I’m embarrassed. I was excited to try a new food place for dinner (cheesesteak) and quickly realized that my gut flora (and fauna, apparently) strongly disagreed with my decision. The loud never do that again.. ever! response felt like menstrual-esque stomach cramps and nausea. My toilet and I are very familiar, best friends even, when it comes to foods that don’t interact well with my system. You’d think I’d learn by now, but something about hot cheesy meaty goodness in soft a bun is my kryptonite. I braced myself for a night of mobile gaming, social media scrolling, and self-soothing from the confides of my bathroom—again. Thankfully, I didn’t have to go this time alone and turned to my five tried and true products for a what ended up being a speedy recovery.

1. Twinings Lemon & Ginger Herbal Tea (Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/47S1Par)

The minute I started drinking this, I could feel my stomach calm down and thankfully never get past the nausea phase. I first started drinking this tea for a sore throat a few years back and it tastes great with a bit of honey. Typically, I take whatever simple tea I have on hand, add some lemon, ginger, and honey to it. But, when I need something quick and effective I use Twinings. That night I didn’t eat anything else because of the nausea and just laid in my bed under my electric blanket.

2. Electric Fleece Blanket (Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4qrxasJ)

I tend to use my weighted blanket when I’m in need of comfort, like a hug, but this time I reached for the electric blanket (and have used both) since it was chilly that night. The fleece is warm and comfy on top of the heating element. I like that it has different heat and time levels and will automatically shut off once the set time is done. I’ve also used this blanket with working at my desk and find it good for keeping legs and toes toasty. It’s not big enough to share though, but I guess that’s the beauty of being sick and alone this time. The original blanket I purchases in 2022 is not available; however, the Bedsure Heated Blanket 4.4 with an average score of 4.4 (12,598 reviews) may be worth checking out. Apparently, this one also has different colors that mine doesn’t have. As with my blanket, it will be important to consider the sizing when purchasing. I actually slept pretty well that night and woke up with a big of a appetite.

3. Nissin Instant Cup Noodles 12-pack (Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3JhG1wx)

Noodles have always been my comfort food. I can remember being a little girl living with my grandparents and being allowed to cook Oodles of Noodles for myself. Times were simpler back then and I knew nothing about daily calories, protein intake, and watching my sodium intake. All I knew was these packages of dried noodles where my favorite thing in the whole world. It’s no wonder I still love them to this day and know that not matter how crappy I feel, I can always go for a cup of noodles. I prefer the chicken flavor, but beef is the next best thing and what I had on hand from the last time I was sick.

4. Electrolyte Drink Mix (BodyArmor Flash IV; Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4hxv5rf or Cure Hydration; Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/48NgllK)

I was grateful that my stomach didn’t instantly reject all contents after I ate that sandwich. Typically, I keep some Powerade on hand, but lately have switched to electrolyte drink mix as a way to also make sure I’m getting different sources of potassium (I work out and take a diuretic for my blood pressure). I’m not that kind of doctor, so please check out the ingredients and consults your medical doctor before adding them to your drink repertoire. I drink both the BodyArmor Flash IV (Strawberry Kiwi) and the plant-based Cure Hydration (Tropical Punch) by pouring a packet (not mixed together) into a bottle of water. The BodyArmor has a mild strawberry flavor with a strong tart taste to it, it’s decent room-temperature but I find myself liking it better cold. Typically, I don’t drink it this way unless I can remember to put the bottle in the fridge. Cure Hydration, on the other hand, doesn’t have much of a tart to it but has more of the this is healthy aftertaste that I associate with many powder drink mixes. If you’re looking to try Cure, I originally found them as single packets at Whole Foods. Both of these contain coconut if that is an allergy of concern.

5. Emergen-C Vitamin C Immune Support Packets, 30-count (Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/4oIQJv8)

Remember how I said I wasn’t a medical doctor and to consult yours? Well, that applies for the Emergen-C drink mixes as well. I will say that I’ve been drinking these since as far back as I can remember. They’re my go-to staple “I might be catching a cold so let me inject my body with as a hefty dose of Vitamin C.” That works right? I can’t say whether these actually help, but I always feel better mentally after having one. I will drink one at night before I head to bed, I figure that’s the best way to let my body rest, recharge, and kick out whatever germies might be trying to take over.

I was very fortunate that dinner result in anything more than stomach pain and nausea for the next day or so. It could have been much worse, like that one weekend I ate too much spicy food. But hey, I lived and have learned my lesson.. hopefully.