The Flu & Appetite

Many influenza symptoms cancel the body's urge for food. The tell-tale fever signaling the immune system's response to influenza is the chief reason for a lack of hunger. Nausea also induces a feeling of repulsion toward eating. The overwhelming sense of exhaustion, as well as aches and chills, make food undesirable.

Hydration vs. Nausea

• A person with the flu should maintain a healthy intake of fluids because your body, especially when you have a fever, loses water. Even with nausea, it is important to drink water. Green tea provides water and inhibits all varieties of the influenza virus.

  If suffering from nausea, take the spice ginger, which also comes in capsule form. Or drink ginger ale with natural ginger. Ginger tea helps reduce nausea, as well as providing much-needed fluids. The consumption of a small amount of ginger with soda crackers can help reduce vomiting. The idea is to soothe the body into receiving water. Especially at the beginning of a bout with flu, water is more important than food.

Consumption of Food

• Crackers can be a start for someone with flu.

  It's often impossible to eat food during the first stages of illness while the body is fighting the aggressive virus with fever. Introduce food, in small amounts, as early as the second day of the illness. Continue use of ginger, especially in capsule form, and eat small amounts of food at regular intervals.

  Sauerkraut is a flu-fighting food. Researchers at Seoul National University reported the successful treatment of avian flu patients with kimchi, a variant of sauerkraut. "The Telegraph" in Great Britain reported that the beneficial property in kimchi and sauerkraut is lactic-acid bacteria.

  Eat foods with antiviral attributes, such as garlic, onions and fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C, such as blueberries, spinach and vegetable soups.

Elderberry

• Black elderberries can help fight viruses.

  Elderberry, or Sambucus, is important because it aids the body in two ways. Elderberry is an antiviral herb, and fights the flu virus. Elderberry---very similar to blueberry and cranberry---contains bioflavonoids, antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients, as well as water.

Gently Does It

• Just as it is important to treat a sick person gently, apply the same principle to eating, and loss of appetite. Ease into eating, a little at a time, starting first with crackers, tea, ginger ale and dry toast---in very small portions.

Foods to Avoid

• Avoid daily products if you have the flu.

  Dairy products increase mucus production and may also make nausea and vomiting worse, according to WebMD. Replace dairy products with soy milk and yogurt.

  While ill with the flu, avoid meats, but do eat foods that are gentle on the system and easy to digest, such as oatmeal, vegetable soup and plain rice.

  Avoid foods high in processed sugar, junk foods and fast foods.