Often when you get hit with a flu or cold, you get dehydrated. Your body has lost more water than it has taken in. Because water is a vital substance in many bodily functions — in fact, water makes up about 75 percent of the body’s weight—being dehydrated can make you feel even worse when you’re sick. Dr. Ken Redcross shares a few tips to keep you well hydrated.
- Fill up on mom’s chicken soup. Not only can chicken soup help keep the body hydrated, but a study from the journal Chest found that it has properties that slow the movement of infection-fighting white blood cells. When white blood cells move more slowly, they spend more time in the areas of the body that need them most. The steam from the soup can also help open stuffed-up nasal passages, and the salty broth can soothe a sore throat.
- Eat more fruits and veggies. Oranges, grapefruits, cucumbers and tomatoes contain more than 90 percent water. They are also packed with good-for-you nutrients like vitamins C (said to have immune boosting properties) and B (said to help promote a healthy metabolism).
- Enjoy a cold treat. Popsicles made of fruit juice can also help children stay hydrated. It’s best to avoid popsicles high in sugar since that may impair the immune response.
- Avoid caffeine or alcohol.These beverages are a diuretic causing you to urinate more often and further lose water.