When you have a flu or a stomach pain, some foods and drinks can make you feel even worse.
Here are 7 foods and beverages you should never eat or drink when you’re sick so you can feel better faster.
Orange juice
When you should avoid: sore throat or cough
Orange juice contains citric acid, which irritates your inflamed throat, and when you have a cough it can intensify the pain.
Coffee
When you should avoid: stomach bug, vomiting or diarrhea
Coffee contains caffeine, which is diuretic and can leave you dehydrated. It also stimulates the muscles in your digestive tract and make your diarrhea more intense.
Soda
When you should avoid: stomach bug or any type of illness
Soda like coffee contains caffeine, which makes it dehydrating. Any soda drink also contains artificial sweeteners that can cause cramping, diarrhea and bloating.
Crunchy snacks
When you should avoid: sore throat or cough
The abrasive texture of snacks like potato chips can irritate your raw throat, and it will take longer time to heal.
Milk
When you should avoid: stuffiness or congestion
Avoid milk and dairy when you’re sick because it makes you produce more mucus or thicker phlegm.
Spicy foods
When you should avoid: runny nose or cold
Spicy foods such as chili peppers and hot sauce contain capsaicin, which can irritate your nasal passages and make your nose run.
Alcohol
When you should avoid: stomach bug or any type of illness
Alcohol, like coffee and soda, is a diuretic that can dehydrate your body when you’re ill. It can also speed up digestion, causing diarrhea.