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13 Best Foods To Eat When You Have Viral Fever

Viral fever is a group of viral infections that affect the body and is characterized by high fever, headaches, body aches, burning in the eyes, vomiting, and nausea. It is very common among adults and children.

Viral fever is mainly caused by a viral infection that occurs in any part of the body, air passages, lungs, intestines, etc. The high fever is usually a sign of the immune system of the body fighting against the viruses. Viral fever can last from one to two weeks.

foods for viral fever

When you have viral fever, your appetite becomes low. So, it's necessary to give your body the nourishment it requires and therefore, it is important to eat the right foods. These foods will help to treat viral fever by relieving its symptoms and promoting healing.

1. Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is the first thing we have when we fall sick because it works best for the upper respiratory tract infections [1] . Chicken soup is packed with vitamins, minerals, proteins and calories which are required by the body in huge quantities when you are sick. It is also a good source of fluids which will help to keep your body hydrated. In addition, chicken soup is a natural decongestant which has been proved effective in clearing nasal mucous [2] .

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2. Coconut Water

Rich in electrolytes and glucose, coconut water is your go-to drink when you have viral fever [3] . Besides being sweet and flavourful, the presence of potassium in coconut water helps to regain your energy as you tend to feel weak.Apart from this, it also contains antioxidants that will help fight oxidative damage.

3. Broths

Broth is a soup made of meat or vegetables. It contains all the calories, nutrients and flavour in it which is a perfect food to have when you fall sick. The benefits of drinking hot broth while sick is that it will hydrate your body, act as a natural decongestant and the rich flavours will keep you satisfied. However, ensure that you make broth at home instead of buying it from a store as they have high quantities of sodium.

4. Herbal Teas

Herbal teas can also ease viral fever. They also act as natural decongestant similarly to chicken soup and broths. They help to clear the mucus and the warm liquid soothes your throat irritation. Herbal tea contains polyphenols, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that will help boost your immune system in no time[4] , [5] .

5. Garlic

Garlic is touted to be one of the best foods known for curing a number of ailments due to its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties [6] . A study showed that people who consumed garlic got sick less often and they also got better in 3.5 days as well [7] . Allicin, a compound present in garlic facilitates the immune function and reduces the chances of viral fever [8] .

6. Ginger

When you are sick, you might be nauseated more often. Having garlic can bring relief from nausea[9] . Furthermore, it has antimicrobial and antioxidant effects which are beneficial when it comes to feeling sick. Make sure that you use ginger in cooking or have it in the form of tea to make you feel better.

7. Bananas

When you are sick, your taste buds are bland and flavourless because of the cold and fever. Eating bananas are beneficial as they are easy to chew and swallow and bland in flavour. They also are rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Eating them daily will prevent you from future viral fever symptoms because they increase white blood cells, improve immunity and strengthen your resistance to diseases [10] .

foods to eat during viral fever infographic

8. Berries

Berries are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and fibre which aid in supporting immune system function. Berries like strawberries, blueberries, cranberries and blackberries contain beneficial compounds like anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that gives fruits their colour [11] . When you are sick eating berries is beneficial as they contain strong antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects.

9. Avocado

Avocados are a great food to have when you are suffering from viral fever as they contain essential nutrients that your body requires during this time. They are easy to chew and relatively bland. Avocados contain healthy fats like oleic acid which help to lower inflammation and also playing a huge role in immune function[12] .

10. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges and grapefruits have flavonoids and vitamin C in larger amounts [13] . Consumption of citrus fruits will decrease inflammation and strengthen your immune system which will help to fight a viral fever. In India, since ancient times, citrus fruits are known for their medicinal and therapeutic properties.

11. Chilli Peppers

Chilli peppers contain capsaicin which is an effective treatment for viral fever, and flu. Not only chilli peppers but black peppers also have the same effect of easing pain and discomfort by breaking down mucus and clearing out the sinus passages[14] . A study found that capsaicin capsules lowered the symptoms of chronic cough in people making them less sensitive to irritation.

12. Green Leafy Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables like romaine lettuce, spinach and kale are loaded with vitamins, minerals and fibre and also beneficial plant compounds. These plant compounds act as antioxidants that help fight inflammation. These green leafy veggies are also known for their antibacterial and antiviral properties that can ward away common cold and viral fever [15] .

13. Protein-rich Foods

Foods rich in protein are fish, seafood, meat, beans, nuts and poultry. They are easy to eat and provide good amount of protein which in turn will give your body energy. Proteins are made of amino acids which are vital for a healthy immune system [16] . When you are ill and your body is in the process of healing, getting all the essential amino acids from foods will help your body to recover quickly.

Whenever you suffer from viral fever, drinking lots of fluids, eating an adequate amount of nutritional foods and taking plenty of rest is important. Eating these foods will support immunity and also provide your body with nutrients.

View Article References
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  2. [2] Saketkhoo, K., Januszkiewicz, A., & Sackner, M. A. (1978). Effects of drinking hot water, cold water, and chicken soup on nasal mucus velocity and nasal airflow resistance.Chest,74(4), 408-410.
  3. [3] Biesalski, H. K., Bischoff, S. C., Boehles, H. J., Muehlhoefer, A., & Working group for developing the guidelines for parenteral nutrition of The German Association for Nutritional Medicine. (2009). Water, electrolytes, vitamins and trace elements–Guidelines on Parenteral Nutrition, Chapter 7.German medical science : GMS e-journal, 7, Doc21.
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  9. [9] Marx, W., Kiss, N., & Isenring, L. (2015). Is ginger beneficial for nausea and vomiting? An update of the literature.Current opinion in supportive and palliative care,9(2), 189-195.
  10. [10] Kumar, K. S., Bhowmik, D., Duraivel, S., & Umadevi, M. (2012). Traditional and medicinal uses of banana.Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry,1(3), 51-63.
  11. [11] Wu, X., Beecher, G. R., Holden, J. M., Haytowitz, D. B., Gebhardt, S. E., & Prior, R. L. (2006). Concentrations of anthocyanins in common foods in the United States and estimation of normal consumption.Journal of agricultural and food chemistry,54(11), 4069-4075.
  12. [12] Carrillo Pérez, C., Cavia Camarero, M. D. M., & Alonso de la Torre, S. (2012). Role of oleic acid in immune system; mechanism of action; a review.Nutrición Hospitalaria, 2012, v. 27, n. 4 (julio-agosto), p. 978-990.
  13. [13] Ladaniya, M. S. (2008). Nutritive and medicinal value of citrus fruits. Citrus fruit, 501–514.
  14. [14] Srinivasan, K. (2016). Biological activities of red pepper (Capsicum annuum) and its pungent principle capsaicin: a review.Critical reviews in food science and nutrition,56(9), 1488-1500.
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  16. [16] Kurpad, A. V. (2006). The requirements of protein & amino acid during acute & chronic infections.Indian Journal of Medical Research,124(2), 129.

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