What to drink to recover and prevent illnesses
Worrying about what you’re putting into your body can be a bit of a hassle when you’re under the weather. Cutting down on the things you love is already a pain, and thinking about what will help make you feel better can just give you a headache.
Luckily, there’s a number of beverages out there that can help, and we have a list right here for you so you don’t need to worry about a thing. These beverages can help you get through a minor illness or even prevent them from happening in the future. Sit back and relax as we discuss the top 10 things to drink that will help get you back out of bed.
Ginger tea
Tummy issues? Ginger tea is known to help soothe gastrointestinal issues such as cramps or aches that cause discomfort, as well as nausea and vomiting. Ginger contains chemicals that researchers believe work in the stomach and intestines (and possibly the brain) that reduce nausea and inflammation.
Beyond that, ginger is just a generally healthy and tasty root that you can enjoy whenever you please.
Honey and lemon tea
If you’ve had a cough or woke up with a sore throat, you might be looking for something to remedy it. Good news! Not only is honey and lemon tea tasty, but it’s the perfect solution to your problem.
Honey can often be effective at relieving coughs and shorting the length of a cold, while lemon (being an excellent source of vitamin C) can reduce inflammation, soothing your sore throat.
Green tea
Green tea is chock full of polyphenols – little antioxidants that give your immune system a big boost. These organic compounds help combat cell damage, and researcher reports suggest that they may lower your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea isn’t just good for calm and relaxing nights of sleep. Evidence suggests that chamomile tea can lower blood sugars in people with diabetes, which may make it a helpful supplement alongside medication. Additionally, several studies have found that drinking chamomile tea could even help reduce the severity of menstrual cramps, making it a great beverage choice for those going through their period.
Jasmine tea
There are several reasons you should be drinking jasmine tea. For starters, it’s often served as a green tea, meaning all the goodness provided by antioxidants is right there, to begin with. However, if you’re unimpressed, jasmine tea still has more to offer.
Jasmine teas are high in EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) which may aid weight loss by boosting metabolism, as well as protecting you from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Coconut water
On a hot and sunny day, you need to keep yourself hydrated. The obvious way to look after yourself here is to drink water. However, if you find yourself feeling a little more dehydrated than usual (perhaps because of an exceptionally sunny day or a small illness such as diarrhoea or vomiting), then you should instead look to coconut water.
Coconut water is full of electrolytes that help regulate fluid balance and prevent dehydration, making it the perfect summer day treat (or any day if you need it!)
Elderberry juice
If you’re looking to ensure a healthy immune system, try drinking elderberry juice.
Elderberries are full of antioxidants, as well as vitamin A and C, potassium, calcium and iron. Not only are you building a healthy body, but you’re ensuring your immune system is strong enough to put up a good fight against illnesses.
Grape juice
Want to avoid getting the flu? Try grape juice.
Not only are they delicious, but grapes contain an antioxidant known as resveratrol, which supports immunological processes. This means that by drinking grape juice, your immune system will be stronger and therefore your body will be better at fending off illnesses.
Tomato juice
If you’re looking to boost your immune system in general, then drinking a delicious cold glass of tomato juice is the way to go.
Not only is it a different way to fill up on your 5 a day, but tomatoes are full of a chemical called lycopene that promotes good oral health, bone health and blood pressure.
Mixed berry smoothie
If you want to boost your immunity against the common cold (or get over it faster should you already have it) then enjoy a mixed berry smoothie.
Berries tend to be full of vitamin C, meaning a mixed berry smoothie is bound to be packed full of healthy goodness. Vitamin C is full of (you guessed it) antioxidants that can help fight and fend off a cold, making this chilly beverage a great choice for cold weather.
There are our top 10 beverages to drink when you’re feeling under the weather or looking to stave off illnesses. It should be noted that these drinks do not offer as a viable substitute to medicine, and will not offer you 100% immunity to any illnesses mentioned. Instead, they should be used as an additional measure to help get you back in action and out of bed!
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