Do Spicy Foods Kill the Flu?

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Seasonal influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness. The influenza virus is responsible for the illness. All types of flu have similar symptoms, which can vary in severity. Symptoms include fever, cough, congestion, body aches, headache, sore throat and fatigue. Some people believe that spicy foods may help relieve the symptoms of the flu, especially congestion.

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Cayenne pepper may help. (Image: View Stock/View Stock/Getty Images)

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is often added to make foods spicier. Traditional medicine has used capsaicin, the active ingredient in cayenne, for centuries as a pain reliever, to help with circulation and digestive problems and to aid a poor appetite. Although no research has examined foods containing cayenne pepper and flu symptoms, research has found that nasal sprays that contain capsaicin may reduce congestion. A 2011 study published in "Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology" found that subjects that used the capsaicin nasal spray over a period of two weeks had less congestion.

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Horseradish

Horseradish is a spicy plant that has a number of potential health benefits, including antibiotic properties. According to Life Extension, juice from the root of the horseradish can effectively treat sinus discomfort that may be present with the flu. Traditional medicine recommends that people with sinus congestion take one-half teaspoon of grated horseradish both in the morning and in the afternoon. Horseradish can also be added to your meal to add flavor while helping to relieve congestion.

Garlic

Garlic, a relative of the onion, is often found in spicy foods. Many cultures have used garlic as a medicine. It does contain antioxidants and can protect your body from free radical damage. The pungent spice also acts as a decongestant. Although no research has examined garlic and the flu specifically, garlic may help to prevent the common cold. A 2001 study published in "Advances in Therapy" found that subjects that took garlic supplements had fewer colds. The subjects that took garlic also had a faster recovery time.

Recommendations

Consult your physician if you believe you have the flu. Your doctor can provide specific recommendations regarding foods that you should eat while you have the flu. Spicy foods may help relieve some symptoms of the flu but more research is needed. If you have any gastrointestinal symptoms with the flu, spicy foods can increase those symptoms. If you do not have any problems with your stomach, add spicy sauces to your meals for congestion relief.

REFERENCES & RESOURCES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Seasonal Influenza- Flu Basics Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Flu Symptoms and Severity iVillage.co.uk: 7 Healing Foods to Fight Colds and Flu University of Maryland Medical Center: Cayenne Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Trial Comparing Capsaicin Nasal Spray with Placebo in Subjects with a Significant Component of Nonallergic Rhinitis Life Extension: Horseradish Protection Against Cancer and More University of Maryland Medical Center: Garlic Advances in Therapy: Preventing the Common Cold with a Garlic Supplement: A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Survey

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