When one is suffering from cold and flu, one might not want to eat. However, it is very important to maintain healthy nourishment and also stay hydrated. Different kinds of illness can be comforted with the help of different foods. An important point to note is that they help you feel better without making you nauseous. Here are some natural foods for soothing cold and flu.

Coconut water
Hydration is very important when you’re suffering from cold and flu. Coconut water is an exceptionally good way of maintaining electrolytes in the body. The foods that replenish electrolytes in the body include coconut water, salt, and bananas.

Hot tea
Sipping a cup of hot tea will always make you feel better when you’re down with cold and flu. It soothes the throat and also relaxes the congestion in the throat and chest. Some herbal teas are better than the others when it comes to natural foods for soothing cold and flu.

Spicy foods
Spicy foods often provide a lot of relief from cold and flu. Spicy foods contain a hot and burning sensation causing element called capsaicin. It desensitizes and thus relieves us of the pain and discomfort. Spicy foods have been known to cause a runny nose, thereby breaking mucus.

Bananas
As specified earlier, bananas are also great when you’re suffering from cold and flu. They are rich in calories and other nutrients and thus are also part of the BRAT diet, which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. The BRAT diet is known to be beneficial for nausea.

Oatmeal
Oatmeal also provides a lot of calories, minerals, and vitamins when you’re sick. It also has protein in some quantity and increases fitness and energy levels. Oatmeal stimulates the immune system and also improves blood sugar control. It is suggested to avoid oatmeal with added artificial sugar.

Yogurt
Yogurt is one of the most popular as well as effective natural foods for soothing cold and flu. It is rich in calcium as well as other vitamins and minerals. It has been noted that symptoms of cold and flu are less severe in children taking probiotics.

Citrus fruits and berries
Citrus fruits and berries are rich in flavonoids and vitamin C and thus they boost immunity as well as help fight fever, cold, and cough. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits have a flavonoid called quercetin that treats rhinovirus infection, which is responsible for the common cold.

Avocados
Avocado is rich in potassium and also a great source of vitamin E, which is important to protect the body from various diseases and infections. Avocado also has glutathione, which is an antioxidant that helps the body absorb nutrients.

Foods rich in zinc
Foods rich in zinc are beneficial in soothing cold and flu. Zinc has a high ability to prevent bacteria or viruses from multiplying within the body and thus it stops the spread of the infection. Some common foods rich in zinc include pumpkin seeds and chickpeas.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C. Thus they help in soothing the effects of cold and flu. One tomato contains more than 16 mg of vitamin C. This is why it is considered a beneficial food to soothe cold and flu.