When you’re feeling unwell, your appetite often decreases. Even delicious food may taste bland when you’re sick. However, it’s important to keep eating because the nutrients your body receives help the healing process. There are several recommended foods for sick people to recover faster.
During recovery, the body needs nutrients that can accelerate healing. Therefore, it’s important to choose food based on what the body needs. For more severe illnesses, soft or liquid foods are recommended because they are easier to digest.
Why Does the Body Need Food When Sick?
When the body is sick, the immune system works hard to fight infections or illnesses, and this process requires a lot of energy. Food provides calories that give the body energy to strengthen the immune system and speed up healing.
Additionally, some foods have natural anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties that help reduce symptoms and accelerate recovery. Even though illness often causes loss of appetite or nausea, it’s very important to ensure that the body still receives enough nutrients to support the healing process and strengthen the immune system.
Recommended Foods for Sick People
Foods for sick people should be easy to digest, rich in nutrients, and able to support faster recovery. Here are several food options:
1. Chicken Soup
One of the healthiest food choices for sick people—and often served in hospitals—is chicken soup. It provides essential nutrients during recovery, such as protein, minerals, calories, and vitamins.
2. Green Vegetables
Green vegetables supply vitamins and minerals that help speed up recovery. Recommended vegetables include those containing phytonutrients, antioxidants, and polyphenols, such as spinach, lettuce, or kale.
3. Fish
Fish contains protein, minerals, and vitamin D. Some fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation in the body.
4. Nuts and Seeds
During recovery, the body needs fuel to support healing. Nuts and seeds—such as almonds, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds—contain vitamin E, zinc, manganese, and magnesium to strengthen immune cells and prevent cell damage.
5. Ginger
Ginger contains antioxidants, antimicrobial properties, and anti-cancer effects. It is highly recommended to add ginger to meals for sick individuals. Besides enhancing flavor, ginger has anti-inflammatory effects similar to aspirin and ibuprofen.
6. Bananas
Bananas are beneficial because they keep you full longer and are easy to digest. They contain carbohydrates, vitamins, and calories, and help restore potassium levels in the body.
7. Avocado
Avocados contain healthy fats that help reduce inflammation and support immune function. Their soft consistency makes them easy to digest.
8. Eggs
Eggs are rich in nutrients important for immunity, such as vitamins A and B12, zinc, iron, and selenium. These nutrients are essential for wound healing—especially for post-surgery recovery, where protein needs are higher.
9. Berries
During recovery, the body needs a stronger immune system. Berries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, which help boost immunity. They’re a great healthy snack option for sick people.
10. Organ Meat
Organ meats are a good source of protein and are especially beneficial for post-surgery or major illness recovery. They contain nutrients that support immunity, such as vitamin A, iron, zinc, B vitamins, and copper.
Those are the recommended foods that can help speed up recovery. Besides proper nutrition, comfort is also important during sickness or recovery. If needed, adult diapers like Parenty can help maintain cleanliness and comfort. (Aq/PRT)
