Medicinal Foods

   After a recent bout with Gastoenteritis (or stomach flu) I fell bed ridden for nearly a week and could not bring myself to eat much of anything. However, there were some steps I could take to avoid dehydration and settle my stomach along the way. It is important to note however that fresh ingredients (especially fruits and vegetables) offer many different health benefits in a variety of circumstances. This is just my take on a seriously vicious viral illness and how I coped when food was the last thing I wanted to think about.

 

 Ginger- Ginger is a known nausea deterrent. If you are not fond of the strong ginger taste then perhaps this one isnt for you. However, I personally love it so whenever I am feeling extremely nauseous I often add raw shaved ginger into a cup or tea or warm broth to help sooth my poor stomach. Here is more on the topic from a professional view point.

   Broth- Dehydration becomes a big deal when you are sick enough that you are throwing up. Other than an IV drip from a doctor one of the best things you can do for yourself besides drinking plenty of water is to avoid sugar which will dehydrate you further. After awhile though, water becomes boring and you may get well enough to start craving food agin. To test whether or not your body is ready reach for something liquid, sugarless but still flavorful.

"Now this one isn't just an old wives' tale—chicken noodle soup actually can help soothe a cold. The chicken contains an amino acid called cysteine, which helps thin mucus in the lungs, and the hot broth helps to keep nasal passages moist, prevent dehydration, and fight inflammation in the throat.  Plus, chicken soup (or vegetable broth) may also help the body kick a cold by stopping congestion and inflammation in their tracks."
source

   Tea- Tea, like broth, can be comforting when your sick. Not only is it good for opening airways and preventing dehydration but if you reach for something like this throat coat brand it can also help sooth the pain of a sore throat or a burning aching throat from all the throwing up. This is just a tip from my own personal experience.

   Mashed Potatoes (there's a reason they are called comfort food)- Mashed potatoes, everyone's favorite, amirite? Well luckily for us potato lovers this is a great way to help sooth and bind the stomach when re introducing solid foods to our system. They are easily digestible, easy on the insides, and as an added bonus a nice warm bowl of buttery mashed potatoes is soothing to throat and digestive tracts.

There you have it ladies and gentlemen, from my own doctor's sound advice and my combined knowledge of food I hope this compiled list of health food helps you out the next time you happen to fall ill.