Going in and out of air-conditioned rooms on hot days can easily lead to a cold, leaving you feeling tired, weak, and physically drained. At this time, it is especially important to pay attention to dietary conditioning. The "Five More, Five Less" principles below are dietary guidelines to follow when suffering from "air-conditioning sickness."
5 Foods to Eat More When You Have Air-Conditioning Sickness
1. Light broths and porridge
When you have a cold, your digestive function weakens. Light broths and porridge are relatively easy to digest. At the same time, hot soups and porridge can induce sweating, but be sure to replenish fluids after sweating.
2. Steamed chicken and fish
Chicken and fish contain various essential amino acids for the human body, and their protein is easily digested and absorbed, which can enhance the body's resistance to cold viruses.
3. Radish
The carotene in radishes may help prevent colds and alleviate symptoms such as excessive phlegm. A recommended preparation: Chop the radish, squeeze out the juice. Mash some ginger, squeeze out a small amount of ginger juice, and mix it into the radish juice. Stir well and pour into warm water to make a drink.
4. Onions and garlic
The pungent smell of onions can help ward off colds and has a certain antibacterial effect. They can also stimulate the secretion of the stomach, intestines, and digestive glands to increase appetite and promote digestion.
5. Honey
Honey contains various bioactive substances that can stimulate the human immune system. Taking it once in the morning and once in the evening can enhance the body's immunity and resist viral invasion.
5 Foods to Avoid When You Have Air-Conditioning Sickness
1. Sweet foods
Sweet foods not only increase phlegm production but can also cause bloating and suppress appetite. High-sugar fruits such as mangoes, grapes, lychees, sugarcane, pineapples, and red dates should be avoided during this time.
2. High-sodium foods
Reducing salt intake can increase the content of lysozyme in saliva, protect the mucosal epithelial cells of the mouth and throat, and allow them to secrete more immunoglobulins and interferin to fight the cold virus. During a cold, salt intake should be controlled and should be slightly less than usual.
3. High-fiber foods
During a cold, the stomach's motility is weaker, so it's best to avoid high-fiber foods like celery, chives, and crown daisy during this period, as they can increase the burden on the digestive system.
4. Very spicy foods
Spicy foods like chili can further disrupt the already fragile digestive function and may even risk causing nausea and vomiting.
5. Strong tea and strong coffee
Strong tea and strong coffee can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and sometimes trigger gastroesophageal reflux.