When you're sick should you eat more than normal?

When you're sick should you eat more than normal?

When you're sick, your body's metabolism may change, and you may require more energy to fight off the illness. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that you should eat more than normal. The type of illness and its severity can affect your appetite and your body's nutritional needs, and you should always listen to your body's cues and follow the advice of your healthcare provider.

In general, when you're sick, it's important to stay hydrated and eat a healthy, balanced diet. This means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein while avoiding processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive amounts of caffeine or alcohol.

If you have a fever, you may need to drink more fluids than normal to prevent dehydration. You may also need to eat more frequently, but in smaller portions, to prevent digestive discomfort. If you're experiencing nausea or vomiting, you may need to stick to bland foods like crackers, toast, or rice until your symptoms subside.

Ultimately, it's important to listen to your body and get plenty of rest when you're sick. If you have diet or nutritional needs concerns, you should speak with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Here are some exercises that you may be able to do when you are sick and are beginning to get over your illness:

• Walking: Walking is always a good form of exercise to get you back on your feet. If your sinuses are clogged, a brisk walk will help you take deep breaths and open up your passages.

• Jogging: If you are already a good, consistent runner, there is no reason that you can’t go out for a light jog outdoors when you are fighting a cold. However, you should definitely scale back the intensity level because your body is already working overtime to help combat the infection — do not go out for the long run.

• Yoga: Your body releases stress hormones when fighting an infection. Yoga is known to relieve stress and is a great exercise you can continue to do when you are sick to help boost your immune system.

• Swimming/Biking: Similar to jogging, these two are okay in moderation if you are already a cyclist or a swimmer. Don’t try a sport you are unfamiliar with when you’re sick.

• Stay Away From Weights at the gym, team sports, and anything outside in the cold.

Although you can work out in moderation while you’re sick, we recommend that you get some extra rest until you regain some of your strength. It won’t hurt you to take a day or two off. Don’t push it, as excessive activity can make some symptoms worse.