Will Drinking 7UP Really Cure a Cold?
Updated: May 17, 2022
We're all looking for a fast cure when a cold strikes, but is white soda really the answer? Find out if Mom was right, and 7UP cures a cold!
When it comes to getting rid of colds, there are a lot of theories out there. Some people take Vitamin C tablets like they’re going out of style, others opt for zinc. Others still turn to 7UP to counteract seasonal bugs. Is this soda cure just another old home remedy, though?
Does 7UP Really Work?
Most of us just think of 7UP as a tasty drink or maybe even a secret ingredient for tender cakes and sparkling punches, but Mom saw more. She thought that the comforting combination of a little sugar, hint of citrus and carbonation was just what you needed to put a little pep back in your step. And if you weren’t normally allowed to drink soda, maybe it was the special privilege of forbidden fruit that had you feeling better.
However, we encourage Dr. Mom to check her chart again. Sure, drinking white soda or ginger ale might help an upset stomach, but it doesn’t have any healing properties when it comes to the common cold.
Drinks to Soothe a Cold
Rather than soda, focus on fluids like water, tea and soup broth. Staying hydrated will help loosen up your congestion and ease a cough. Because soda can make dehydration worse, it’s best to thank Mom for her advice, but skip the 7UP and other sodas. Alcohol and coffee will also cause dehydration, so best to skip all the fun drinks for now.
Infused Water
If you’re missing 7UP’s flavor, try infusing cool water with fruit for a sweet taste and extra hit of vitamin C. Combinations to try include apple, lemon and carrot, as well as strawberries, lemon and mint. Fill a pitcher with the fruit of your choice, pour water over it, and allow to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours. Then sip on your sweet concoction all day while resting on the couch and having loved ones wait on you hand and foot.
Tea
Warm lemon tea is also a great option and will soothe your aching throat. Stir in some honey to coat your throat and ease your coughing. Drinking (caffeine-free!) tea with honey before bed can help you relax and get some much-needed rest.
Hot Toddy
It’s not the whiskey in this drink that’ll help your cold, but the citrus, honey and spices. Mix up this recipe at home (with our without the tipple) and curl up on the couch.
A little 7UP probably won’t hurt, but it’s best to stick with water, rest and plenty of handwashing until you’re feeling back to yourself.
Here's What to Eat When You Have a Cold
Garlic Tortellini Soup
Warm and comforting, this soup offers a powerhouse of aromatic cold-fighting goodness with garlic as well as vitamin C-rich spinach and tomatoes. Simple to make and even easier to eat when you have a cold, this soup is a soothing weeknight meal with a piece of crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls.
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 189 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 1074mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
1 cup: 189 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 1074mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
Warm and comforting, this soup offers a powerhouse of aromatic cold-fighting goodness with garlic as well as vitamin C-rich spinach and tomatoes. Simple to make and even easier to eat when you have a cold, this soup is a soothing weeknight meal with a piece of crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls.
Nutrition Facts
1 cup soup with 1 tablespoon blue cheese: 144 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
1 cup soup with 1 tablespoon blue cheese: 144 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
This hearty puree of garlicky sweet potatoes and butternut squash is a soothing anti-inflammatory blend of vitamins A and C as well as hydrating water and broth. It's easy to whip up this soup by roasting the veggies ahead of time and blending together later.
Nutrition Facts
1-1/2 cups: 154 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1002mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 7g protein.
1-1/2 cups: 154 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1002mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 7g protein.
Full of hydrating vegetables loaded with plant compounds and vitamins, this sick day soup couldn't be easier. All you need to do is set it and forget it in the slow cooker. Cook it while you nap and wake up to nourishing food to eat when you have a cold.
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 125 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 11mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fruit.
3/4 cup: 125 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 11mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fruit.
Bright and fresh, this fruit salad is the perfect food to eat when you have a cold. Packed with immune supporting vitamin C from the oranges, melon and grapefruit, as well as hints of fresh ginger to ease digestion, this salad is a simple healing dish to power your total body wellness.
Carrot Soup with Orange & Tarragon
Creamy and nourishing, this soup is super simple and packed with vital antioxidants. Plus, the recipe calls for a hint of tarragon, an herb that contains manganese. This mineral can help decrease damaging stress to your cells.
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 117 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
1 cup: 117 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
Creamy and nourishing, this soup is super simple and packed with vital antioxidants. Plus, the recipe calls for a hint of tarragon, an herb that contains manganese. This mineral can help decrease damaging stress to your cells.
