Suffering from cold and flu can be one of the most uncomfortable feelings. Stuffy nose, blocked sinuses, cough, lack of energy, and nausea. All these symptoms lead to a loss of appetite. However, the lack of nutrients when suffering a viral infection can worsen the symptoms and even prolong the infection, leading to dehydration, viral pneumonia, asthma, and even congestive heart failure. These following natural foods can be soothing for cold and flu as well as boost immunity.

Broth
This is the primary most natural food that can be eaten for soothing cold and flu. Vegetable or chicken broth helps the body rehydrate and its calorie content can help increase the energy. Its nutrients such as calcium, folate, phosphorous, and magnesium help in improving immunity, thereby helping the body fight better with the viral infection. These benefits make broth one of the foods that can be eaten when the person is feeling nauseated.

Ginger
Ginger has been in use for managing cold and flu since ancient times. It contains chemicals like sesquiterpenes and gingerols that help in fighting rhinoviruses (family of viruses that cause cold and flu) and reduce inflammation in the sinuses and throat. A few shreds of ginger in green tea can help to provide relief from cold and flu.

Honey
This is yet another natural food that can be used for soothing cold and flu. Honey has been in use for healing cuts, scrapes, and even burns as it contains natural antiseptics that work similarly to hydrogen peroxide. Homey can soothe throat irritation due to cold and flu. When mixed with ginger, the combined antioxidant and antimicrobial properties can reduce the cough or mucus and help fight the infection further.

Garlic
Garlic is used as a taste enhancer in a wide variety of foods. Apart from flavoring, garlic is used for energizing the immune system. It contains a bioactive substance that helps in better healing from viral infections. Eating raw or cooked garlic can also decrease the severity of the infection. So, adding garlic in vegetable or chicken will not only make it tastier but also make it more potent in fighting cold and flu symptoms.

Berries
Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cranberries are a rich source of minerals, vitamins, and fibers that can be eaten even when feeling nauseated. These fruits contain beneficial a type of anti-inflammatory flavonoids called anthocyanins that stimulate the body’s immune system, thereby inhibiting the viral infection. Apart from this, pomegranates are filled with anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that can soothe cold and flu.

Avocados
This fruit has high-fat and low-carbohydrate contents, making it one of the great natural food sources that can be for soothing cold and flu. It also contains healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can reduce the symptoms of cold and flu. The oleic acid present in avocados can particularly decrease inflammation due to the viral infection and boost the immune system.