Posted by London juice company team
On December 16, 2025
Introduction
What Is Juicing for Sickness?
Juicing for sickness is the practice of consuming freshly made fruit and vegetable juices to support immune function, provide concentrated nutrients, and aid recovery during illness. These juices deliver vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration in an easily digestible form that's gentle on the body when appetite is low. Unlike solid foods, juices require minimal digestion while providing maximum nutritional support exactly when your body needs it most.
When flu season strikes, juicing becomes a powerful natural approach to stay healthy, recover faster, and maintain energy levels. Fresh juices made from citrus fruits, leafy greens, ginger, and turmeric provide vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that strengthen your immune defenses.
While juicing isn't a replacement for medical treatment, it's an excellent complement to rest, hydration, and balanced nutrition during recovery from colds and flu.
Why Juicing Helps During Flu Season
Quick Answer: Juicing helps during flu season by providing superior hydration when fever causes fluid loss, delivering concentrated nutrients in easy-to-consume form, supplying antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress, and offering gentle nutrition that's easy to digest when appetite disappears. Fresh juices support your immune system without overwhelming your body.
1. Hydration Support
When you're unwell, dehydration becomes a serious concern. Fever, sweating, and reduced appetite all contribute to fluid loss.
How Juices Help:
- Naturally hydrating from water-rich fruits and vegetables
- Replace lost fluids more effectively than processed drinks
- Easier to consume than plain water when nauseous
- Provide electrolytes (potassium, magnesium) for balance
Proper hydration supports every bodily function, especially immune response. For more hydration options, explore our RAW Coco Burst coconut water with natural electrolytes.
2. Nutrient Boost
Fresh produce packs essential vitamins and minerals your immune system needs to fight infections.
Key Nutrients from Juicing:
- Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, peppers, leafy greens
- Vitamin A: Carrots, sweet potatoes (as beta-carotene)
- Potassium: Celery, cucumber, oranges
- Magnesium: Leafy greens, beets
- Zinc: Spinach, pomegranate
Juicing concentrates these nutrients, making it easy to consume therapeutic amounts when you can't face whole meals.
3. Antioxidant Power
Fruits like berries, pomegranates, and oranges contain antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress—cellular damage that weakens immunity.
How Antioxidants Help:
- Fight free radicals that damage cells
- Reduce inflammation throughout body
- Support liver detoxification processes
- Allow immune system to focus on fighting infection
For more antioxidant-rich options, check our organic cranberry juice benefits guide.
4. Easy Digestion
When you're under the weather, heavy meals feel overwhelming. Your digestive system has limited energy—conserving it helps your body focus on healing.
Juice Advantages:
- Pre-digested nutrients (no fiber breakdown needed)
- Gentle on sensitive stomachs
- Quick nutrient absorption
- Doesn't trigger nausea like solid foods might
This makes juicing particularly valuable for those experiencing loss of appetite, nausea, or digestive discomfort during illness.
For comprehensive healing approaches, read our juice cure natural healing guide.
Ready for immune support? Explore our cold-pressed juice collection designed for wellness.
Best Ingredients for Juicing During Sickness
Quick Answer: The best ingredients for juicing when sick include citrus fruits (vitamin C for immunity), carrots (beta-carotene for strong defenses), ginger (anti-inflammatory for sore throats), turmeric (curcumin fights inflammation), leafy greens (chlorophyll and minerals), and berries (antioxidant protection). These ingredients work synergistically to boost recovery.
Citrus Fruits (Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit)
Why They Work: Rich in vitamin C, which supports immune cell function and helps reduce cold duration.
Vitamin C Benefits:
- Increases white blood cell production
- Acts as powerful antioxidant
- May shorten illness duration by 8-14%
- Enhances iron absorption from other foods
Best Uses:
- Morning immune boosters
- Throat-soothing drinks with honey
- Base for most illness-fighting juices
Carrots
Why They Work: High in beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A—essential for maintaining healthy mucous membranes that form your first defense against pathogens.
