Food cravings during the Flu?

[Gimpy]

Hello All...my Hubby came home this week with the beginnings of an upper respiratory infection. We suspect its a mild flu, he has all the classic symptoms.

The odd thing, is he forced himself out of bed (which is VERY out of character) this morning and cooked up an entire rasher of bacon, and a bunch of eggs, and almost ate it all. He said he's very hungry for protein, he doesn't want any veggies, just give him meat please. When I asked him why he didn't wake me up to do this, he said he was just too hungry!

He then went back to bed, where he still is. He's managing to cough up the mucous in his chest well, and I'm making sure he stays hydrated.

Has anyone ever heard of similar cravings during a viral infection? Other than keeping him hydrated, any other supplements besides D3, Vit C? He has a terrible sore throat, and is sipping Throat Coat Tea. (It has slippery elm bark in it) This is why the meat craving struck me as odd, its hard for him to swallow.

I've thought about making a kind of stew to make it easier to eat, but he doesn't want it. Its not upsetting his stomach and he hasn't complained about it hurting his throat...but I'm concerned that too much might make him worse...anyone have advice on preparing protein that might be easier on him?

I am thawing a whole organic chicken for soup, but that takes time. :)

 

[axj]

Hi Gimpy,

I am going through a viral flu infection right now, and I noticed that I also tend to wake up VERY hungry, though during the day my appetite is actually below normal.

This virus infection has been different than any I can remember actually. Neither me, nor the person I got it from, have coughing or runny noses.

As we were discussing this strange flu, she said jokingly, "Well, maybe it is alien."

 

[curious_richard]

Has anyone ever heard of similar cravings during a viral infection?

I have had cravings. At first, they were more or less general cravings for more food, but in later years I was able to find out the cravings were for tomato or maybe citrus products. Tomato juice would often help the cravings, or spaghetti sauce, or pizza... Some time later, I found out that the answer was vitamin C. Now when I get those flu cravings, or any pre-flu feelings, I take vitamin C and D3. Then if there is any craving left, I might have some soup.

Other than keeping him hydrated, any other supplements besides D3, Vit C?

I am scratching my head on this one. Maybe he wants zinc or magnesium? Or fat? Coconut oil couldn't hurt.