"Feeding the Flu"

healthyaging.net

Love your liquids: the more you drink, the better. And no, I am not talking tequila people! I am talking water, orange juice, nimbu pani, green tea, maybe even some nice lemonade. Basically when your body is fighting a virus, it needs extra hydration to enable its organs to function at their best. Especially if you are taking antibiotics which can be very dehydrating, not to mention take a toll on your digestive system!


Chicken soup for the soul: they call it “Jewish Penicillin” and there must be some truth to it, because studies have shown that having a hot bowl of soup (it could even be a mixed vegetable or tomato if you are a PETA member) can actually have beneficial effects in terms of helping the body overcome the flu.

Comfort food: If you are like most people, then the first thing you lose when you come down with the flu is your appetite. And that’s why it’s important to ensure that you are putting a little something something into your mouth every couple of hours. Toast, crackers, Parle-G, khitchdi, whatever it takes. And no, it’s not going to taste like heaven, so think of it as part of your medication for your tummy so you can stay strong and battle that viral and win.

Home Remedies: you would be surprised with the effectiveness of what you can find inside your very own house! These kitchen cures can range from a mix of haldi and honey to heal a sore throat, to ginger and lemon tea to fight a fever. So don’t diss your dadi, take some of her special mixes along with your allopathic pills, and remember, they have something your prescription meds don’t have: love.

Doctor Doctor: Most important of all, DO NOT try to be too smart. If you have had flu like symptoms for more than 2 days (cold, cough, throat ache, body pain, fever) or if the symptoms have rapidly manifested in a very short duration (say overnight), then you MUST consult with your family general physician to find out more. I cant emphasise this one enough people, the sooner you determine what the problem is , the sooner you get the correct treatment, and the sooner you get back to being you happy, sunshiny self. Don’t wait for things to get worse.

Rest the body and mind: remember, even when you are feeling 90% better, that still means you have some infection left in your system. So hold your horses and don’t be rushing off to work until you have had one clear 24 hour day of feeling absolutely fine. Meanwhile lie down, sleep, rest your eyes, and allow your body to heal.