Influenza fever or H3N2 is on the rise in India. From a sore throat, and runny nose to cough and cold, the symptoms of influenza are general but it can lead to a lot of weakness and even breathlessness in some cases.
Leading health experts have advised that patients suffering from influenza must include Omega-3 and Omega-6-rich foods in their diets for quick recovery. It has been observed that an improper diet can delay the recovery process.
What to eat to recover from influenza fever?
You must eat antioxidant-rich foods like vegetables and fresh fruits to recover quickly. Citrus fruits, kiwi, and berries rich in vitamin E, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, and Selenium are extremely helpful in overcoming the weakness symptoms.
Wholegrains are a good source of energy and give you the strength to fight against the virus. Oatmeal, quinoa, millet, brown rice, popcorn, and red rice must be included in the daily diet for quick recovery.
You must also add anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory foods such as ginger to your tea and foods along with other spices and condiments. Fruit-based drinks with pumpkin or chia seeds and nuts should be consumed regularly to add more nutrition to your daily diet.
Avoid processed foods and raw salads
Processed foods are extremely bad for overall health as they reduce your infection-fighting abilities. And hence when you are recovering from influenza you must completely avoid all types of processed foods or food items with preservatives and artificial colours.
Instead, you must focus on eating freshly cooked meals and drinking plenty of water and natural fluids such as lemon water, herbal teas, and coconut water.
You should avoid aerated and carbonated drinks and smoking and drinking alcohol. Eating salads is usually good for health. But when you are recovering from an illness, your metabolism is weak. So instead of raw salads, you must lightly saute the vegetables and add some herbs and garlic to taste and eat.
Make sure that you stay away from foods that are rich in trans fats or are deeply fried even if they are cooked at home.