Everyone knows that a bowl of chicken noodle soup helps during a cold or flu, but did you know that, according to Woman’s Day Magazine, a baked potato can help ease a hangover headache? There are plenty of easy foods that can help soothe common ailments. Try some of these the next time you’re feeling ill.
Headaches — Normally, headaches are a sign of dehydration, so water is the way to go. But if you need something more substantial, try a piece of salmon; the omega-3 fatty acids help fight inflammation, according to livestrong.com. Or try an apple – the bioflavonoids can help stabilize blood pressure to avoid headaches altogether, a trait mentioned in Health Cave.
Stomach ache — Even if the last thing you want to do is eat something, sometimes it can make all the difference. I grew up eating bland crackers and bread when my stomach was feeling queasy — these foods help to absorb the pain-causing acids in your stomach, according to Women World. Starchy foods, like rice and potatoes, can help to line the stomach and ease digestion during an ache.
Cramps — Sometimes all you want to do is curl up in bed with some ibuprofen and groan away. Why not take a stalk of celery with you? According to WebMD, it can help discourage fluid retention during menstrual cycles. Don’t feel like celery? Grab a bar of dark chocolate — this treat can improve your mood and relax your muscles.
Sore muscles — Just finished a workout and looking for a snack? Try a salad with kale and/or cottage cheese. Both products can help ease pain — kale with its vitamin A, according to livestrong.com, and cottage cheese with its amino acids, according to Daisy Health. Not in the mood for a salad? Grab some ginger snaps or gingerbread. Ginger discourages inflammation which can soothe pained muscles, according to the New York Times.