Nutrition

What foods are best to eat to fight a common cold?

Combat the common cold with these food tips

Hey, guys, I know it's that time of the year common cold, and what can we eat to help us feel more comfortable? Well, it really depends upon the symptoms. So, if you're having like a sore throat, stuffing this even thinking something like chicken soup, this is why it's called Jewish or Italian penicillin because it really does help you to feel like you're clearing out a little bit. Secondly, even trying to support your immune system, and that means consuming foods with vitamin C, that could be orange juice, that could be great. Fruit juice or orange or Grapefruit Tangerine, those types of things. Third is that overall is you want to have some things with some flavor because of your stuff, then you probably don't feel so wonderful. So things that might be a little spicy might be a little bit more enjoyable. If your throat is sore, going with liquids, so things like soups, and stews and chilies, and smoothies can all be really, really helpful to do. And I think most importantly is that That you consume foods that you like and not making a big production about it because when you don't feel well, you don't really want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so making sure that you are well hydrated. That is critically important making sure that you were eating as regularly as you can to keep your energy levels up and making sure that you're consuming things, that actually help to clear. Some of that mucus can feel a little bit more comfortable, get better soon.

To help feel more comfortable when suffering from a cold, it is important to make sure you are hydrated, eating regularly and consuming foods with vitamin C. Soups, stews, chilies and smoothies can all be helpful. It is also important to make sure that you are eating things that you enjoy, as when feeling unwell, you don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/s2ovvqcimhm56eikssef.vtt

When it comes to fighting a common cold, the best foods to eat depend on your symptoms. If you have a sore throat, consider having chicken soup, known as Jewish or Italian penicillin, as it can help clear your throat. Supporting your immune system is important, so consume foods rich in vitamin C like orange juice or citrus fruits.

Adding some flavor to your meals can make them more enjoyable, especially if you're feeling congested. Spicy foods can be a good option in such cases. Opt for liquids like soups, stews, chilies, and smoothies, which can provide relief for a sore throat.

Remember to choose foods that you like and keep it simple, as you may not feel like spending much time in the kitchen when you're unwell. Stay well-hydrated, eat regularly to maintain energy levels, and consume foods that help clear mucus and make you feel more comfortable.

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Is there any scientific evidence supporting the claim that gluten-free products can improve overall health?

Scientific evidence debunks gluten-free health claims

Let's talk about gluten-free products and is there scientific evidence to indicate that if you can choose these foods that you're going to improve your health? The answer is a big N-O. Now that being said, there are people that have celiac disease. There are people that have gluten intolerant and for those individuals, they should not be consuming gluten-containing food. But for everybody else, if you take the gluten out, does that improve your health? It does not. Does it improve your athletic performance? It does not. Does it put a dent in your wallet? Indeed, it does. And there have been some studies that have looked at this, that taking the gluten out is not just you remove the gluten. You also take the plant nutrients that are in gluten-containing foods, the fiber that is in those foods, the vitamins and minerals that are in those foods, and the gluten-free replacements are not necessarily one and the same. They are lower in terms of their overall nutritional value. Now not talking about things that are gluten-free because they are that way, for instance, corn and potatoes. Those are great foods. Rice is great food. But some of those other things like a gluten-free cookie, a gluten-free cake, a gluten-free pretzel, all those types of things, it's out there on the market, but just because you can buy it, does it mean you should try it and will it improve your health? No.

No, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that consuming gluten-free products will improve your health. However, those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should avoid consuming gluten containing foods. Gluten-free replacements may not necessarily provide the same nutritional value as the original food and can be more expensive.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/yo3ayxpzuzidgej7f2xu.vtt

Let's discuss the claim that gluten-free products can improve overall health and whether there is scientific evidence to support it. The answer is a resounding no. While it is true that individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should avoid gluten-containing foods, for everyone else, removing gluten does not lead to improved health or athletic performance.

In fact, studies have shown that gluten-free products often lack the plant nutrients, fiber, vitamins, and minerals found in gluten-containing foods. Gluten-free replacements are not nutritionally equivalent. While naturally gluten-free foods like corn, potatoes, and rice are nutritious options, processed gluten-free products like cookies, cakes, and pretzels are typically lower in overall nutritional value.

It's important to note that just because a product is gluten-free does not mean it is automatically healthy or beneficial for your well-being. Additionally, opting for gluten-free products can be more expensive.

In conclusion, unless you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, there is no scientific evidence supporting the idea that consuming gluten-free products will improve your health.

Do you suggest a multivitamin? If so, what kind?

