Saunto
Your health matters

Saunto

Don't Reach for Comfort Foods When You're Under the Weather - Here's Why!

Food to avoid when sick: soup
Shutterstock

When you’re feeling under the weather, it can be hard to resist eating a few of your favorite comfort foods. From mac and cheese to french fries, it’s tempting to try to fill your stomach with something that makes you feel better. But before you reach for that snack, you should know that some foods are actually better left untouched when you’re sick. Most of us know that eating unhealthy, processed foods isn’t good for us in general, let alone when we’re already feeling under the weather. Meals like fast food, fried foods, and sugary treats are laden with unhealthy fats, sodium, and refined sugars that can actually make your symptoms worse. Your body needs nourishment, and these foods offer little to no nutritional benefit. Fried foods are especially hard on your digestive system when you’re sick. All that oil can be difficult to process, leading to an upset stomach. If you’re already feeling queasy, these types of meals can make it even worse. Spicy foods can also be a no-go when you’re under the weather. Not only can they aggravate an already troubled digestive system, but they can also make your throat feel raw and irritated. If you’re dealing with a cold, you may even find that spicy foods make your nose run more than usual. Even if you usually love to indulge in a sweet treat, you’re probably better off avoiding sugar when you’re sick. Refined sugar can suppress your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off infection. Even if you’re not dealing with an illness, it’s best to avoid eating too much sugar on a regular basis. If you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting, you’re better off reaching for something like a bowl of soup or a cup of tea. These types of foods are easy to digest and can help to soothe your aching stomach. They’re also packed with vitamins and minerals that can give your immune system a much-needed boost. It can be hard to resist the temptation to reach for comfort foods when you’re feeling under the weather. But if you can manage to hold off on those unhealthy, processed meals, you’ll be doing your body a huge favor. Stick to nourishing, easy-to-digest foods and your symptoms may just start to improve.

Skip the coffee if you're under the weather

There are few things more comforting than a warm cup of coffee in the morning. Whether you’re an avid coffee-drinker or an occasional sipper, coffee has become an essential part of many people’s daily routine. However, if you’re feeling under the weather, it’s important to skip the coffee in favor of something more restorative. Coffee is a stimulant, and when you’re feeling sick, the last thing your body needs is something that’ll make you more energetic. Caffeine is known to be dehydrating, and if you’re already feeling dehydrated due to a cold, the flu, or an upset stomach, a cup of coffee will only make matters worse. Additionally, coffee can make symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and headaches even more intense. It’s also important to remember that coffee can interfere with the body’s natural healing process. When you’re sick, your body is already working hard to fight off whatever illness or ailment you’re dealing with. If you add coffee to the mix, you may end up taxing your body even more, making it harder for it to repair itself. Instead of coffee, try to focus on drinks that will help you to restore your energy and keep you hydrated. Freshly-squeezed juices and smoothies are particularly good for restoring energy, as they’re packed with vitamins and minerals that can help your body to heal. If you’re looking for something a little more comforting, try some herbal tea. Not only is herbal tea caffeine-free and full of antioxidants, but it’s also been known to have calming properties that can help you to relax and get some rest. It can be hard to break a coffee habit, especially if it’s become a part of your daily routine. But if you’re feeling under the weather, it’s important to take a break from coffee and focus on drinks that will help you to recover. Keep in mind that while coffee can be a great source of energy, it’s not always the best choice when you’re feeling sick. So the next time you’re feeling under the weather, skip the coffee and reach for something that will help to restore your energy and get you back on your feet.


Recommended


NEXT UP

Discover the Truth: Is Coffee Really Dehydrating?

coffee drinker
Shutterstock

Coffee is a widely-consumed beverage around the world. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, the chances are that you’ve had your fair share of coffee throughout the day. A common misconception about coffee is that it dehydrates you, which is why many people choose to avoid it altogether. But is this true? Is coffee really dehydrating? Let’s take a closer look. First off, what is dehydration? Dehydration is a condition that occurs when your body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can be caused by not drinking enough fluids, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. It can also be caused by certain medications and medical conditions. Now, let’s get to the main question: Does coffee make you dehydrated? The answer is no. In fact, coffee is actually a mild diuretic, meaning it encourages your body to produce more urine. This is why you may feel the urge to urinate shortly after drinking coffee. However, this does not mean that coffee is dehydrating. In reality, coffee can actually help with hydration. Studies have shown that coffee is just as hydrating as water and other non-caffeinated beverages. This means that drinking coffee can actually help your body stay hydrated. Furthermore, coffee is full of essential vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of B vitamins, magnesium, and potassium, all of which are important for proper hydration. Coffee also contains antioxidants, which can help protect your cells and tissues from damage. So, to sum it up, coffee is not dehydrating. In fact, it can be a great way to stay hydrated and get some essential vitamins and minerals. Of course, it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, but coffee can be a great addition to your daily routine. So, the next time you reach for a cup of coffee, don’t worry about feeling dehydrated. Feel free to enjoy a cup without any guilt. And remember, the key to proper hydration is to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, not just coffee.

Drinking coffee counts towards your daily water intake

Coffee is a widely-consumed beverage around the world. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, the chances are that you’ve had your fair share of coffee throughout the day. A common misconception about coffee is that it dehydrates you, which is why many people choose to avoid it altogether. But is this true? Is coffee really dehydrating? Let’s take a closer look. First off, what is dehydration? Dehydration is a condition that occurs when your body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can be caused by not drinking enough fluids, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. It can also be caused by certain medications and medical conditions. Now, let’s get to the main question: Does coffee make you dehydrated? The answer is no. In fact, coffee is actually a mild diuretic, meaning it encourages your body to produce more urine. This is why you may feel the urge to urinate shortly after drinking coffee. However, this does not mean that coffee is dehydrating. In reality, coffee can actually help with hydration. Studies have shown that coffee is just as hydrating as water and other non-caffeinated beverages. This means that drinking coffee can actually help your body stay hydrated. Furthermore, coffee is full of essential vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of B vitamins, magnesium, and potassium, all of which are important for proper hydration. Coffee also contains antioxidants, which can help protect your cells and tissues from damage. So, to sum it up, coffee is not dehydrating. In fact, it can be a great way to stay hydrated and get some essential vitamins and minerals. Of course, it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, but coffee can be a great addition to your daily routine. So, the next time you reach for a cup of coffee, don’t worry about feeling dehydrated. Feel free to enjoy a cup without any guilt. And remember, the key to proper hydration is to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, not just coffee.


Shutterstock