Drink this to feel better

woman in a sofa with a cup of tea

Try as you might to stay healthy, avoiding a cold or other illnesses in the cooler weather feels like an impossibility.

When you’re under the weather, feeling better is the priority. It is important to stay hydrated, especially if you have a fever or are breathing out of your mouth because you’re congested.

Illustration of a glass of water below text that reads: Did you know? Up to 78% of your body is made of water.

Dehydration could make your illness worse. Some consequences of dehydration include:

  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Electrolyte imbalances
  • Kidney issues
  • Shock and more

The best source of hydration when you’re sick is water. Jazz it up with a slice of fruit or a sprig of an herb for a little taste. If you’re looking for variety, consider:

  • Decaffeinated green or herbal tea.
  • Bone broth. Either prepared or homemade, it gives you some nutrients including protein.
  • Tomato or vegetable juice. Choose low-sodium and enjoy the vitamins.
  • Coconut water. It’s refreshing and full of electrolytes.2
  • Frozen melon, berries, peach slices or fruit bars.3 They feel cooling if you’re feverish and can help soothe a sore throat.

It’s a good idea to consume beverages throughout the day. Drink with each meal if you’re up for eating. Sip between meals and whenever you feel thirsty.

Chicken soup infographic
Woman on a sofa with a cup of tea
Classic chicken noodle soup
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Serving Size 1 cup

To make gluten-free soup, substitute 6 ounces of rice noodles for egg noodles and reduce your cooking time to 6 minutes or when the noodles are tender.

To make vegan soup, use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, sub in 1 cup of cubed firm tofu instead of chicken and use 6 ounces of plain, not egg, noodles or even rice noodles.

Cook mode (prevents screen from going to sleep)

Ingredients

Preparation

  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
  2. Add onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Sauté until tender, about 5 to 6 minutes. Sprinkle the cornstarch and dried oregano over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
  3. Stir in chicken broth and bay leaf. Bring to a boil and reduce heat.
  4. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
  5. Add chicken and noodles. Cook, covered, for another 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
  6. Discard the bay leaf. Add black pepper to taste.

Nutrition

(per serving)
  • 117 Calories
  • 3g Total Fat
  • 1g Saturated Fat
  • 69mg Sodium
  • 28mg Cholesterol
  • 13g Total Carbs
  • 1g Fiber
  • 2g Sugars
  • 9g Protein
  • 92mg Potassium
Talk to your care team

You know what to do for a cold or stomach bug, but what about the flu? These quick tips will keep you healthy. 

1https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9013-dehydration
2https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/diet-trends/coconut-water-is-it-what-its-cracked-up-to-be
3https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthful-habits/feeding-children-when-they-are-sick

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This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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