What are some good foods to eat when you are sick?

Question

I woke up feeling really sick, and I feel like I'm going to throw up. But I dont have a fever and I am hungry. I'm not sure if I should and what I should eat.

Answer 1

What to Eat When You're Sick

By Sheldon Margen, M.D., and Dale A. Ogar

For some people, it's hard enough to eat properly when they are healthy. When they grow ill, they lose the desire or ability to eat anything at all.

We've probably all known people who prematurely wasted away from cancer or AIDS -- or even just old age -- simply because it was too difficult to eat. They may have had mouth pain or sores, difficulty swallowing, dulled taste sensations, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting. These symptoms are not just limited to serious illness. They can also occur with simple ailments like the flu, a sore throat or reaction to a medication.

Getting adequate nutrition during any prolonged illness will obviously improve your chances of recovery and help you fight off infection. The recommendations that follow are appropriate for anyone who wants to maintain good nutrition while sick.

If You Have Mouth Sores or Pain

* Eat foods at room temperature rather than when they are very hot or very cold.

* Choose foods and beverages that are mild and non-irritating, such as apple juice instead of orange juice or other acidic juices.

* Limit your use of spices and salt.

* Dunk your toast, crackers and cookies in a liquid, such as milk or soup, to soften them.

* Try eating soft foods, such as pudding, eggs, soft cheeses or noodles.

* If you have trouble getting enough calories, try a nutritionally balanced liquid formula for a while. These are available in the supermarket under a number of trade names.

If You Have Difficulty Swallowing

* Try single-texture foods like mashed potatoes and oatmeal, instead of mixed textures like stews.

* Avoid single-particle foods like nuts, corn and rice that can get stuck in your throat.

* Avoid sticky foods (like peanut butter) that can be hard to swallow; or slippery foods (like macaroni, Jell-o, luncheon meat) that can slide down too fast and cause you to choke.

* Try drinking with a straw.

* Try tilting your head back or moving it forward to make swallowing easier.

If Your Sense of Taste Seems Dull or Suddenly Different

* Try a variety of flavors and textures to make foods more enjoyable.

* Pick foods that smell good to you so that you will want to eat them.

* Eat acidic foods to help thin out your saliva and make it easier for you to chew.

* Experiment with new herbs and spices.

* Marinate foods, or add chopped onions, garlic, bacon bits or cheese to add more flavor.

* When your mouth is dry, try ice chips, hard candy and gum.

If You Have Diarrhea

* Drink plenty of liquids, including water, diluted fruit juices and flavored drink mixes.

* Stay away from caffeinated beverages, which act as diuretics.

* Eat salty foods, as they promote water retention.

* Stay away from foods like milk that contain lactose.

* Eat bananas, mangoes and diluted orange and nectar juices to replace minerals you may have lost.

* Avoid foods that are high in fat.

* Eat low-fiber foods, such as white rice, white bread and cooked fruits and vegetables without the skin.

* If the diarrhea persists too long, be sure to contact your doctor.

If You Have Lost Your Appetite or Aren't Interested in Food

* Try eating in a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere; have a friend join you.

* Eat several small meals a day, and avoid high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, such as candy.

* Eat foods with only faint odors, and serve them at cool temperatures.

* Drink an instant breakfast shake or liquid formula between meals to boost calories.

* If you don't feel like eating meat, try tofu, beans, nuts, fish, peanut butter or eggs.

* Try adding grated cheese to sauces, vegetables and casseroles to boost the protein level.

* Keep ready-to-eat snacks on hand (cheese and peanut butter, ice cream, canned fruit).

If You are Nauseous and Vomiting

* Drink clear, cool beverages and soups; and eat gelatin, particularly between meals. Eat as slowly as possible.

* Try ice cubes made from clear fruit juices.

* Have small, frequent meals.

* Choose low-fat, mildly flavored foods.

* Eat salted foods, such as pretzels or crackers.

* Try chilled foods, such as cottage cheese with fruit, tuna salad or cold chicken.

* Eat meals at least an hour before taking medication that is known to cause nausea.

* If the smell of cooking food bothers you, have somebody else do it for you, and be sure the cooking area is well-ventilated.

Once you feel better and the symptoms have passed, work your way back into a regular meal pattern. If your symptoms persist and you are unable to eat for more than a few days, be sure to check in with your health-care provider.

Sheldon Margen, M.D., is a professor of public health at the University of California at Berkeley. Dale A. Ogar is managing editor of the University of California at Berkeley "Wellness Letter." They are the authors of The Wellness Lowfat Cookbook (Random House, 1994) and The Wellness Encyclopedia of Food and Nutrition (Random House, 1992).

Answer 2

Try crackers and ginger ale. If that stays down then try a little chicken broth. The old wives tale about chicken soup is sound advice.
If this sick feeling is caused by pregnancy (ie: morning sickness) put the crackers and ginger ale by your bed at night and eat/drink them before getting up.

Answer 3

im sick often --i suggest soup, crackers, dry cheerios, hot pretzels, toast, i dont always have these things in my house so if you dont find something light to drink i would stick with water or sprite, giner ale...if you feel up to it apple juice or tea....

pace your self try a little at a time and then see how you feel afterwards if you're ok continue if not stay hungry for awhile until youre stomach settles a bit more.....

Answer 4

Weak, sugary tea
Warm gingerale
Dry toast or crackers

You could try some baking soda in warm water (how much should be on the box--it's only a bit) may help. Also, if you have Alka Seltzer or Pepto they may help (read directions).

Answer 5

1

Answer 6

chicken noodles soup, crackers, 7-up. don't drink water if you really feel like you might throw up.

Answer 7

ITS CALLED JEWISH PENICILLIN..HOT CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP. IT HAS CERTAIN ENZYMES IN IT THAT IS HEALING TO YOUR INTESTINES.
WARM SPOONFULS OF TEA WITH A LITTLE MILK OR CREAM IN IT. TEA HAS TANNIC ACID WHICH IS HEALING FOR BURNS, ETC. YOUR TUMMY WILL FEEL BETTER.

Answer 8

its all about broth
it will fill you up enough that you wont be hungry and rarely makes you want to vomit

Answer 9

chicken soup

Answer 10

Rice, just white rice.