COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe. These include fever, sore mouth, cough and fatigue. Certain foods and beverages can soothe symptoms and aid in recovery. It’s important to follow the medical advice and treatment guideline, but they also help support recovery. Here are 11 foods and beverages that can help relieve COVID-19-related symptoms and promote overall health.
1. Chicken Soup
Benefits: The traditional remedy for colds or flu is chicken soup. It keeps you hydrated and provides nutrients. The warm steam from the soup can soothe a sore or stuffed up throat and ease nasal congestion.
How To Use: Have a delicious bowl of home-made chicken soup, topped with vegetables and herbs. Combination of vitamins, minerals, and protein supports the immune system, and helps promote recovery.
2. Ginger Tea
Benefits: Ginger is anti-inflammatory, and has antioxidant properties. It can soothe a sore mouth and reduce nausea. Ginger can also help with digestion if you are experiencing gastrointestinal problems.
How To Use: Brew ginger slices with hot water to make a soothing tea. Add honey and lemon to the tea for extra flavor and benefits.
3. Honey
Benefits: The honey has anti-microbial properties that can coat the throat and provide relief from irritation and coughing. Honey can also soothe sore throats.
How To Use: Add a spoonful to tea or warm milk. Honey can be combined with lemon juice for a soothing effect.
4. Lemon Water
Benefits: Vitamin C-rich lemons support the immune system, and reduce inflammation. Lemon water is also good for digestion and can keep you hydrated.
How To Use: Pour a little fresh lemon juice in a glass filled with warm or cold tap water. Add honey or ginger to get extra benefits.
5. Garlic
Benefits: Garlic is antiviral, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory. It can strengthen your immune system and provide relief for symptoms such as congestion and sore throat.
How To Use: Add raw or cooked garlic to your food. Add minced garlic to stews and soups to add flavor and health benefits.
6. Yogurt
Benefits: Yogurt is rich in probiotics that boost immunity and gut health. It is important to have a healthy gut microbiome for immune function.
How To Use: Add plain yogurt to smoothies or eat it as a snack. For the best results, choose yogurt that contains live cultures.
7. Oatmeal
Benefits: Oatmeal soothes the stomach, is rich in fiber and vitamins and minerals, and is easy on the digestive system. It can soothe an upset stomach, and give you sustained energy.
How To Use: Cook oatmeal in water or milk, and add fruits, nuts or honey to enhance flavor and nutrition. It is easy to digest, and it can comfort you when you are feeling sick.
8. Broth
Benefits: Clear soups such as vegetable and bone broth are hydrating, easy to digest, and good for the digestion system. They are rich in essential nutrients and help you stay hydrated.
How To Use: Drink warm broth all day long or use it to base soups. Broths can be soothing and help to relieve congestion and dehydration.
9. Peppermint Tea
Benefits: Peppermint contains natural menthol which can open nasal passages to ease congestion. It has soothing properties which can also help with nausea and digestive problems.
How To Use: Brew tea or peppermint leaves in hot water to make a soothing and refreshing drink. This drink is best when it’s not sweetened or with added sugar.
10. Bananas
Benefits: The banana is easy to digest, and it contains potassium which helps replenish electrolytes that are lost during fever or sweating.
How To Use: Add ripe bananas to smoothies or eat them as a snack. These bananas are easy on the stomach, and they can be included in a bland diet for those with digestive problems.
11. Herbal Teas
Benefits: Herbal Teas such as chamomile and echinacea are soothing and immune-boosting. Chamomile may help you relax and sleep, while echinacea can support your immune system.
How To Use: Brew the herbal tea as per package instructions. Choose caffeine-free teas to avoid dehydration and drink it warm.
Conclusion
These foods and beverages can soothe your symptoms and help you recover from COVID-19. However, it is important that you continue to follow medical advice and treatment plans. Recovery is dependent on hydration, nutrition and rest. These soothing foods can help you feel better and ease your symptoms.