Maximize Your Health with the Right Multivitamin Supplement

Hi, Kathy, you asked about recommendation for a multivitamin mineral supplement. So first of all, when we look at supplementation, truly the reason is to correct an underlying deficiency. So if you've had blood work that might have indicated perhaps low vitamin D levels, low iron levels, that would be a reason to take them. If you decide you want to take a general multivitamin mineral supplement, remember that's a complement to what it is you eat, not a replacement for. Don't spend a lot of money, no need to buy an organic one. If you're going to get something, you want to get something that is providing at maximum 100% of the daily value. There's no need for a mega dose of anything. That just really gives you very expensive urine. And if you are going to take them, be consistent with them. It's not like I'll take it every third Wednesday. Do take it each and every day, maybe at the same time of the day so that you remember to do that. And look at one that is also vitamin and mineral. You don't need anything above and beyond that. That's just added whistles and you pay more money for it. So again, it is thinking about the look of the plate first and then using what is on that medicine shelf to complement to optimize your health.

When considering a multivitamin mineral supplement, look for one that provides at maximum 100 percent of the daily value. Don't spend too much money and take it consistently to maximize its benefits. Use the supplement to complement your diet, not replace it.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/obnjmtpdyicjrcit7bym.vtt

When it comes to recommending a multivitamin, the first consideration is if there is an underlying deficiency that needs to be addressed. For example, low vitamin D or iron levels indicated by blood work. If you choose to take a general multivitamin mineral supplement, remember that it should complement your diet, not replace it. There's no need to spend a lot of money on an organic option. Look for a supplement that provides a maximum of 100% of the daily value for nutrients. Mega doses are unnecessary and can result in expensive urine. Consistency is key if you decide to take them. Take the supplement daily, preferably at the same time each day, to ensure you don't forget. Focus on finding a vitamin and mineral supplement; there's no need for additional bells and whistles that come with higher price tags. Ultimately, prioritize a balanced diet before considering supplements to optimize your health.

How can I optimize protein intake on a budget?

Maximizing Protein Intake on a Budget: Affordable Sources and Smart Strategies

So when it comes to protein intake, how can you get the most for the least? In other words not having to spend big bucks in order to get your needs met. So first and foremost, more is not better Morris just more. Secondly economize. So what are those sources of protein that tend to be lower in cost? Dairy for the win, always milk yogurt. Cottage cheese, cheese eggs, canned fish like tuna. Ah, or salmon or even something, like a canned meat. And let's not forget about beans, lentils piece singing their praises all the time. They are low in cause they are high in protein. Let's add some peanut butter in there and when it comes to using supplements, you know, you can do that without having to spend a fortune. One of the things that works really, really well is nonfat dry milk powder, you can add that into oatmeal, you can add that into your peanut butter that works really, really well. And if you're going to buy The supplement look for something that says Protein Isolate. You don't want to pay for all the other stuff that they're, you're buying it for the protein itself. And then the other thing about this is we don't have to be excessive. So really. We're talking about 20 to 30 grams of protein at an eating occasion. That's about the size of your smartphone, not a steal, not an entire turkey, not an entire tuna and realizes well that you're going to get protein from other Foods. Grains have protein in them. And things like bread rice pasta. Cereal tend to be lower in terms of the cost, vegetables, also have protein. So when you eat a mixed meal, you'll be able to get those needs met each and every day and eat within your salary cap too.

To get protein without spending too much money, use lower cost sources such as dairy products, eggs, canned fish, beans, lentils, and peanut butter. You can also add nonfat dry milk powder to oatmeal or peanut butter. You should aim for 20-30 grams of protein per eating occasion, which can be obtained from other foods like grains, bread, rice, pasta, cereal, and vegetables.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/zllyowazedexswhpdhfl.vtt

When it comes to optimizing protein intake on a budget, there are several strategies you can follow. First, remember that more protein is not necessarily better; focus on meeting your needs rather than exceeding them. 

To economize, consider affordable protein sources such as dairy products like milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, and cheese. Eggs are also a cost-effective option. Canned fish like tuna or salmon, as well as canned meats, can provide protein at a lower cost. Don't forget about beans, lentils, and peanut butter, which are both inexpensive and high in protein.

If you choose to use supplements, you can do so without breaking the bank. Nonfat dry milk powder is a versatile option that can be added to oatmeal or peanut butter. When purchasing supplements, look for ones labeled as Protein Isolate to ensure you're paying for the protein itself and not unnecessary additives.

It's important to note that protein needs can be met without excessive consumption. Aim for around 20 to 30 grams of protein per eating occasion, which is about the size of a smartphone. Remember that protein is also present in other foods, such as grains (bread, rice, pasta, cereal) and vegetables. By incorporating a variety of protein sources into mixed meals, you can meet your daily needs while staying within your budget.

What do you recommend for a MultiVitamin?

