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08.07.2021

10 Foods and Drinks to Recover from COVID-19 and Summer Flu in Japan

COVID-19
10 Makanan dan Minuman untuk Sembuh dari COVID-19 dan Flu Musim Panas di Jepang

You got the COVID-19 or the summer flu and you don’t know what’s beneficial for your weakening body in terms of food and drinks. If you’ve experienced this or you want to prepare yourself for this situation, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we will share with you common foods and drinks you can easily find and purchase in Japan.

Related article: How to Fill in the Form for the COVID-19 Vaccine Ticket in Japan

10 Drinks & Foods that Help You Fight Against COVID-19 and Summer Flu

Table of Contents

1. Sports Drinks

Pocari Sweat and Aquarius are both popular sports drinks found almost anywhere in Japan.  Sports drinks are known to help replace the electrolytes that left your body and help keep you hydrated. You can purchase them at your local supermarket or nearby convenience store. They also come in powder form which you can mix with water.

drinks and foods covid-19 summer flu

drinks and foods covid-19 summer flu

2. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is vital when it comes to your body becoming ill due to COVID-19, summer flu or different sickness-related causes. It helps strengthen your immune system as well as your bones. The most recommended foods that contain a rich amount of vitamin D are mainly salmon and sardines. They are commonly found in supermarkets and can easily be prepared. You can also find vitamin D supplements at the drugstore.

drinks and foods covid-19 summer flu

drinks and foods covid-19 summer flu

3. Good ole water

It’s inevitable that water should be consumed especially during the summer months. It helps keep your body hydrated since you lose fluids when you’re trying to recover from an illness. Water also helps loosen the mucus in your body if you have cold-like symptoms such as a cough, according to Theraflu. If you’re trying to recover from COVID-19 or summer flu, water is always the way to go. Grab a bottle or two almost anywhere that sells food and drinks.

drinks and foods covid-19 summer flu

4. Protein-packed Products

Protein helps boost your immune system by producing more infection-fighting white blood cells as explained by Men’s Health Magazine. Several protein-packed foods that will help you recover from COVID-19, summer flu or other sickness include chicken, peanut butter, eggs and dairy products including cheese and yogurt. 

5. Fresh fruits and vegetables

World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming a minimum of 400 g (i.e. 5 portions) of fruits and vegetables per day. Citrus fruits like oranges, clementines and grapefruit are recommended, as well as bananas and apples, which can also be cut into smaller pieces and frozen for later consumption or to add to smoothies. Root vegetables such as carrots, turnips and beets, as well as vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower are relatively nonperishable. Garlic, ginger and onions are also great options to keep at home, as they can be used to add flavour to a variety of meals. 

6. Nutrient-packed juices

As your body is losing nutrients while you’re ill, it’s vital to replenish them by drinking juices that contain a variety of vegetables and fruits. Numerous vitamins and minerals help boost your immune system and, at the same time, can improve your digestive system. Fruit and vegetable juices can also be easier to swallow for those who have lost appetites while they’re sick.

drinks and foods covid-19 summer flu

drinks and foods covid-19 summer flu

7. Mineral Jelly drink

Mineral-rich jelly drinks found in supermarkets and convenience stores may be consumed when you have COVID-19, the summer flu or a virus-caused illness. According to studies from Florida International University, enzymes help many processes of your body strengthen and protect you. Mineral drinks, in particular, are will improve how your enzymes function in your body. We recommend you to consume mineral jelly drinks only if you have a hard time digesting or you lost your appetite.

drinks and foods covid-19 summer flu

8. Yogurt/Yakult

Probiotics, found in yogurt and Yakult, help strengthen the immune system and help the body fight against coronavirus. Based on an article we discovered, yogurt and other “milk-fermented probiotics can protect against pathogenic infections and aid the immune system.” When you have contracted a virus similar to COVID-19, it’s crucial to strengthen your immune system, so see if you can find yogurt or Yakult at a supermarket near you.

drinks and foods covid-19 summer flu

drinks and foods covid-19 summer flu

9. Nuts

Nuts, including almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios, are rich in zinc and selenium which help your body boost its immune system as found in the Telegraph. WHO explains that unsalted and unsweetened nuts may serve as healthy snacks or can be added to porridge, salads and other meals. Nut butters or spreads are also good options, as long as you choose 100% nut butter that does not have added sugar, salt or partially hydrogenated or palm oils.

drinks and foods covid-19 summer flu

drinks and foods covid-19 summer flu

10. Honey

To soothe your throat when you’re coughing or you have a sore throat, just a spoonful of honey (any kind) will help you recover. According to TotalWellness, honey is proven to be an “effective cough suppressant.” Although honey is a little more on the expensive side, it may be a good investment if you want to use a natural remedy to help you recover from your flu-like symptoms.

drinks and foods covid-19 summer flu

There is an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and we hope everyone stays healthy. If you experience flu-like symptoms and they’re ongoing for more than a couple days, we recommend you contact your nearby clinic. When you’re in recovering mode, we hope our list of food and drinks to help fight the virus or summer flu will be helpful to you. If you have any recommendations, please feel free to share them with us.

Related article: Top 10 Hacks to Stay Cool in Summer in Japan

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