When you’re a fan of spicy meals, you recognize they undoubtedly impact your physique. You could escape right into a sweat after downing a scorching pepper or really feel such as you’ve set off the smoke alarms in your mouth after a bowl of zesty chili. However do these fiery meals have any impact on sicknesses just like the flu?
Surprisingly, the reply is sure. Spicy meals don’t treatment or “kill” the flu, however in the event you’re sick, consuming them can typically assist relieve a few of your signs. Right here, Kristine Gedroic, MD, medical director of the Gedroic Medical Institute and writer of A Nation of Unwell: What’s Gone Fallacious? explains the consequences spicy meals can have in your physique in the event you’re experiencing flu signs.
Cayenne Pepper for Congestion and Cough
Capsaicin, the energetic compound in chili peppers, might help relieve sinus congestion. One examine printed in July 2020 discovered that intranasal capsaicin — which is a elaborate method of claiming capsaicin-based nasal spray — might help enhance signs of nonallergic rhinitis (a situation that causes power nasal congestion). Observe: Please don’t attempt making and utilizing home made scorching pepper nasal sprays. Extra analysis printed in September 2024 additionally discovered that oral capsaicin tablets helped enhance power cough.
Nevertheless, extra research should still be wanted to find out the effectiveness of this remedy. Within the meantime, in the event you’re experiencing power nasal congestion or cough and are involved in making an attempt capsaicin remedy to treatment your signs, speak to your healthcare supplier to see if it’s best for you.
Horseradish for Sinus Aid
However different meals may be useful for flu-like signs. “Horseradish is helpful for relieving sinus congestion,” Dr. Gedroic says.
When you’ve ever eaten wasabi or horseradish on steak, you could have already skilled these sinus-clearing advantages, she explains. Your eyes might have watered, and you could have felt your sinuses “burn.” However afterward, your sinuses doubtless felt clearer, and you might even have needed to blow your nostril.
Nevertheless, don’t eat horseradish whenever you’re sick with out speaking to your healthcare supplier. Horseradish may be intense and isn’t all the time the most suitable choice for everybody.
Garlic to Strengthen the Immune System
Garlic is a standard and flavorful spice that you simply is likely to be including to your meals on a regular basis. Analysis printed in July 2020 reveals that garlic might assist enhance your immune system and scale back irritation. And a examine printed in October 2020 additionally reveals proof that garlic can particularly be helpful in preventing off viral infections just like the flu or serving to stop them altogether. Nevertheless, extra analysis could also be wanted to verify the effectiveness of garlic as an antiviral remedy for bigger populations.
When you decide to eat uncooked garlic, Gedroic notes that, with a purpose to achieve the total advantages, you must crush or reduce the garlic and let it sit for about 10 to fifteen minutes earlier than consuming it. This releases a compound referred to as alliinase, which has antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties that assist enhance your immune system.
What to Eat With the Flu — and What to Keep away from
Whereas spicy meals might profit some, these flavors aren’t for everybody. When you don’t like spicy meals or if it upsets your abdomen, it’s finest to not eat it, regardless of the reported well being advantages. In case you have any gastrointestinal signs, together with nausea, upset abdomen, or vomiting, spicy meals can truly make these signs worse, in keeping with Cleveland Clinic.
As an alternative, there are a number of different cures you’ll be able to attempt to assist enhance your flu signs, comparable to sticking with clear broths or consuming bland, strong fluids. It’s additionally necessary to remain hydrated and drink loads of fluids like water or electrolyte drinks.
Throughout your restoration, Gedroic additionally says it’s necessary to keep away from sugary meals, significantly processed sugar. “Sugar depresses the immune system,” she says, which means the immune system can’t correctly do its job to combat an infection. When you’re craving one thing candy when you’re sick, select recent fruit as a substitute.
And typically what your physique actually wants when it’s sick is to decelerate and persist with the fundamentals. So ensure you eat meals that fit your physique, hold your self hydrated, and get loads of relaxation. Typically, these self-care suggestions might help your signs go away in a number of days. Nevertheless, in the event you’re experiencing extended or worsening signs, name your healthcare supplier. They will supply extra remedy choices that aid you really feel higher.
