8 Best Foods to Eat When You Have a Cold (and Two to Avoid)
Spicy foods
Spicy foods won’t help you kick the cold to the curb but due to their high content of capsaicin, it stimulates the mucus production and you won’t have to bear with a stuffy head or stuffy nose. Capsaicin can also have a desensitizing effect and that is why it is often used in pain-relieving gels and patches.
Spicy foods are also known to reduce coughing caused by irritation. Are these enough reasons to spice things up?
Ginger
When you’re having a nasty cold, a cup of hot ginger tea might be just the thing you need. For good reason, considering that it can be quite effective in clearing congestion and soothing your irritated throat. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and is also helpful in relieving nausea.
If ginger tea is not your cup of …well, tea, you can use ginger in cooking or simply drink some ginger ale to enjoy its benefits. Just make sure you buy fresh ginger or ginger extract instead of ginger flavoring.
