A few years back I suffered from Swine Flu and no matter how many drugs I took, that feeling of just absolute sickness never faded. Unlike my best friend that seems to think switching to Menthol Cigarettes will help battle the flu, I have a better remedy for you. Because of my drive to explore alternative medicine I developed a cocktail of food and prescription medication that made everything a little more tolerable. As I am not legally allowed to suggest a cocktail of prescription drugs to you, I will only suggest the foods you should consume more of to battle this flu season.
1. Chicken Noodle Soup with a twist
I know it is corny and somewhat stereotypical and you probably knew this was coming. BUT there is a twist. Instead of your bog standard chicken soup for a Knorr packet, go for something a bit more adventurous and more helpful. Tom Yum paste is the way to go and regularly available at Nakumatt. Just a tea spoon in your single serving of fresh chicken soup will amplify the healing power ten fold. The vegetables, chicken and broth will help with nutrition and clear up those airways. Also extremely comporting over the rainy season. (Click here for Thai restaurants)
2. Ginger, Ginger, Ginger then… Onions and Garlic
GINGER is amazing in general you should have it even when you are not sick. Where it is in a Tea, dessert, curry, soup etc., ginger has if perfect to boost the system and a great anti-inflamatory. Ginger is well paired with turmeric and honey to make a quick paste with hot water and taken like a shot of vodka. If you are feeling really adventurous why not take it with a shot of vodka (the excuse is that alcohol is an antiseptic). Combining ginger with the rest of the super roots onions and garlic in a soup or curry will ease your ailment.
3. Citrus and VMC
Whether it’s limes, lemons, oranges, grapefruit or even satsumas, eat them, drink them, smell them even stare at them. Keeping citrus around is great when you have the flu. Firstly when you ingest them you will be infected with the much needed Vitamin C and Sugar for energy. Secondly the smell of citrus will uplift your mood and make you feel more energetic. Lastly they look great in a fruit bowl especially if you get a verity of colors and pile nicely. Any where you could add this wonderful group of fruits do so – in tea, salads, soup, and smoothies.
4. Get a Curry – Piping hot or just medium
Most curries are a combination of pungent spices, chili, vegetables and protein that are all bound to have something good for you. Chili will help clear the airways and turmeric is a fantastic anti-inflamitary that will help ease the pain. The combination of spices and heat of the meal will leave you body nourished and comforted as you sweat out the flu. (Some Indian Restaurant Suggestions)
Happy Flu season – Best of luck
P.S. If these don’t work there is always hot Brandy and Cognac