Beta-Carotene Benefits:
- Supports respiratory tract health
- Strengthens immune response
- Protects vision during illness
- Acts as antioxidant
Best Uses:
- Sweet base for vegetable juices
- Pairs well with ginger and turmeric
- Adds natural sweetness without sugar
Ginger
Why It Works: Anti-inflammatory and naturally soothing for sore throats, nausea, and digestive upset.
Ginger Benefits:
- Reduces throat inflammation
- Settles upset stomach
- Has antimicrobial properties
- Warms body during chills
Best Uses:
- Small amounts for spicy kick
- Soothes nausea and digestive issues
- Enhances circulation
Learn more about ginger's anti-inflammatory effects in our liver cleansing juice recipes.
Turmeric
Why It Works: Contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that may reduce illness duration.
Curcumin Benefits:
- Strong antiviral properties
- Reduces inflammation throughout body
- Supports liver detoxification
- Enhances immune cell response
Pro Tip: Add black pepper to boost curcumin absorption by 2000%.
Garlic (Optional)
Why It Works: Known for antimicrobial and antiviral properties that directly fight pathogens.
Garlic Benefits:
- Natural antibiotic effects
- Reduces cold severity
- Boosts immune cell activity
- Supports cardiovascular health
Note: Use sparingly—flavor is intense in juice form.
Leafy Greens (Kale, Spinach, Parsley)
Why They Work: Provide chlorophyll, iron, magnesium, and vitamins that support oxygen transport and energy production.
Greens Benefits:
- Iron prevents fatigue
- Chlorophyll supports detoxification
- Vitamin K aids blood health
- Folate supports immune function
Pomegranate & Berries
Why They Work: Deliver anthocyanins and polyphenols that protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
Berry Benefits:
- Highest antioxidant content
- Reduce oxidative stress
- Support cardiovascular health
- Naturally sweet without added sugar
For more berry-based health benefits, explore our best juicing for acne guide with antioxidant-rich recipes.
5 Cold- and Flu-Fighting Juice Recipes
Recipe 1: Citrus Ginger Kickstart
Why It Works: This juice provides a concentrated dose of vitamin C combined with ginger's spicy kick to wake up your immune system and soothe throat irritation.
Ingredients:
- 2 large oranges (peeled)
- 1 lemon (peeled, seeds removed)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional)
Method:
- Peel citrus fruits, removing as much white pith as desired
- Juice oranges, lemon, and ginger together
- Stir in honey if using (adds throat-soothing properties)
- Serve immediately over ice for maximum vitamin C retention
Health Benefits:
- Boosts immune defense with 200%+ daily vitamin C
- Ginger soothes sore throat naturally
- Naturally hydrating and energizing
- Honey adds antimicrobial properties
Serving Size: 200-250ml | Best Time: First thing in morning on empty stomach
Nutritional Info: ~120 calories, 28g carbs, 3g fiber, 180mg vitamin C
Recipe 2: Carrot Turmeric Shield
Why It Works: This bright orange juice combines beta-carotene from carrots with turmeric's anti-inflammatory benefits. Apple adds natural sweetness while black pepper enhances turmeric absorption dramatically.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium carrots (peeled)
- 1 apple (cored, any variety)
- 1-inch fresh turmeric root (or ½ tsp powder)
- Pinch of black pepper
- ½-inch fresh ginger (optional)
Method:
- Wash and prep all produce
- Juice carrots, apple, turmeric root, and ginger
- Sprinkle generous pinch of black pepper
- Stir well and drink fresh for powerful immune boost
Health Benefits:
- Supports liver detox and immune health
- Powerful anti-inflammatory properties aid recovery
- Beta-carotene converts to vitamin A for respiratory health
- Sweet, earthy flavor that's comforting when sick
Serving Size: 200ml | Best Time: Morning or afternoon
Nutritional Info: ~140 calories, 33g carbs, 5g fiber, 15mg vitamin A (as beta-carotene)
For more turmeric-based wellness drinks, see our winter juices collection with immune-boosting recipes.
