Straciatella, or Italian egg-drop soup, is probably the most popular sick-day food in any Italian household. It's light, comforting, flavourful, and ridiculously easy to make – the perfect thing to make in a flash for yourself or someone you love when they're unwell.
In case of an emergency, for immediate medical attention or to call an ambulance dial 112 from any telephone in Italy. No country code is necessary if calling from within Europe.
If you're feeling nauseous, following the BRAT diet – bananas, rice, apples and toast – may be your preference. The BRAT diet does not have as many nutrients as other food options, but it is easy on the stomach. If you are having trouble keeping food down, this might be the way to go.
Although not super exciting, very plain and bland foods can help ease symptoms. Try pasta, dry cereals, oatmeal, bread and crackers. But bland doesn't mean you can't add protein or veggies into the mix if you're feeling up for it! Try eating rice and baked chicken breast or cheese and crackers.
Straciatella, or Italian egg-drop soup, is probably the most popular sick-day food in any Italian household. It's light, comforting, flavourful, and ridiculously easy to make – the perfect thing to make in a flash for yourself or someone you love when they're unwell.
Whatever they fancy!
If they lack inspiration offer them some nice comfort food they are unlikely to refuse: pasta, biscuits, fruit compote, yogurt, crêpes, semolina, ham, porridge, puree, rice, soup… et voilà!
Japanese Rice Porridge – A Healing Food
As the rice is tender soft and easily digestible, it is known as a healing food in Japan. We usually serve Okayu to people who are recovering from sickness, the elderly, or babies.
Acetaminophen/Paracetamol (Tylenol/Panadol)
Used to treat minor pain and fever – Italian equivalent: Tachipirina 500mg (for 1,000 mg pills, you'll need a prescription). Tachipirina is normally used to bring down a high fever; there is also Tachipirina for babies in the form of suppositories (supposte).
Employees in Italy are entitled to paid sick time off, with the initial three days paid in full by the employer, and the country's national health system supporting an employee's salary for up to 180 days. Robust corporate taxes form the financial backbone of this system.
Employees in Italy are entitled to paid sick leave, paid for by the employer and subsequently the government. For the first two periods of sickness per year, the employer pays the first three days at 100.00% of the regular salary rate of pay.
Every region (or even every town!) has its own customs, but if there's one tradition that everyone in Italy can agree on, it's not eating meat on Christmas Eve. December 24 is the time for fish or cheese dishes to shine.
Dinner is a lighter meal for more Italians, and it's enjoyed between 7 PM and 8 PM. Primarily, this meal consists of a salad, followed by a primo and a secondo variation. Eggplants, spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and other items Italian people can find in their garden are usually on the table at dinner time.
Russians like to eat raspberry jam by the spoonful. It's both delicious and rich in vitamin C. But when you're sick, it's more common to mix it into tea, milk or just hot water. Raspberry is also known here for its anti-inflammatory and heating effect.
Chicken Congee (China)
Chicken congee, a classic Chinese rice porridge, is an ideal choice for those feeling ill. The dish is easy on the stomach while offering sufficient protein from the chicken. A notable aspect of chicken congee is its adaptability.
3. Vegemite on toast. Vegemite contains vitamin B6 which has been found to improve nausea. I'd recommend using either wholemeal, rye or white bread if you're feeling really sick, instead of grainy bread or sourdough, which is what I'd usually recommend as a dietitian.
Often described as a 'philosophy', cucina povera actually originated out of necessity – historically, this was the only way that many Italians could afford to cook. Cucina povera recipes are fundamentally frugal, with an emphasis on not wasting food, making more out of less and savouring every ingredient.
Trippa (tripe) is one of the most popular dishes of Italian cuisine. It comes from the common tradition of using poor ingredients to create amazing delicacies. Tripe is the edible lining from the stomach of various farm animals. Most tripe is from cattle and sheep.
The most common foods in the Italian diet include pasta, cheese, vegetables, olive oil, meats, and wine. Italians give a lot of importance to fresh ingredients.
Avocado. Put that avocado down! The high-fat content may be difficult to digest if your stomach is unsettled. Not to mention, this fatty fruit is rich in histamines, which means consuming it in great quantities could make your congestion even worse.
Try eating bland, starchy foods like white bread or white bread's close cousins — crackers and boiled potatoes. White bread is soft, low in fiber, and not spicy. It doesn't typically cause stomach upset, even when people are sick. Plus, it contains carbohydrates — a good source of energy.
Dairy is thought to increase the production of mucus in the body, which isn't entirely helpful when you're sick and your body is producing more mucus than normal. Besides, you probably aren't really craving any sort of cheese or milk product when you're sick anyway.