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 82 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
3/4 cup: 82 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Tossed with olive oil, rosemary, cumin and black pepper, these carotenoid-rich carrots are loaded with intense flavor. The best part is you don't have to tend to them as they roast in the oven. Simply set a timer and rest.
Roasted Pumpkin and Brussels Sprouts
Try this savory and colorful immune-supporting combo of pumpkin and Brussels sprouts. The garlic, olive oil and balsamic vinegar amp up the feel-good flavors in this dish, but you can add extra sweetness with dried cranberries. Bonus, dried cranberries are also an excellent source of antioxidants too.
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 152 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 255mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
3/4 cup: 152 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 255mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
Try this savory and colorful immune-supporting combo of pumpkin and Brussels sprouts. The garlic, olive oil and balsamic vinegar amp up the feel-good flavors in this dish, but you can add extra sweetness with dried cranberries. Bonus, dried cranberries are also an excellent source of antioxidants too.
Cumin-Roasted Carrots
There's nothing like warm spices to make you feel better when you have a cold. Try these cumin, coriander and garlic dressed carrots to excite your senses and soothe your breathing passages. Toast the aromatic spices in a skillet to enhance the overall flavor experience.
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 86 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
1 serving: 86 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
There's nothing like warm spices to make you feel better when you have a cold. Try these cumin, coriander and garlic dressed carrots to excite your senses and soothe your breathing passages. Toast the aromatic spices in a skillet to enhance the overall flavor experience.
Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Sauce
There are many health benefits of Brussels sprouts, and adding them to your menu during a sick week can help your body get up to speed more quickly. The carmelized flavor that results from roasting along with the Dijon mustard for dipping will put a pep in your step and immune system.
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 167 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
3/4 cup: 167 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
There are many health benefits of Brussels sprouts, and adding them to your menu during a sick week can help your body get up to speed more quickly. The carmelized flavor that results from roasting along with the Dijon mustard for dipping will put a pep in your step and immune system.
Nutrition Facts
2/3 cup: 137 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
2/3 cup: 137 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
Kale is packed with vitamins A and C, which are two powerful nutrients in decreasing the severity of the common cold. If you'd rather not boil the kale in this recipe, you can saute it with plenty of olive oil. Sauteeing can also help keep some of the crisp structure of this leafy green vegetable.
Fennel Carrot Soup
This blend of plant foods from sweet potatoes, apples, carrots and fennel is a powerhouse in a bowl. Plus, it's seasoned with curry powder, an anti-inflammatory spice blend that can soothe you when you're fighting a cold.
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 117 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 989mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
1 cup: 117 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 989mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
This blend of plant foods from sweet potatoes, apples, carrots and fennel is a powerhouse in a bowl. Plus, it's seasoned with curry powder, an anti-inflammatory spice blend that can soothe you when you're fighting a cold.
Pumpkin & Cauliflower Garlic Mash
Garlic, pumpkin and cauliflower, oh my! This mash-up is perfect for curing whatever ails you. Tasty as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish, this vibrantly colored puree offers the best defense when you most need it.
Nutrition Facts
2/3 cup: 87 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
2/3 cup: 87 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Garlic, pumpkin and cauliflower, oh my! This mash-up is perfect for curing whatever ails you. Tasty as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish, this vibrantly colored puree offers the best defense when you most need it.
Nutrition Facts
1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons cooking juices: 203 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons cooking juices: 203 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
This one-pot meal couldn't be easier to make when you're having a sick day. Adding high quality protein to your diet gives your muscles the energy you need to get through the day. Plus, the aromatic garlic, rosemary and thyme enhances the flavor and immune-boosting impact of this cozy dish.
Watercress & Orange Salad
Watercress is an excellent superfood green that is fun to use in place of other greens like spinach or kale. With a double punch of vitamin C from the peppery watercress and zesty oranges, this plant-powered dish can boost your immunity, as well as your spirits.
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 58 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
3/4 cup: 58 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Watercress is an excellent superfood green that is fun to use in place of other greens like spinach or kale. With a double punch of vitamin C from the peppery watercress and zesty oranges, this plant-powered dish can boost your immunity, as well as your spirits.
Lemon Thyme Green Tea
Sick days call for vitamin C, a water soluble vitamin that boosts immune health and can decrease the severity of a cold. This lemon tea is sure to soothe a sore throat and any aches and pains you have. Plus, it steeps in minutes, making it a simple elixir to help you feel better.
