7 Foods To Take While Visiting Someone In The Hospital

When a loved one is ill or injured, it becomes important to us to make sure they receive full care during their journey of recovery. Typical everyday foods may not be appealing to them  because antibiotics and other medications often suppress the appetite. The body on recovery uses most of its energy to repair and heal itself and as a result attention needs to be paid to their cravings and processed foods need to be kept out of reach. 

Also Read:  What’s Navratri Without Sabudana Khichdi

Khichdi 

A mix of cooked rice and dal is one of the most easily digestible foods that is recommended to those who are sick. They contain all the necessary proteins and carbohydrates that make you feel satiated and are gentle on the stomach. They are one of the low glycaemic index foods- meaning they won’t lead you to mood swings due to spike in blood sugar levels. You can also make the dish more interesting and heartier by adding peas, chopped potatoes and diced pumpkins to the dal-rice mix. Skimp on the spice to make it ideal for people who have had minor surgeries like gallbladder removal who cannot digest overly spicy food.

Chicken Soup

This food is ideal for patients who have the cold, flu, asthma or any other respiratory discomforts. Both the broth and the chicken are known to be nourishing for the gut and the body, as well as possess potential antiviral properties. Add warming anti-inflammatory spices like ginger, garlic and black pepper for relieving the symptoms of flu. Make it especially with the skin and bones on for that additional protein if bone health and joint paints are also an  issue in the patient.

Curd Rice

Curd rice has been popular in South India for ages where it is consumed for its cooling benefits.  Due to its probiotic nature, curd rice can help improve symptoms of digestive distress by maintaining gut health. It is a food that can be eaten almost everyday by those who wish to maintain their blood pressures. Curd rice is not only ideal for people who have had severe food poisoning and diarrhoea, due to its ability to keep in check the body’s hydration levels but also for those who have experienced heat strokes, due to its ability to keep the body cool.  

Egg-Salad Sandwich

Eggs are rich in quality protein which is necessary for tissue repair in case your patient is recovering from bone and muscle injuries. Vitamin E in eggs helps to better absorb other nutrients from the vegetables, so pair them with whole grain breads and add tomatoes, onions, lettuce, cucumber to increase its taste as well as nutrition. For those with anxiety, the melatonin in eggs also helps the patient feel calmer and sleep better. 

Rasam

Rasam is one of the most comforting foods of South India. The spices and herbs that go into making rasam like tamarind, black pepper, cumin, garlic and turmeric are not only anti-inflammatory but also highly beneficial in clearing nasal congestion. Perfect for those who have lost their appetite due to cold and fever it not only boosts the  immune system but also stimulates hunger by aiding proper digestion. 

Fruit Salad

Fruit salads are a refreshing snack. They boost immunity and help in recovery. Make a fruit salad that includes a variety of colourful and seasonal fruits such as bananas, mangoes, papaya and plums  to get the maximum variety of micronutrients. Take note though to not mix citrus fruits with starchy fruits to avoid overwhelming your stomach and instead make a separate salad of citrus fruits like grapefruit, pineapples and oranges.

Boiled Fish

Boiled fish, unlike its fried or grilled version, is gentler on the stomach while being a great source of lean protein. Go for the varieties like  mackerel, sardines, hilsa and rohu which are high in Omega -3. Fatty fishes are also known for reducing inflammation. They taste delicious when lightly spiced and can be given to patients whose appetite may have been affected due to their illness.