Recipe 3: Green Immune Booster
Why It Works: Leafy greens like kale and spinach deliver iron and antioxidants critical for oxygen transport. Cucumber and lime add refreshing hydration while apple balances the earthiness with natural sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 large handful kale leaves (stems removed)
- 1 handful fresh spinach
- ½ large cucumber
- 1 green apple (cored)
- ½ lime (peeled)
Method:
- Wash all greens thoroughly under cold water
- Juice ingredients together, alternating greens with cucumber for smoother extraction
- Mix well and enjoy chilled immediately
- Consume within 15 minutes for maximum nutrient retention
Health Benefits:
- Packed with chlorophyll for natural detoxification
- Iron supports oxygen transport and fights fatigue
- Vitamin K aids blood health and healing
- Crisp, refreshing taste even when appetite is low
Serving Size: 200-250ml | Best Time: Mid-morning or early afternoon
Nutritional Info: ~110 calories, 26g carbs, 4g fiber, 180mg vitamin C, 3mg iron
Discover more green juice benefits in our carrot celery juice recipe guide.
Recipe 4: Pomegranate Berry Blast
Why It Works: This antioxidant powerhouse combines pomegranate and mixed berries—both ranking among the highest antioxidant foods available. Apple adds body and natural sweetness without overwhelming the berry flavor.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup fresh pomegranate seeds (arils)
- ½ cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
- 1 apple (cored)
- ½ lemon (peeled)
- ¼ cup water (for blending)
Method:
- If using blender: Combine all ingredients with water, blend until smooth, strain through fine mesh
- If using juicer: Process pomegranate, berries, apple, and lemon
- Stir well and serve immediately
- Dilute with water if too concentrated
Health Benefits:
- Highest antioxidant content fights free radicals
- Anthocyanins reduce inflammation
- Supports cardiovascular health during illness
- Naturally sweet without added sugar
- Vitamin C boosts immune function
Serving Size: 150-200ml | Best Time: Afternoon or post-meal
Nutritional Info: ~150 calories, 36g carbs, 6g fiber, ORAC value 8000+ (very high antioxidants)
Recipe 5: Pineapple Turmeric Recovery
Why It Works: Pineapple contains bromelain—a natural enzyme that reduces inflammation and supports respiratory health. Combined with turmeric and ginger, this creates a tropical-tasting medicine that actually works.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 medium carrots
- 1-inch fresh turmeric root
- ½-inch fresh ginger
- Pinch black pepper
Method:
- Prep all ingredients (peel pineapple and carrots)
- Juice pineapple, carrots, turmeric, and ginger together
- Add pinch of black pepper for curcumin absorption
- Stir well and serve chilled
Health Benefits:
- Bromelain enzyme reduces throat and sinus inflammation
- Turmeric provides powerful anti-inflammatory effects
- Vitamin C from pineapple supports immune function
- Digestive enzymes aid nutrient absorption
- Sweet, tropical taste makes medicine enjoyable
Serving Size: 200-250ml | Best Time: Any time, especially with meals
Nutritional Info: ~160 calories, 38g carbs, 4g fiber, 130mg vitamin C
Want ready-made immune support? Try our Fruitti Me juice blend with antioxidant-rich fruits.
Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
1. Drink Fresh, Drink Fast
Why It Matters: Vitamin C and enzymes degrade rapidly when exposed to air and light.
Best Practices:
- Consume juice within 15 minutes of making
- If storing, use airtight glass container
- Refrigerate immediately
- Maximum storage: 24 hours (nutrient loss occurs)
2. Choose Organic When Possible
Why It Matters: When sick, your body needs to focus on healing—not processing pesticides.
Priority Organic Items (highest pesticide residues):
- Strawberries
- Spinach and kale
- Apples
- Grapes
- Celery
- Citrus (if using peel/zest)
3. Balance Fruit and Vegetables
Why It Matters: Too much fruit juice spikes blood sugar, which can temporarily suppress immune function.
