Flu and seasonal colds are common and prevalent conditions that can have you down and out for days or even weeks. They affect a huge number of the population every year. One of the best and the most effective ways to deal with colds and flu is to maintain fluid intake. Keeping oneself well hydrated helps the body to fight off the symptoms of cold and flu. 

Here is a list of some cold and flu-fighting soups to try out if you are down with the nasty bout of either:

1. Hot and sour shrimp soup
This particular recipe uses shrimp broth that can be swapped for chicken broth as well. Sip on it when piping hot to enjoy the best of its taste and flu-fighting abilities.

2.Chicken and rice soup
Chicken and rice soup is an excellent flu-fighting soup, with each of its ingredients contributing to keeping you healthy. Chicken is also a great source of protein. You can also add your favorite vegetables to the meal; the added fiber will keep you full. Also, don’t forget to add garlic and ginger; they will help with just about everything, right from sore throat to an upset stomach.

3. Miso soup
The miso soup carries a lot of veggies that help provide the body with the ability to fight off the germs that bring you down. Plus, the carrots, celery, and scallions are great contributors to the mouth-watering taste of the miso soup. To take the flu-fighting soup game to another level, add some turmeric powder to it. The turmeric will provide assistance to the immune system and help throw out the toxins.

4. Roasted butternut squash soup
Butternut squash soup is a blessing when unwell. The thick creamy consistency of this soup glides down the throat without any difficulty. And it tastes so much better with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, which by the way, also helps with the sore throat caused by the flu. Additionally, butternut has a compound called cucurbitacin that makes it difficult for the bad virus and bacteria to survive. This element and its high vitamin C content are reasons why butternut is considered a superfood.

5. Tomato fennel soup
Another creamy addition to the list of flu-fighting soups is the tomato fennel soup. This soup is a great way to curl up and recover from the weather change. The soup is packed with antioxidants, namely vitamin C. It also carries excellent anti-inflammatory properties that help keep the flu from causing any aches and soreness. If you aren’t a big fan of fennel, try swapping it with basil leaves. This will give an extra boost to the immune system.

6. Chicken noodle soup
An all-time classic chicken noodle soup is the best flu-fighting soup. The piping hot broth helps clear the nasal passage while also soothing the sore throat. The nutrient value of the chicken noodle soup is super-rich, thanks to the meat and the veggies that all come together with their nutritional components. Not to mention the noodles keep one full for longer.