You can't "flush out" a sickness like a clog, but drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, is crucial when sick because it prevents dehydration, thins mucus, helps deliver oxygen and nutrients, and supports immune function, helping your body fight infections and recover faster, though it doesn't directly remove germs from the bloodstream. Warm liquids like broth or lemon water with honey can also soothe symptoms like congestion and sore throats, while electrolyte drinks help replace lost fluids and minerals, especially with vomiting or diarrhea.
Water. Water is far and away the best thing to drink when you're sick, as it's the resource your body urgently needs when you're sick. Although other beverages contain water, it's better to give it to your body straight so your cells can put it to direct use.
To stay hydrated, you should increase your fluid intake. If you, your child or someone you are caring for is ill, particularly with a fever, vomiting or diarrhoea, there's a high risk of becoming dehydrated, so it's important to start replacing fluid as soon as possible.
“Water carries important immune system components, including nutrients, to where they need to go and carries away waste from organs that are byproducts of our daily metabolism as we consume food and turn it into energy,” she says. If left unflushed, this waste can become toxic and weaken the immune system.
The fluid flushes out
With a very densely packed, wet and high-pressure environment, your nose flows like a tap. Your runny nose is an easy way for your body to clear itself from all the used white cells, virus and excess fluid. You'll notice that your snot turns more green and less clear the longer the cold goes on.
Cold remedies that work
Sleeping More When You're Sick Is *Totally* Normal—And Evidence of Your Immune System in Action. The reason why being sick makes you tired (and why you sleep so much when you're sick) is because your immune system needs sleep to recover.
Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep can all strengthen your immune system. Reducing your stress levels can also boost your resistance to disease and infections. Staying up to date on vaccinations gives you the most protection against those pathogens.
Other research has shown that many bloodstream infections to have a urinary source. This could explain why drinking more water might help reduce these infections because the bacteria that cause them are flushed out of the body sooner and more easily.
Five signs of a weak immune system include frequent infections, slow-healing wounds, persistent fatigue, ongoing digestive issues, and getting sick with things that last a long time, like a cold that lingers or severe infections requiring strong treatment. These indicate your body struggles to fight off pathogens or repair itself effectively.
Caring For Vomiting, Diarrhea and Dehydration At Home
Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions. Aim for at least eight to 10 glasses of fluids per day. Give your body time to recover by getting plenty of rest. Avoid strenuous activity until you feel better.
Symptoms of dehydration
While drinking more water can cause you to pee more than usual, it's very important to stay hydrated so that your body can flush out waste products. Proper hydration supports immune function and may aid in a faster recovery from illness.
Although it's a myth that you'll get sick just from not bundling up when it's cold outside, it's true that bacteria and viruses thrive at cooler temperatures. So if you're fighting a bug, it's best to stay warm and dry.
Although not fully proven, large doses of vitamin C may help reduce how long a cold lasts. Large doses of vitamin C do not protect against getting a cold. Vitamin C may also be helpful for those exposed to brief periods of severe or extreme physical activity.
Electrolytes are essential salt compounds in our bodies that help regulate impulses from our nerves, and the flow of water in and out of cells. If we overhydrate on water alone, we can drown out and minimize the concentration of electrolytes in our body, which can be dangerous.
If you are mildly dehydrated, you may start to feel better within 30 minutes to an hour after drinking fluids. However, it takes several hours for your body to fully rehydrate and for symptoms like thirst and fatigue to completely resolve. Moderate dehydration typically takes several hours to a day.
Benefits of Drinking Water When Sick
Supports immune function - Staying hydrated enables immune cells to function at their best, making it easier to combat illness. Regulates body temperature - When you have a fever, water helps regulate temperature and prevents overheating.
A study from the University of Southern California has revealed that fasting for 72 hours can trigger a complete regeneration of the immune system.
Drink plenty of clean water to help flush out your system. Some dietary supplements may naturally help remove toxic metals from the body. There is limited evidence, but for the most part they are safe. Cilantro (coriander) is a widely available herb often used in Asian and Mexican foods.
Medications a healthcare provider might prescribe to treat viral infections include antiviral medications, convalescent plasma and post-exposure prophylaxis.
The 3-2-1 bedtime method is a simple sleep hygiene strategy: stop eating 3 hours before bed, stop working 2 hours before bed, and stop using screens (phones, tablets, TVs) 1 hour before sleep, helping your body transition to rest by reducing stimulants and digestive load for better sleep quality. A more detailed version adds 10 hours (no caffeine) and 0 (no snoozing) for a 10-3-2-1-0 rule.
Snacks for Sleepiness
Your body can't produce tryptophan on its own — it has to be obtained through your diet. Good sources: turkey, chicken, fish, eggs, cheese, edamame, peanuts, tofu, quinoa and pumpkin seeds. Melatonin, a hormone your body makes to help with your sleep cycle.