating lean proteins is important to repair your body tissues. Eggs (such as scrambled) are the easiest protein to digest, and yogurt can pull double duty -- it’s both a good source of protein and a source of probiotics. In your recovery phase (once your fever is gone), it’s important to boost your protein intake to repair and rebuild body systems. If you can stomach it, turkey is a healthy, lean protein that can help boost your energy, and can serve as a comfort food. If your appetite is still lacking, try drinking a protein drink once a day to supplement your dietary intake.