Kit Leffler

It’s the sneezing, coughing, cold chills, nausea and fever feeling that has really gotten you down. That’s the flu season, my friends, and it has hit our town hard. The flu is widespread in Lawrence and all of northeast Kansas, says Kim Ens, a nurse at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department. So, if you are feeling a bit under the weather and your mom is not dropping in to take care of you anytime soon, here’s a little lesson on how to take care of yourself when it comes to food.

Foods to Indulge

When Kate Lorenz, Lawrence senior, gets the flu, she reaches for the saltines and Sprite. And she’s right to do so. Watkins Memorial Health Center dietitian Ann Chapman, says that simple, plain foods are good for when you’re down with the flu because they’re easy to digest. And when you’re sick, the last thing you want to do is cook, so Chapman suggests foods like oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, plain pastas, saltines and toast. When it comes to a fever, Chapman says to push the fluids because the body is dehydrated. If you have a stomachache, Chapman says to be careful about what you eat. Try a Popsicle, ginger ale, fruit juice or diluted Gatorade. Just be sure you’re not giving your stomach too much sugar, which could make you more nauseated.

Foods to Avoid

Remember, if it doesn’t feel good going down, it’s probably not good for you. Chapman says that dairy products, red meats and alcohol need to stay on hold when you’re not feeling well because they are hard for the body to digest.

Some Extra Tips

Keeping your body hydrated is one of the best things you can do for yourself when you’re sick. The fluids will help to flush out whatever it is in your system, says Wade Schroeder, a nurse practitioner at Overland Park Family Physicians, Corporate Lakes 26740 W 121st St.

Listen to your body. Schroeder says that cravings are a way for your body to communicate what it really needs.

“You may have a horrible cold, but pizza sounds great to you. That means that there is something in that pizza that your body actually needs,” Schroeder explains. He says that when you’re sick, it really depends on what you feel you can tolerate eating. So go for the pizza if you think you can keep it down.