Sleep and rest through a bout of flu, drink a lot of fluids – you may have heard it many times or said similar words to someone going through an infection. It takes about three weeks from the onset of infection to complete recovery. You must pay attention to your diet during a flu bout so that you can get through the recovery period quickly and regain strength faster.

You should also avoid food that can worsen symptoms or set you back by a couple of days towards recovery. Some foods that you have to avoid during flu and recovery are

1. Milk and dairy products
A cup of hot sweet milky tea or coffee may be tempting as it could provide some relief from a sore throat or congestion. However, the relief may be temporary as milk can thicken mucus, increase phlegm production, and trap allergens, delaying recovery. Avoid cheese, yogurt, ice cream until you are back in shape.

2. Sugar
You may have a sugar craving during sickness. It is better to control it as sugar increases inflammation and can weaken the white blood cells and cause a delay in recovery.

3. Berries
Berries are generally considered good for immunity as they are rich in anti-oxidants. Some berries release histamine, which can add to congestion and block sinuses, adding to your discomfort.

4. Caffeine
Coffee and tea can appear to soothe your sore throat temporarily. Apart from the milk, which can increase mucus, caffeine can cause dehydration. A person is normally dehydrated during flu because of excess sweating, diarrhea and vomiting. Caffeine can dehydrate you, further weakening the immune system. It can worsen the flu symptoms and delay recovery.

5. Banana
Many of us rely on bananas for instant calories on normal days. But stay away from them during and after a bout of flu. They can release histamines and can increase inflammation since they are rich in sugar.

6. Red meat
You can eat red meat when you are healthy as it is a good source of protein. But during cold and flu, it can lead to indigestion, nausea or diarrhea during infection. It also is high in fats that you can avoid until you get better.

7. Alcohol
If you thought alcohol could help you sleep and rest, you are mistaken. Alcohol can dehydrate the body and weaken your immune system. It can also cause headaches and add to your stress.

8. Energy drinks
If you have the habit of consuming energy drinks, avoid it during the flu. Instead of boosting your energy, it might do the opposite as they contain caffeine and some alcohol, reducing immunity and adding to dehydration.

9. Fried foods
Since your body is weak, digestion of fried food is the first hassle. Second, they contain unhealthy fats, which can cause bloating and add to the discomfort. Since fried foods can trigger inflammation, they can delay recovery.

Such restrictions are for a short duration, and you can start a regular diet once you have completely recovered.