Key Takeaway: Tips for Choosing the Right Multivitamin

Hi, Kathy, I'm going to answer your question on what I'd recommend for a multivitamin. So let me say first off that vitamins help to augment or complement what we do in terms of eating. They're never a replacement for food. Secondly, I really like the idea of a multivitamin mineral supplement together. That way it's one-stop shopping. You're getting everything. Third, when you look at the product and look at the back where it gives you the supplement fact and percent daily value, you want things to not have more than 100%. It just isn't necessary to do that. Mega doses of certain things doesn't create an even balance of micronutrients through the whole product. Fourth, to be on the safe side, maybe look for something that has the USP symbol on it, United States Pharmacopeia, which is an indicator that that product actually has in it what it says that it does. And five, don't pay a lot of money for something. There's no need to buy an organic supplement. You don't have to go to a specialty store. You can find them at grocery stores. You can find them at drugstores. You can find them at some of the big box stores. And the last thing is be consistent with them. And if you do take them, not just one day a week or one day a month, just get in the habit of taking them every single day.

I recommend a multivitamin mineral supplement with no more than 100 percent daily value, that has the USP symbol on it. Don't pay a lot of money for an organic supplement and be consistent in taking it every day.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/ydz89uqfra2b32u8jrze.vtt

I recommend choosing a multivitamin that serves as a one-stop shop, providing both vitamins and minerals. It's important to remember that vitamins should complement our diet, not replace it. When examining the supplement facts, look for values that do not exceed 100% of the daily recommended intake. Mega doses of certain nutrients can disrupt the overall balance of micronutrients in the product. To ensure safety, consider choosing a product with the USP symbol, indicating that it contains what it claims to have. Avoid spending excessive amounts on organic supplements or visiting specialty stores when you can find them at grocery stores, drugstores, or major retailers. Lastly, consistency is key. Develop a habit of taking your multivitamin every day rather than sporadically.

The Surprising Benefits of Consuming Dairy Products

The question, are there any risks to consuming dairy products? Well, if you're allergic to dairy foods, then you wouldn't want to be consuming them. If you have intolerance to dairy, a lactose intolerance, then you have to be careful with the amount of it or even use lactase enzyme to make it easier to digest. Other than that, absolutely no risk. And in fact, there's so much nutritional benefit that come from dairy foods with the 13 essential nutrients that are in milk, with the excellent amount of protein and the fermentation that is in certain types of cheeses, with the ease and convenience of use of cottage cheese, of ricotta cheese, makes them available. They are so versatile in terms of use. They are affordable and you can find them basically anywhere. So dairy can be so very, very good for you. Again, if there are reasons not to have it, okay, but realize that a lot of those non-dairy substitutes are also not the same nutritionally. So the goal really is to score with your poor. So dairy is truly where it's at.

Dairy products can be very beneficial for you nutritionally, however those with allergies or intolerance should take caution and find alternatives.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/jh1m6zps52ldw8q7igzn.vtt

When it comes to consuming dairy products, the main risks are associated with allergies and lactose intolerance. If you're allergic to dairy, it's important to avoid consuming it. For those with lactose intolerance, managing the amount of dairy consumed or using lactase enzyme can help with digestion. Other than these considerations, there are no significant risks to consuming dairy. In fact, dairy products offer numerous nutritional benefits. Milk, for example, contains 13 essential nutrients and is a great source of protein. Certain cheeses provide fermentation advantages, while cottage cheese and ricotta cheese offer convenience and versatility in their use. Dairy products are widely available, affordable, and can be beneficial for overall health. It's important to note that non-dairy substitutes may not offer the same nutritional value. Ultimately, the key is to make informed choices that suit your individual needs and preferences, keeping in mind the nutritional value dairy can provide.

Neither AnyQuestion nor its Experts provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment or otherwise provide professional healthcare services.

Physician disclaimer

Leslie Bonci, RD, CSSD answers your Nutrition questions. See all the advice Leslie Bonci, RD, CSSD has and get answers to your own Nutrition questions.

Follow me on AnyQuestion

Leslie J. Bonci is an MPH, RD, CSSD, LDN, and owner of Active Eating Advice- Be fit, fed, and Fearless? – A nutrition consulting company. She works with the National Dairy Council, California Dried Plum Board, National Peanut Board, Potatoes USA, Gatorade, Ready Nutrition, General Mills, and Douglas Labs. She is the nutrition consultant for the Kansas City Chiefs, Carnegie Mellon University athletics, and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. She's written several books and authors a blog for Us News and World Report Eat + Run. She also has a weekly radio and TV spot and is on the Fitness magazine advisory board. She lectures extensively, teaches at the University of Pittsburgh, and is developing programs with chefs and master gardeners for kids and adults.