21 Easy, Comforting Recipes for Sick Days (2024)

FAQs

What is the best comfort food when sick? ›

The BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) Diet is a top choice of doctors for improving digestive function during a stomach illness. Eating certain bland foods can help alleviate symptoms. In addition to serving small portions of applesauce, bananas, rice and toast, you can also try foods such as: Clear broth.

For instance, the flank steak with cheesy hash brown waffles will be an immediate favorite, along with the pierogi and meatball skillet, French bread pizzas, and creamy cauliflower soup. For Ree Drummond, chicken pot pie is the one comfort food that just can't be beat.

When you're sick, all you want is something warm, filling, and comfortable— something that will make you feel better without making your stomach upset. That's why we love these comfort foods! From mac & cheese to hot soups, easy hot and filling foods as well as hot tea are sure to hit the spot.

Yogurt, oatmeal and other soft foods that are bland and easy to tolerate. Yogurt has probiotics, which help with gut health and prevent diarrhea. Ginger, turmeric and cinnamon. These spices have been shown to have some anti-inflammatory effects, so using these in foods when you aren't feeling well can help.

In actuality, Americans' favorite comfort food is ... Pizza!

Pizza is the perfect comfort food not only because it's made from the mouthwatering union of warm dough, smooth and flavorful tomato sauce, and melty cheese, but also because you can get it delivered right to your door by barely lifting a finger.

Research has linked foods like avocado, oranges, or oysters to reduced feelings of anxiety. Drinks like water and 100% fruit juice can also be beneficial if you have a lot of anxiety and stress. Those foods and drinks contain antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that help alleviate anxiety symptoms.

What is the easy food to eat when sick? ›

When sickness strikes, our immune system springs into action, requiring additional energy to combat invaders. This heightened activity often leads to an increase in our metabolic rate , energy demands and nutritional requirements. Sugary treats and carbs are quick sources of energy, satisfying this increased demand.

The BRAT diet consists of easily digestible, doctor-recommended foods that you may eat when you have an upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast.

If you're feeling nauseous, following the BRAT diet – bananas, rice, apples and toast – may be your preference. The BRAT diet does not have as many nutrients as other food options, but it is easy on the stomach. If you are having trouble keeping food down, this might be the way to go.

Opt for soft foods, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, creamy soups, custards, scrambled eggs and popsicles, which can help soothe the throat. Avoid scratchy foods such as chips, as well as raw fruits containing citric acid. In some instances, calcium- and magnesium-rich foods can sooth body aches.

When sickness strikes, our immune system springs into action, requiring additional energy to combat invaders. This heightened activity often leads to an increase in our metabolic rate , energy demands and nutritional requirements. Sugary treats and carbs are quick sources of energy, satisfying this increased demand.

Eat regularly

If you cannot manage large meals, have a snack or small meal every 2-3 hours instead. Try foods like cereal, soup, milky pudding, trifle, mousse, stewed fruit and custard, soft cake, milk or yogurt, toast, cheese on crackers, or biscuits and milk. Try to eat the foods that you prefer, little and often.