The Secret to Feeding Your Body When You're Sick (or Just Need a Pick-Me-Up)
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But when life gives you a hacking cough or a hangover, sometimes it's not just about sugar and spice – it's about what you eat can be the key to recovery.
For Dr Ricardo José, consultant in respiratory medicine, hydration is key when he's feeling under the weather. "It's all about taking frequent sips throughout the day to keep those mucous membranes moist," he explains. His go-to remedy? A warm tea with strips of lemon peel, turmeric, and manuka honey.
Meanwhile, immunologist Dr Jenna Macciochi swears by raw honey and thyme tea to soothe a sore throat. "I often stir a spoonful into my morning tea, which helps ease irritation and supports respiratory health," she reveals.
But it's not just about what you drink – it's also about what you eat. For Emeritus prof Ron Eccles, former director of the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University, warm foods are the way to go. "Anything tasty like tomato soup or chicken soup promotes salivation and mucus secretions in the airway," he explains.
For Asma Khan, chef and owner of Darjeeling Express in London, there's no substitute for a good old-fashioned bowl of khichdi – a gentle, nourishing dish made with rice, moong dal, turmeric, and ghee. "It's soft, warm, and full of love," she says.
So what can you eat when you're feeling under the weather? Here are some expert-approved remedies:
* Soft, nourishing foods like soups
* Warm broths with garlic, ginger, and shiitake mushrooms
* Spicy teas or chais made with ginger, cardamom, and black pepper
* Mucilaginous foods like marshmallow root tea or slippery elm
* Vitamin-rich juices like celery, parsley, and apple
And when it comes to hangovers, the rule of thumb is still drink plenty of water. "Celery, parsley, and apple are my go-to green juice," says chef Anna Jones.
It's worth noting that everyone's body is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. But by incorporating some or all of these remedies into your diet, you can give your body the best chance to recover from a nasty bug or just need a pick-me-up.
As Dr Macciochi puts it, "It's about being gentle with yourself and giving your body what it needs – whether that's hydration, nutrition, or a little bit of spice."
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But when life gives you a hacking cough or a hangover, sometimes it's not just about sugar and spice – it's about what you eat can be the key to recovery.
For Dr Ricardo José, consultant in respiratory medicine, hydration is key when he's feeling under the weather. "It's all about taking frequent sips throughout the day to keep those mucous membranes moist," he explains. His go-to remedy? A warm tea with strips of lemon peel, turmeric, and manuka honey.
Meanwhile, immunologist Dr Jenna Macciochi swears by raw honey and thyme tea to soothe a sore throat. "I often stir a spoonful into my morning tea, which helps ease irritation and supports respiratory health," she reveals.
But it's not just about what you drink – it's also about what you eat. For Emeritus prof Ron Eccles, former director of the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University, warm foods are the way to go. "Anything tasty like tomato soup or chicken soup promotes salivation and mucus secretions in the airway," he explains.
For Asma Khan, chef and owner of Darjeeling Express in London, there's no substitute for a good old-fashioned bowl of khichdi – a gentle, nourishing dish made with rice, moong dal, turmeric, and ghee. "It's soft, warm, and full of love," she says.
So what can you eat when you're feeling under the weather? Here are some expert-approved remedies:
* Soft, nourishing foods like soups
* Warm broths with garlic, ginger, and shiitake mushrooms
* Spicy teas or chais made with ginger, cardamom, and black pepper
* Mucilaginous foods like marshmallow root tea or slippery elm
* Vitamin-rich juices like celery, parsley, and apple
And when it comes to hangovers, the rule of thumb is still drink plenty of water. "Celery, parsley, and apple are my go-to green juice," says chef Anna Jones.
It's worth noting that everyone's body is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. But by incorporating some or all of these remedies into your diet, you can give your body the best chance to recover from a nasty bug or just need a pick-me-up.
As Dr Macciochi puts it, "It's about being gentle with yourself and giving your body what it needs – whether that's hydration, nutrition, or a little bit of spice."
. I've been sipping on ginger tea nonstop since I got a nasty cold last week and I gotta say it helped me recover way faster 
. And omg, khichdi sounds soooo delicious! I need to try that ASAP 
. Soft foods are def my go-to when I'm feeling under the weather too - there's nothing like a warm bowl of tomato soup to soothe my throat and calm my stomach 
. Has anyone tried any of these remedies when they're hangover-ing? Help a girl out! 
you know what's crazy? people always talk about taking care of their mental health but no one ever talks about taking care of their physical health when they're feeling down. like, have you ever had a hangover and just wanted to crawl back into bed with a warm bowl of soup? 
yes me too! and it's not just about finding the "perfect" remedy its about listening to your body and giving it what it needs whether that's hydration or nutrition. i think we should all take a page out of asma khan's book and make ourselves a big ol' bowl of khichdi when we're feeling under the weather 
. for me, it's all about staying hydrated 
. but if i'm being honest, sometimes a bowl of khichdi 
. i swear by tomato soup when i'm under the weather too, there's somethin about that comforting warmth that just hits the spot 
and anyone who tells you that vitamin c is just a myth needs to drink this and see what happens 
. I mean, who doesn't love a good bowl of khichdi or tomato soup on a rainy day? 
And the best part is, it's not just about the food itself, but also the love and care that goes into making it 
. It's like a wake-up call for your body and helps you feel more alert and focused. And what Dr Macciochi says about being gentle with yourself and giving your body what it needs resonates so much with me 
. I think that's what gets lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life – taking care of ourselves and listening to our bodies.