3 Foods To Have On Hand For When You’re Sick

The 3 Foods to Have on Hand When You’re Sick

When sickness strikes, having the right foods on hand can make a huge difference in how quickly you recover. Rather than reaching for processed comfort foods, stocking your kitchen with these three powerhouse ingredients—lemons, frozen chopped vegetables, and chicken bone broth—can help nourish your body and boost your immune system, thus helping your body fight off illness faster.

These three simple foods are loaded with nutrients to boost your immune system, soothe your body, and keep you hydrated during recovery.

1. Lemons: Nature’s Immune Booster

Lemons are packed with vitamin C, a vital nutrient for strengthening your immune system. They also contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and fight off free radicals in the body.

Benefits of lemons when you’re sick:

  • Hydration: Adding fresh lemon juice to warm water or tea helps keep you hydrated, which is crucial when fighting off illness.
  • Soothes a sore throat: Lemon’s acidity can help break up mucus and provide relief for a scratchy throat.
  • Detox support: Lemons stimulate liver function, aiding your body in flushing out toxins while you recover.

Pro Tip: Keep lemons on hand to make a simple lemon and honey tea or add a squeeze to your soups for extra flavor and nutrients.


2. Garlic: Powerful Fighter

Garlic is a powerhouse when it comes to supporting your immune system during illness. Packed with compounds like allicin, garlic has natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that can help combat infections and reduce the severity of colds or flu.

It also contains antioxidants that support overall immune function and fight inflammation. Adding garlic to your meals or consuming it raw can provide a gentle, natural boost to your body’s defenses. Plus, its warming effect and ability to improve circulation make it a comforting addition to soups, teas, or broths when you’re feeling under the weather.

Pro Tip: Keep garlic and honey on hand all winter long so you can make garlic honey shots the next time you or a family member gets sick.


3. Chicken Bone Broth: Comforting and Nutrient-Dense

Chicken bone broth is a time-tested remedy for colds and flu, and for good reason. It’s hydrating, soothing, and packed with nutrients that help your body heal.

Benefits of chicken bone broth when you’re sick:

  • Rich in minerals: Bone broth contains calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are essential for your overall health.
  • Boosts gut health: The gelatin and collagen in bone broth support a healthy gut lining, which is crucial for your immune system.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Amino acids like glycine and proline in bone broth help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
  • Easy to consume: Warm broth is comforting and hydrating, especially when you’re not up for heavier meals.

Pro Tip: Sip bone broth on its own or use it as a base for soup with your frozen chopped vegetables for a complete, immune-boosting meal. Be sure to see my Slow Cooker Whole Chicken recipe, which is the base of my homemade bone broth.


It’s Easy to Be Prepared!

Having lemons, garlic, and chicken bone broth on hand can make a big difference the next time you’re feeling under the weather. These three simple yet powerful ingredients are easy to store, versatile, and packed with nutrients to help you recover quickly.

What’s your favorite remedy food for when you’re sick? Share in the comments below!

Of course there are so many more healing foods, but these are three simple ones that are easy to keep on hand.

I hope this helps you for the next time you or a family member gets sick.