Ideal Ratio:
- 60-70% vegetables
- 30-40% fruit
- Or use low-sugar fruits (berries, green apple)
4. Don't Replace All Meals
Why It Matters: Juices lack protein, healthy fats, and fiber needed for complete nutrition.
Smart Approach:
- Use juice as supplement, not meal replacement
- Consume 1-2 juices daily alongside light meals
- Include protein sources (yogurt, eggs, lean meats)
- Don't juice-only for more than 1-2 days
5. Time Your Juices Strategically
Best Times:
- Morning (empty stomach): Citrus-based immunity boosters
- Mid-morning: Green vegetable juices
- Afternoon: Carrot-turmeric blends
- Avoid evening: Fruit sugar may disrupt sleep
6. Enhance Absorption
Pro Tips:
- Add black pepper with turmeric (2000% better absorption)
- Include small amount of healthy fat (avocado, coconut oil)
- Drink slowly, not gulping
- Swish juice in mouth before swallowing (starts digestion)
For more juice optimization tips, read our cold press drinks vs regular juice comparison.
7. Listen to Your Body
Important Signs:
- If juice upsets stomach, dilute with water
- If citrus irritates throat, focus on vegetable juices
- If too weak to make juice, consider quality cold-pressed options
- If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention
Need convenient immune support? Browse our Tropical Dream blend for vitamin C-rich tropical fruits.
When Juicing Isn't Enough
Quick Answer: Seek medical attention if fever exceeds 103°F (39.4°C), symptoms worsen after 10 days, you experience difficulty breathing or chest pain, severe dehydration occurs, or you have underlying health conditions. Juicing supports recovery but never replaces professional medical care for serious illness.
Warning Signs Requiring Medical Care
Seek immediate help if you experience:
Respiratory Issues:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent chest pain or pressure
- Wheezing or gasping
- Blue lips or face
Severe Symptoms:
- Fever above 103°F (39.4°C) lasting more than 2 days
- Fever above 100.4°F lasting more than 5 days
- Severe headache with stiff neck
- Confusion or altered mental state
Dehydration Signs:
- Dark urine or no urination for 8+ hours
- Extreme dizziness or fainting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dry mouth and no tears
Persistent Problems:
- Symptoms lasting beyond 10 days without improvement
- Symptoms that improve then suddenly worsen
- Severe sore throat with white patches
- Ear pain or discharge
High-Risk Groups
Consult doctor promptly if you're:
- Pregnant or nursing
- Over 65 years old
- Infant or young child
- Immunocompromised
- Have chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, asthma)
Juicing provides excellent nutritional support, but serious illnesses require professional medical evaluation and treatment.
For safe cleansing practices, read about headache during cleanse prevention.
Conclusion: Juice Your Way to Faster Recovery
Juicing for sickness provides powerful natural support during flu season and illness recovery. By combining the right ingredients—vitamin C-rich citrus, anti-inflammatory ginger and turmeric, antioxidant-packed berries, and nutrient-dense greens—you create therapeutic drinks that:
✓ Hydrate effectively when fever causes fluid loss ✓ Nourish with concentrated vitamins and minerals ✓ Support immune function naturally ✓ Digest easily when appetite disappears ✓ Taste delicious while healing your body
Remember: juicing complements—not replaces—rest, hydration, and medical care when needed. Start with one immune-boosting juice daily, listen to your body, and seek professional help for serious symptoms.
This flu season, arm yourself with nature's most powerful medicine: fresh, nutrient-rich juices made from whole fruits and vegetables.
Experience Premium Cold-Pressed Immune Support
Don't feel like juicing when you're sick? London Juice Company offers professionally crafted cold-pressed juices perfect for immune support and recovery.
