Having a sore throat can be a horrible experience, making it difficult and painful to eat and swallow. Obviously, eating and drinking are essential for your health. Here we look at the food and drink you should be consuming to help your sore throat and the ones to avoid, with insights from a throat specialist.
Foods And Drinks That Are Good For A Sore Throat
- Bananas – A soft fruit that will be easy on the throat and is healthy and filling too.
- Pomegranate Juice – Studies suggest pomegranate juice can reduce inflammation and fight off infection.
- Frozen Fruit – Fruit sherbets and popsicles can soothe the inflammation.
- Honey – Studies suggest honey can heal wounds and fight infection, as well as being tasty and soothing.
- Chicken Soup – Chicken soup has been said to have inflammatory properties that can clear airways, relieving the symptoms of a sore throat.
- Tea – Teas and other hot drinks can soothe the throat.
- Yoghurts And Smoothies – These are packed with nutrition and can be sipped throw a straw to make consumption easier.
- Scrambled Eggs – The texture makes scrambled eggs soft and easy to consume. Also eggs are a great source of protein.
- Vegetables (Well Cooked) – As long as they are cooked until they are soft, vegetables such as potatoes, cabbage and carrots are a good option if you have a sore throat.
Foods And Drinks To Stay Clear Of
- Anything Citrus – Citrus fruits and juices are acidic meaning they can irritate a sore throat further.
- Hard Or Crunchy Foods – Dry toast, nuts and crackers all have sharp edges that could cause more pain to an already inflamed throat.
- Tomato Sauces – Tomatoes are also acidic which can anger a sore throat.
- Alcohol – Alcohol and mouthwashes that contain alcohol can cause stinging to a sore throat. Alcohol can also make you dehydrated which can cause further problems.
- Tobacco – Smoking and inhaling second hand smoke will only aggravate a sore throat.
- Some Spices – Some spices such as chillies, nutmeg and hot sauces can make an inflamed throat even worse.
- Sour Or Pickled Food – Any foods made with vinegar or salt can irritate an inflammation further.
As with any aspect of life, a balance is the ideal, however sticking to the advice above may help you manage a sore throat better.