Eating These Foods Will Help You Get Over a Cold Faster, According to a Nutritionist

When you're suffering through a painful head cold or can't shake a runny nose, sitting down to power through a balanced meal may feel like the last thing you want to do. But it's more important than ever to eat the right foods that will help your body feel its best. To get rid of colds or dry coughs faster, you'll need to supercharge your choices in the kitchen for a few days — look to protein-rich staples like Greek yogurt, chickpeas, seeds, chicken, and eggs to fuel your immune system when you're experiencing a loss of appetite. And your mother's old adage is true: Chicken soup can truly nourish the soul. The heat from warm soups and stews helps with congestion, so dig into one of your favorites (or even some pho!) when you're feeling sniffly or stuffed.

Keeping hydrated goes hand in hand with eating well if you're hoping to beat your cold fast. Our need for water increases when we're fighting infections, so you'll need to double down on water, comforting cups of tea, or a hot cup of coffee. Drink more than you normally would (ideally, more than 8 cups throughout the day) to help your body regenerate disease-fighting lymphatic cells naturally.

To take care of yourself year-round, load up on foods that boost your immune system, like colorful fruits and veggies. Of course, washing your hands, getting enough sleep, and receiving a flu shot can help ward off colds in the first place — but if you end up coming down with a winter bug, here's what you should eat to support an easier recovery.