Turns Out, Eating These Foods May Weaken Your Immune System

All most of us have to do these days is eat. Eat and watch Netflix, AMIRITE?!?

But, if you are feeling under the weather, there are some foods that you may want to avoid, or eat in moderation.

Foods To Avoid When You Are Sick

Adult Beverages — Although a strong “Hot Toddy” can make you feel better when you have a cough, sore throat, and stuffiness, too much of this adult beverage can actually dehydrate you, and put an extra strain on your body. Try to avoid alcohol, and supplement with WATER.

Bananas — Although amazingly good for you on a regular bases, when you feel sick, you may want to skip them. They have a high sugar content, which can cause inflammation, thereby weakening your immune system. They can also release histamine, which makes you feel stuffy and congested.

Bread — ESPECIALLY if you have a gluten allergy, the gluten in bread can trigger an immune system response, which can increase mucus, making it harder to breathe. Large amounts of mucus in your system can also lead to nausea — and you don’t want THAT on top of feeling blah.

Candy and Sodas — This really shouldn’t be a surprise. Sugar can cause inflammation, which can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight off that sickness.

Cheese — This one breaks my heart. I am a cheese lover, but I may want to consider skipping it when I’m sick. It can actually spike your inflammation, making your immune system not work as well.

Coffee — Coffee is another one that makes me want to cry. BUT, it is a natural diuretic, which makes you pee alot, which in turn will dehydrate you. Being dehydrated when you are sick can lead to muscle aches, so it’s better to skip your morning cup of joe until you are well.

Energy Drinks — It should come as no surprise, that energy drinks are high in caffeine and sugar. This can dehydrate you, and cause an increase in inflammation. That means more achy muscles, and the potential for a weakened immune system.

Fried Foods — Although they are oh-so-yummy, and often a comfort food, fried foods can cause inflammation, which can weaken your immune system’s ability to work at its highest potential.

Hot Dogs — My kids would totally fight me on this one. Hot dogs contain beaucoup amounts of salt, which can dehydrate your body. This can lead to achy muscles. No fun. Hot dogs also contain nitrites, which can lead to an increase in headaches, the LAST thing you want when you are already feeling under the weather.

Ice Cream — Ice Cream is high in fats, is made of dairy, and contains sugar. That is like a trifecta for weakening your immune system.

Milk — Anything with dairy in it can thicken mucus, making this thick glue-like substance clog up your breathing even longer. It can also contribute to thick mucus in your stomach, which can lead to nausea.

MSG Additive — MSG is just horrible for you ANYWAY — but it’s oh-so-good!! It can cause headaches — even migraines — so it is just best to avoid when you aren’t feeling well.

Peanuts — So many people are allergic to this nut, because it cause their immune system to go haywire. Even if you AREN’T allergic to peanuts, they trigger a histamine response, which makes you more stuffy than you already are. Best to avoid them while you are sick.

Pizza — Although it’s tasty, pizza is a trifecta of disaster when you are sick. We have already discussed why bread and cheese are bad when you are sick. The tomatoes in the sauce can also trigger a histamine response, which can lower your immune system, and make you feel like you can’t breathe.

Red Meat — Usually high in fats, this can trigger nausea, or make digestive issues worse. If your stomach is the culprit of your sickness, skip that hamburger.

Strawberries — Strawberries are tricky. They are high in Vitamin C, which is a GOOD thing when you are sick. BUT, they also release histamine, which may make you feel stuffy, foggy headed, and just blah.

Sugar-Free Candy — You might think you are safe if you eat sugar-free candy. Nope. Sugar-free candy often has a diuretic effect, which can lead to dehydration, which can lead to more achiness in your muscles. ALSO, it messes with the healthy bacteria in your stomach, and therefore, you have LESS of the good thing that helps you stay well.

Tropical Fruit — Tropical fruits are known to be a histamine releaser. This causes inflammation in your nasal passages, making it harder to breathe.

Yogurt — Yogurt is a dairy product, and therefore creates much phlegm — thick mucus. Much like the milk, this can make it hard to breathe, and actually lead to nausea.