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 33 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 9g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
1 cup: 33 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium, 9g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Sick days call for vitamin C, a water soluble vitamin that boosts immune health and can decrease the severity of a cold. This lemon tea is sure to soothe a sore throat and any aches and pains you have. Plus, it steeps in minutes, making it a simple elixir to help you feel better.
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 139 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
1 serving: 139 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 262mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
Fennel, a licorice-flavored herb is jam-packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that boost cell health. In addition, you get a healthy dose of vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and manganese, which all come in handy when fighting a cold.
Herb Roasted Root Vegetables
You can't go wrong with fresh root vegetables to remedy a cold. This dish is loaded with immune-supportive vitamin C and potassium from the mix of white and sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips and turnips. The high fiber also keeps the healthy bacteria teeming in your tummy.
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 130 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 263mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
3/4 cup: 130 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 263mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
You can't go wrong with fresh root vegetables to remedy a cold. This dish is loaded with immune-supportive vitamin C and potassium from the mix of white and sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips and turnips. The high fiber also keeps the healthy bacteria teeming in your tummy.
Orange Poppy Seed SaladIt's easy to throw together this salad when you have a cold, plus you know you're doing your body good. Packed with vitamin C from the oranges, fiber and omega-3 fats from walnuts and antioxidants from the pomegranate seeds, your immune system will get the nutritional support it desperately needs. If you make the dressing with raw apple cider vinegar, you'll get an added probiotic boost too!
Fresh Green Beans & Garlic
If you notice digestive issues when you have a cold, it could be because of the stress on the cells in your body. To promote healthy cell turnover and to give your body the immune support it requires to heal, try this green bean dish. It's also rich with garlic, which will give you a great antimicrobial boost.
Nutrition Facts
1 serving: 91 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
1 serving: 91 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
If you notice digestive issues when you have a cold, it could be because of the stress on the cells in your body. To promote healthy cell turnover and to give your body the immune support it requires to heal, try this green bean dish. It's also rich with garlic, which will give you a great antimicrobial boost.
Nutrition Facts
1-1/2 cups: 191 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 664mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat.
1-1/2 cups: 191 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 664mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat.
There are lots of healthy vegetarian meals out there, and this meatless minestrone is one of our favorites. The plant-based soup offers your body a powerhouse of healing nutrients from the plant compounds in the vegetables and herbs. Plus, you'll have plenty to eat throughout the week, which means less cook time when you're sick!
Nutrition Facts
1 cup (calculated without cheese): 120 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 1270mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
1 cup (calculated without cheese): 120 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 1270mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Who doesn't love tomato soup when you have a cold? This soup is loaded with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant packed into tomatoes—which is especially high in cooked canned tomatoes. If you need a comfort food classic to pair with this tomato soup, try a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
Lemon-Garlic Hummus
Smooth and creamy and loaded with intense aroma and flavor, this hummus is a simple way to get in plant-based protein and fiber-filled carbs. On those days when you are craving simple nourishing foods, this lemony vitamin C-rich chickpea spread will save the day. Dip your favorite vegetables in the lemon-garlic hummus or use it as a base in hummus recipes.
Nutrition Facts
1/4 cup: 324 calories, 29g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 309mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
1/4 cup: 324 calories, 29g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 309mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
Smooth and creamy and loaded with intense aroma and flavor, this hummus is a simple way to get in plant-based protein and fiber-filled carbs. On those days when you are craving simple nourishing foods, this lemony vitamin C-rich chickpea spread will save the day. Dip your favorite vegetables in the lemon-garlic hummus or use it as a base in hummus recipes.
Nutrition Facts
1/2 cup: 74 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 428mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
1/2 cup: 74 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 428mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
Cauliflower, the ultimate cruciferous veggie, is the star in this dish. It's one of those foods that are high in vitamin C, and it's also super simple to whip together on a sick day. To add more gut-friendly bacteria, use a dollop of plain yogurt instead of mayo.
Warm Spiced Chai
If you're feeling too under the weather for food, sometimes just a comforting drink will help. This homemade chai tea is loaded with good-for-you aromatic spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, star anise and cloves. Many of these spices have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help your body fend off common cold culprits.
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 102 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
1 cup: 102 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 44mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
If you're feeling too under the weather for food, sometimes just a comforting drink will help. This homemade chai tea is loaded with good-for-you aromatic spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, star anise and cloves. Many of these spices have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help your body fend off common cold culprits.
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Originally Published: January 04, 2019
