What not to eat when you're suffering from a cold

When you’re down with the flu or just have a cold, everyone has a titbit of advice about what you should eat to improve your health. But oddly enough, some foods can actually make your symptoms worse.

When you’re dealing with an already low appetite and swallowing difficulties, it is important to avoid these foods that may actually be detrimental to your recovery.

SUGARY FOODS

A heavy intake of sugar prohibits the immune system from doing its job. Sugary foods can also create inflammation in the body so it's best to stay away from sweet treats like candy or chocolate until you feel better.

DAIRY PRODUCTS

An otherwise healthy enough food group, it is best to avoid dairy products like milk, cheese or yoghurt when you’re under the weather. Dairy can actually make your symptoms worse by temporarily thickening mucus. Keep your dairy intake to a minimum when you’re sick.

FRIED OR GREASY FOODS

High-fat foods require much more time and effort to digest, forcing the stomach to work a lot harder when it's already sensitive, leading to acid reflux and vomiting. Avoid fried and greasy foods that are high in saturated fats as they will make you feel worse.

HISTAMINE-DENSE FOODS

Histamine is a compound that is part of the body’s local immune response. But it also causes many of the symptoms of allergies, such as a runny nose or sneezing. To keep your body from going on a histamine overdrive, avoid strawberries, avocado, banana, alcohol and fermented foods when you’re dealing with a cold.

CAFFEINE

You may crave your morning cup of coffee even when you’re down with the flu. However, caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee or soda are diuretics and can dehydrate your body. They drain your body of necessary fluid when it needs them the most for a speedy recovery.