8 foods that you must eat during viral fever

As North India is grappling with crippling smog and truant weather patterns, viral infections have multiplied. The risk of viral fever and infections can, however, be reduced by eating nutrient-rich foods. Typically, anti-viral foods reduce viral load in the body besides scaling down their life cycle as they have a rich repertoire of herbs, fruits, vegetables, and more.

The benefits of anti-viral foods include:

Robust immunity: Herbs are power-packed, quite literally. They boost the immune system and make it more powerful, leading to lower chances of infections and contracting diseases

Support for gut health: Probiotic-rich foods are fantastic for good gut health and keep infections at bay

Goodbye toxins: When toxins are eliminated from the human body, they speed up metabolism. Herbs are a natural way to detox, and adding them to food on a daily basis is the secret to a healthier life.

If you’re already dealing with sickness, here are some foods that you must eat during viral fever:

Spinach, amla, ginger and garlic

According to Dr. Akanksha Singh, Senior Cosmetologist, SENS Clinic, "These daily-use ingredients in the Indian kitchen have superb immune-boosting properties to tackle any viral infection. Spinach is enriched with vitamins A, C, and E and also antioxidants that support white blood cell function and tissue healing. Amla has high levels of vitamin C, which also boost immunity and lower inflammation. Due to the presence of gingerol, ginger's antiviral and anti-inflammatory qualities help boost blood circulation, reduce respiratory infections, and support the immune system. Allicin, a sulphur component found in garlic, help making the immune system more robust."

Turmeric and Tulsi

Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which is said to have anti-inflammatory properties. Similarly, Tulsi has anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties, which helps boost immunity.

Citrus fruits

Fruits such as orange, lemon, and grapefruit are rich in vitamin C, which boosts the production of white blood cells, which are the body’s foot soldiers to tackle any infection. They also help beat exhaustion, stress and fatigue.

Fermented foods and probiotics

Yogurt and pickled foods have live bacteria and viruses that promote good gut health and are great for the immune system. Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL9, Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG) are three unique probiotic strains that build up the immune system in a big way.

Mediterranean diet

A Mediterranean diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, olive oil, wholegrains, legumes or beans, nuts and seeds, fish and seafood, onion, garlic, and other herbs is rich in prebiotic fibre, vitamins, and minerals. And this type of diet increases nutrient absorption is anti-inflammatory and supports the immune system.

Oregano

Carvacrol and thymol, which have antiviral and antibacterial properties, are present in abundant quantity in oregano. This makes the fight against respiratory infections easier and helps reduce inflammation.

Honey

Honey is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. The enzymes and antioxidants present in honey provide relief from sore throats and coughs, and it also fights free radicals.

Fennel

Fennel has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties because of its high anethole content. Fennel boosts the production of white blood cells, which are critical in fighting off infections and also makes the immune system more robust, eases respiratory pain, and lessens congestion.

Other foods that boost the body’s immunity include cloves, mushrooms, black pepper, cinnamon, and carrom seeds. The doctors warn against eating junk food, deep-fried foods, and gluten-rich foods such as cakes, pastries, and others, which contribute to weight gain and weaken immunity.