What to Eat - and Avoid - When You Have a Cold

When you have a cold, it's important to eat nutrient-rich foods to help boost your immune system and speed up recovery. Some recommended foods include:

  • Chicken soup or broths

  • Fruits, especially citrus

  • Yogurt and other fermented foods

  • Vegetables, especially dark, leafy greens

  • Ginger and garlic, known for their anti-inflammatory properties

On the other hand, it's best to avoid foods that can irritate the throat and weaken the immune system, such as:

  • Dairy products

  • Processed and sugary foods

  • Alcohol and caffeine

  • Spicy or very hot foods

Remember to also stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids.

  Medically Reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD on August 16, 2022

 Chicken Soup

You should have some, and not just because Mom says so. Studies shows it clears nasal passages and congestion better than other hot liquids. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect that may help your cold symptoms.


Citrus

You’ve heard it before: To avoid colds, get plenty of vitamin C. Truth is, it won’t keep most of us from catching one. (It may help if you’re around people who get sick often, like at a day care.) But if you get a lot of it right before you notice symptoms, it may make you feel better and help you get rid of a cold faster. Oranges, lemons, limes -- they’re all sources of vitamin C and can be tasty, too.


Germ Fighters

Kale, broccoli, cranberries, green tea, red onions, blueberries: What do these have in common? All have an antioxidant called quercetin that may help you fight the common cold. The research here is pretty new, but they may be on to something.


Bring the Heat

They won't help you kick your cold, but chili peppers can clear out your nasal passages, and that can make you feel better. They have something called capsaicin, which studies show may help with your stuffy head.


Ginger

A cup of fresh, hot ginger tea may seem to be just the thing you need when you’re nursing a cold. It helps lclear congestion and soothe your throat. And some studies show this spicy root may help prevent the common cold by blocking the virus.


Dairy

Milk, ice cream, cheese: Dairy gets a bad rap. Common wisdom says to avoid it when you're stuffy or runny because you'll make more mucus. But there’s little evidence to support this. So if you crave ice cream to soothe that sore throat, go ahead and indulge. 


Garlic

Scientists think garlic has some things in it that may fight the common cold. There is also some evidence that garlic may prevent colds, but more studies are still needed. Nevertheless, it's a good excuse to toss in a few extra cloves.


Caffeine and Alcohol

You’re better off avoiding these. You need lots of liquids when you have a cold, but caffeine and alcohol are no-nos because they can dry you out. Of course, if you get a raging withdrawal headache without your morning coffee, by all means, have a small cup of joe. Or try a little caffeinated tea instead.

 

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