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Bookmark this article for when you’re feeling under the weather and want new ideas for what to drink when sick other than just water! Here you’ll find an immune-boosting variety of beverages to help ease symptoms of the cold and flu.
It’s been drilled into all our heads since the time we’re old enough to remember being sick. Make sure to drink enough fluids!
Time and time again, the doctor’s orders are to pump water and other non-caffeinated clear beverages (such as broth, warm water with honey and lemon, and herbal tea) for coughs, colds, and flus.
Drinking enough liquids is not only necessary for hydration, but can also be good in other ways. You can get a boost of nutrition and help alleviate symptoms! For example, a drink with lemon or ginger is a good way to get in some additional antioxidants to help boost immunity. And a hot drink can help soothe a sore throat, relieve a stuffy nose, and loosen congestion.
You might be surprised that enjoying a hot beverage as a cold remedy isn’t just an old wives’ tale! A 2008 study by researchers A. Sanu and R. Eccles at the Cardiff Cold Centre at Cardiff University in the United Kingdom reached the following conclusion:
The hot drink provided immediate and sustained relief from symptoms of runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness and tiredness, whereas the same drink at room temperature only provided relief from symptoms of runny nose, cough and sneezing. The effects of the drinks are discussed in terms of a placebo effect and physiological effects on salivation and airway secretions. In conclusion the results support the folklore that a hot tasty drink is a beneficial treatment for relief of most symptoms of common cold and flu.
Rhinology Journal
You can read more about hot drinks helping ease cold and flu symptoms on WebMD and Mayo Clinic Health System.
In this list you’ll find mostly soothing hot drinks to help you get relief from a sore throat, stuffy nose, and congestion. However, I also include a couple of cold drinks: a nutrient-rich apple ginger smoothie, and a homemade wellness shot recipe containing a variety of immune-boosting foods.
Next time you’re feeling under the weather and are wondering what to drink when sick, give one of these recipes a try. Or whip one up for a sick loved one. And spread the love by passing this article on to someone you know who isn’t feeling well.
Also, check out these healthy chicken soup recipes!
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Disclaimer: Please note that I am NOT a doctor, medical practitioner, or nutritionist of any kind. Nothing in this post should be construed as medical or nutrition advice. If you need medical advice you should immediately seek a physician’s care.
I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind this blog. I love finding the human connection through something we all do every day: eat! Food is a common ground that we can all relate to, and our tables tell a story. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had.
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