When you're sick with the flu, it's no fun trying to figure out what to eat and drink. That's why we've put together a list of doctor-recommended foods and fluids to help.

Water is the best thing you can consume to help you get over the flu. "During an infection, the body's basal metabolic rate increases, which can lead to increased loss of fluids, and you need to increase hydration with water to mitigate these losses," Ian Nelligan, MD, of Stanford Health Care, tells Insider.

As for alternative low-sugar beverages like coffee and tea, opt for caffeine-free. Caffeine can cause headaches and jitteriness, which can make you feel worse, especially if you are combining it with over-the-counter cold and flu medications.

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The flu comes with a slew of nasty symptoms, including muscle aches, runny nose, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms not only dehydrate you but deplete you of important nutrients and calories, which are key to fueling your body with the energy it needs to fight the infection.

Yogurt is abundant in protein, calcium, zinc, B vitamins, and Vitamin D, which can help decrease intestinal malfunction. It also contains a number of probiotics, which promote healthy digestion. This might help flu sufferers who are experiencing nausea or vomiting.

Leafy greens, broccoli, and fruits like oranges, strawberries, pineapples, kiwis, and mangoes are a rich source of vitamin C, which studies have shown can reduce the duration of your illness. Vitamin C is also particularly effective at helping fight off the common cold.

Preliminary studies suggest that some other promising remedies include garlic and ginseng, but more scientific evidence is needed for definitive proof that these remedies work for most people.

When you're sick with the flu, you might not feel like doing anything, including eating or drinking. So when push comes to shove, which is more important?

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What to eat when you have the flu, recommended by doctors - Business Insider India