What to Eat During Influenza? | Bai Zi Gui

Influenza, also known as the flu, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. It spreads through airborne droplets and is most common during the autumn and winter seasons. Common symptoms of influenza include high fever, headache, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, cough, sore throat, and runny nose. Influenza can weaken the body, lower immunity, and in severe cases, lead to complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

During influenza, proper diet and appropriate traditional Chinese medicine supplements are crucial for body recovery and enhancing resistance. Especially through Chinese medicine adjustments and herbal supplements, comprehensive support for body health can be achieved. Tiger Milk Mushroom, as a precious Chinese medicinal material, has significant immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects, which provide special benefits for influenza patients.

1. Adequate Hydration 

Importance of maintaining hydration During influenza, the body can easily lose a large amount of fluid, especially during fever and sweating. Replenishing adequate fluids helps maintain normal body functions, promotes metabolism, aids in toxin elimination, and accelerates the recovery process.

Recommended beverages In addition to plain water, the following beverages are also good choices:

Warm water : The simplest choice to maintain body fluid balance.

Electrolyte drinks : Helps replenish electrolytes lost due to fever and sweating.

Warm chicken soup or bone broth :Not only replenishes fluids but also provides some nutrition.

Herbal teas : Such as ginger tea, chamomile tea, etc., which help relieve sore throat and discomfort.

Tiger Milk Mushroom tea : Has immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to alleviate influenza symptoms.

2. Easily Digestible Foods 

Why choose easily digestible foods? During influenza, gastrointestinal function may weaken, imposing a heavier burden on the digestive system. Choosing easily digestible foods reduces gastrointestinal burden, allowing the body more energy to fight the virus.

Recommended easily digestible foods

Congee : Such as plain rice congee, oat congee, etc., gentle and easily digestible.

Soups : Such as chicken soup, vegetable soup, helps replenish fluids and nutrients.

Steamed eggs : Rich in protein and easy to digest.

3. Foods Rich in Vitamins 

Importance of vitamins Vitamins, especially vitamin C and vitamin D, play a crucial role in enhancing immunity, antioxidation, and infection resistance. Foods rich in vitamins

Citrus fruits : Such as oranges, lemons, rich in vitamin C.

Leafy greens : Such as spinach, kale, rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Shellfish and mushrooms : Rich in vitamin D.

Nuts and seeds : Such as almonds, sunflower seeds, rich in vitamin E, help antioxidation.

Roles of Specific Nutrients

1. Protein 

Protein is an essential component for body repair and immune system function. Adequate protein intake during influenza helps in body recovery. Recommended sources of protein

Lean meats : Such as chicken, fish, easily digestible and rich in protein.

Soy products : Such as tofu, soy milk, good sources of plant-based protein.

Dairy products : Such as yogurt, cheese, rich in protein and probiotics, aid in digestion.

2. Zinc 

Zinc plays a crucial role in enhancing immune system function. Adequate zinc supplementation helps resist viral infections. Foods rich in zinc

Shellfish : Such as oysters, extremely high in zinc.

Red meat : Such as beef, lamb, also good sources of zinc.

Nuts : Such as cashews, walnuts, rich in zinc and other nutrients.

Roles of Traditional Chinese Medicine Supplements 

Benefits of Tiger Milk Mushroom 

Tiger Milk Mushroom is a precious Chinese medicinal material with significant immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects. It is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to enhance body resistance and accelerate recovery after illness. During influenza, moderate consumption of Tiger Milk Mushroom helps alleviate influenza symptoms and enhance immune system function. 

How to use Tiger Milk Mushroom 

Tiger Milk Mushroom can be made into decoctions or consumed by steeping in water. It is recommended to use under the guidance of a doctor or traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to ensure correct dosage and usage methods.

Which foods should be avoided during influenza?

High-sugar foods : Such as desserts, sugary drinks, suppress immune system function.

Greasy foods : Such as fried foods, increase digestive burden, affect appetite.

Cold beverages : May aggravate sore throat and cough symptoms.

Coffee and alcohol : Cause dehydration, worsen physical discomfort.

Practical Tips for Influenza Recovery Period

1. Rest and Sleep : Adequate rest and sleep are crucial for body recovery. Ensure sufficient sleep time each day helps the immune system better combat viruses.

2. Maintain Air Circulation : Indoor air circulation is vital during influenza. Regularly open windows for ventilation keeps indoor air fresh, reduces virus transmission, and speeds up recovery.

3. Warm Environment : Keeping indoors warm helps alleviate physical discomfort, especially combating influenza symptoms caused by cold weather.

4. Warm Baths : Warm baths help relax muscles, relieve soreness, and promote blood circulation, aiding in body recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you drink alcohol during influenza? 

It is not recommended to drink alcohol during influenza. Alcohol causes dehydration, worsens influenza symptoms, and may weaken immune system function, prolonging recovery time.

2. How to maintain nutrition if appetite is lacking? 

In the absence of appetite, consume small, frequent meals. Drinking nutritious soups, juices, or smoothies helps replenish necessary vitamins and minerals. Also, choose easily digestible foods like congee, steamed eggs, etc., to avoid additional gastrointestinal burden.

3. Is supplementing with vitamins helpful during influenza? 

Moderate supplementation of vitamins, especially vitamin C and vitamin D, helps enhance immune system function and accelerate influenza recovery. However, excessive intake of vitamins may cause side effects. It is advisable to supplement according to the advice of a doctor or nutritionist.

4. Can you take Tiger Milk Mushroom during influenza? 

Yes, Tiger Milk Mushroom has significant immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects. Moderate consumption helps alleviate influenza symptoms and accelerate recovery. However, it is recommended to use under the guidance of a doctor or traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for safety and effectiveness.

5. Can you drink coffee during influenza? 

It is not recommended to drink coffee during influenza. Caffeine in coffee may cause dehydration, aggravate influenza symptoms. Additionally, caffeine may disrupt sleep, and adequate rest is crucial for influenza recovery.

Conclusion 

Influenza is a common but potentially severe disease that affects various systems of the body. Through proper diet and lifestyle habits, along with appropriate medical advice, faster recovery from influenza can be achieved. During influenza, choosing easily digestible, nutrient-rich foods and avoiding high-sugar, greasy, and cold beverages helps alleviate symptoms and enhance immunity. Adequate rest, sufficient sleep, and maintaining indoor air circulation are also essential measures for promoting recovery. In addition, moderate use of traditional Chinese medicine supplements such as Tiger Milk Mushroom can enhance immune system function and speed up recovery.

By focusing on diet and lifestyle habits, along with appropriate medical guidance, not only can influenza recovery be accelerated, but also its occurrence and spread can be somewhat prevented. Hopefully, through this detailed introduction, it can help everyone better cope with influenza and maintain a healthy body.