Featured Immune-Boosting Products:
🍊 Fruitti Me – Antioxidant-rich fruit blend
🥕 Tropical Dream – Vitamin C tropical fusion
🥥 RAW Coco Burst – Natural electrolyte hydration
🌿 Mr. Aloe – Soothing aloe vera drinks
Take Action Now:
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Stay healthy this flu season with London Juice Company's premium cold-pressed nutrition.
FAQs
What juices are good for sickness?
The best juices for sickness include citrus-ginger (vitamin C boost), carrot-turmeric (anti-inflammatory), green vegetable (nutrient-dense), pomegranate-berry (antioxidants), and pineapple-based (bromelain enzyme). These provide immune support, hydration, and easy-to-digest nutrition when you're ill.
What juice to avoid when sick?
Avoid store-bought juices with added sugars (suppress immunity), highly acidic juices if you have stomach upset, caffeinated drinks that dehydrate, and excessive pure fruit juice without vegetables (blood sugar spikes). Also skip alcohol completely—it weakens immune function.
What is the best drink to have when sick?
The best drinks when sick are fresh vegetable-fruit juices (nutrient-dense), herbal teas (hydrating), bone broth (protein and minerals), coconut water (electrolytes), and plain water. Citrus-ginger juice provides excellent immune support while staying gentle on digestion.
What is the 80/20 rule to lose weight?
The 80/20 rule means eating nutritiously 80% of the time while allowing flexibility for treats 20% of the time. This balanced approach supports sustainable weight loss without deprivation. When sick, focus on 100% nourishing foods temporarily to support recovery.
What vegetables should not be juiced?
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) taste very bitter when juiced—better eaten cooked. Also avoid juicing large amounts of raw kale or spinach if you have thyroid issues. Starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn) don't juice well and spike blood sugar.
Does 100% fruit juice count as a serving of fruit?
Yes, 100% fruit juice can count as one fruit serving, but whole fruit is nutritionally superior due to fiber content. Limit juice to 4-6 oz daily and prioritize whole fruits. When sick, juice provides easy-to-absorb nutrients when eating solid food is difficult.
What should you not do while juicing?
Don't replace all meals with juice for extended periods (missing protein/fiber), don't juice exclusively fruit (blood sugar spikes), don't store juice more than 24 hours (nutrient loss), and don't ignore serious symptoms requiring medical care. Juicing supplements—not replaces—balanced nutrition.
Do pure juice shots work when sick?
Yes, concentrated immunity shots with ginger, turmeric, lemon, and cayenne can provide therapeutic doses of anti-inflammatory compounds and vitamin C. However, they work best alongside balanced nutrition and rest—not as standalone treatments. Drink 1-2 oz shots 1-3 times daily.
Are juice shots actually healthy?
Juice shots can be healthy when made from whole ingredients (citrus, ginger, turmeric) without added sugars. They provide concentrated nutrients quickly. However, they lack fiber and shouldn't replace whole foods. Best used as targeted immune support during illness or prevention.
What is the best drink for infections?
The best drinks for fighting infections are fresh citrus-ginger juice (antimicrobial vitamin C), green vegetable juice (chlorophyll and minerals), turmeric-based drinks (anti-inflammatory curcumin), herbal teas (hydration with compounds like elderberry), and bone broth (protein and minerals for immune cells).
What juice is best for healing?
Pomegranate-berry juice provides maximum antioxidants for cellular repair. Carrot-turmeric juice offers anti-inflammatory benefits. Citrus-ginger supports immune function. Pineapple juice contains bromelain enzyme for inflammation. Combining these ingredients creates powerful healing support when recovering from illness.
References
- https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(24)01125-8
- https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/support-your-immune-function-with-good-nutrition
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9654013/
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1364836/full
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8537626/
About the Author
The London Juice Company
team brings together years of expertise in the juice and beverage industry, combining a passion for
health and flavour with global distribution knowledge. Our content is crafted to inspire both juice enthusiasts and business
owners, offering trusted insights, flavour combinations, and industry trends. We’re dedicated to sharing our love for fresh,
natural juices and helping you enjoy the benefits of a vibrant, healthy lifestyle, no matter the season.