When feeling unwell, it is essential to be attentive to the foods we consume. Some foods can worsen common illnesses like stomachache, fever, headache, and colds while some can help mitigate the symptoms.

While certain foods can boost your immune system and help you recover quickly, many others should be avoided when feeling under the weather.

Here are nine foods to stay away from:.

Sugary Foods and Beverages

The abundance of sugar in most foods and beverages, including candy, desserts, and soft drinks, can suppress the immune system, making it more challenging to fight off infections.

A high-sugar diet also increases inflammation. This can exacerbate the symptoms of illnesses like cold and flu. Added to this, sugar can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and insulin, leaving you feeling tired, sluggish, and worse than before.

Fried Foods

Fried foods, including French fries, onion rings, and tempura, are high in unhealthy fats that increase inflammation in the body. Consuming fried foods when feeling unwell can lead to digestive problems that make it even more challenging to recover.

Foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fried foods, can weaken the immune system, making it even harder for the body to fight off illness.

Dairy Products

Dairy products, such as cheese, milk, and cream, can destabilize the digestive system in some people, making them feel bloated, uncomfortable, and worsen inflammation. Some people can also be intolerant to lactose, the sugar found in dairy products.

Consumption of dairy products by such people can trigger digestive issues that may worsen existing sickness.

Alcohol

Avoid consuming alcohol when feeling sick. Alcohol dehydrates the body, and its consumption can lead to headaches and additional electrolyte imbalances.

Additionally, alcohol consumption can lower immunity and interfere with sleep quality, leading to taking longer to recover from illness.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods, including chili, pepper, and hot sauces, can irritate the gut and cause digestive discomfort and heartburn. These symptoms can worsen existing illness and affect overall comfort levels.

Additionally, some people may be especially sensitive to spicy foods, and consumption in such cases can lead to a worsening of the sickness.

Processed Meat and Cheese

Processed meat and cheese products are usually high in salt, unhealthy fats, calories, and chemical preservatives that can trigger inflammation. A diet containing processed meats and cheese can worsen symptoms of sickness and slow down recovery times.

Additionally, processed meats and cheese can compromise the immune system, making it more challenging to recover from common sicknesses like the cold and flu.

Caffeine

Caffeine, present in coffee, tea, and many energy drinks, can increase heart rate and blood pressure, leading to discomfort and restlessness.

In addition, a caffeine crash may worsen headaches, leading to adverse symptoms in individuals suffering from common illnesses.

Soda and Other Carbonated Beverages

Cold drinks like fizzy soda can cause dehydration, leading to increased thirst and worsening of sickness symptoms.

The high fructose corn syrup levels present in sodas can cause an inflammatory response, making it more challenging to recover from sicknesses. Additionally, the carbonation in soda and other carbonated beverages can cause bloating and stomach distress, leading to discomfort and exacerbating existing illnesses.

Raw Fruits and Vegetables

While raw vegetables and fruits are a healthy choice, they can be too rough on the digestive system for people who are already feeling unwell.

Consuming raw vegetables and fruits can irritate the digestive system, leading to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, worsening overall sickness symptoms. Cooked vegetables and fruits can be easier on the digestive system when feeling unwell.

In conclusion, when you are feeling unwell, it is essential to eat healthily and listen to your body. Steer clear of the above nine foods, which may worsen your discomfort and prolong recovery time.