A sore throat is a troublesome nuisance that can make eating or drinking difficult. The soreness and burning sensation that you feel when you have a sore throat makes swallowing painful. For this reason, you must watch what you eat until the problem resolves.
In this blog post, we will tell you which foods to avoid with sore throat and which ones you can eat so that there is minimal irritation to your throat and you start feeling better soon.
Foods to Avoid with Sore Throat
Here is a list of foods you must avoid when you have a sore throat:
Spicy foods
Avoid eating spicy dishes with lots of spices and chilli powder when you have a sore throat, as these can irritate your throat and increase pain. Instead, stick to eating bland foods when you have a sore throat to minimise irritation.
Acidic foods
Foods with high acidic content are also not suitable for consumption when you have a sore throat. The high acidity in these foods can enhance the burning sensation in your throat and make swallowing difficult. Foods that are acidic in nature include citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, and lemons, and veggies like tomatoes.
Hard foods
Crunchy chips can be your go-to snack on normal days, but not when you’re having a sore throat. Hard foods like crackers, chips, and nuts may have sharp edges even after chewing. These edges can scratch your already irritated throat, causing more pain and discomfort.
Uncooked Veggies
Raw, uncooked veggies like carrots and radishes can also make throat pain worse during an episode of sore throat. So, avoid eating uncooked veggies for a few days until your symptoms clear up.
Hot foods
It is okay to have warm soups and foods when you have a sore throat. But hot foods are a big “no” during this time as the heat can irritate the sensitive tissues of the throat and increase inflammation.
Alcohol and Carbonated Beverages
Alcohol is drying in nature and can increase the symptoms of a sore throat. So, it is better to avoid alcohol in any form when you have a sore throat or pharyngitis. Carbonated beverages like soda and cold drinks are also not recommended during this time.
Foods You Can Eat Instead
The best foods to eat when you have a sore throat are the ones that are soft and smooth in texture. These foods do not cause much irritation and are easy to swallow. Make sure the foods you eat are either cool or warm in temperature and are not too hot. Some foods you can safely eat when you have a sore throat are:
- Scrambled or hard-boiled eggs
- Cooked oatmeal
- Vegetable broths
- Creamy soups
- Milk and yoghurt
- Cooked vegetables
- Smoothies
- Cooked pasta
- Fruit popsicles
- Chamomile tea
Ease the Pain: Home Remedies for Sore Throat
Besides eating a soothing diet for your sore throat, you must also try some home remedies to help you find relief. Things you can try are:
1. Make yourself a saltwater solution by adding a small amount of salt to a glass of warm water. Mix well and gargle with it for a few minutes. Repeat this a few times a day for fast relief.
2. Use a medicated gargle like povidone iodine gargle to ease the pain. Do check with your doctor first before using any medicated gargle.
3. Suck on hardy cardy or sore throat lozenges to calm your throat and keep it moist.
4. Keep taking sips of water throughout the day to ease throat infection and dryness.
5. Make yourself warm tea with chamomile or ginger to soothe pain.
6. Take pain relievers if needed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a recommendation.
When to Visit Your Doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if:
- You are in severe pain
- Your pain has worsened over time
- Your sore throat is accompanied by fever or swollen glands
- You have a rash
- You have trouble breathing
- You have joint or body pain along with a sore throat
While a sore throat usually gets better in a few days, sometimes it may stretch longer if it is caused by a bacterial infection. In such cases, you may be prescribed antibiotics to clear the infection and relieve the sore throat.
Final Word
Waking up with a sore throat is no fun. But the good news is that throat pain associated with a sore throat often gets better with home remedies. Until then, you may eat soft and soothing foods like oatmeal, and keep in mind the foods to avoid with sore throat so you can prevent irritating your throat further.
And if your pain worsens or does not seem to improve, see your healthcare provider for evaluation.
FAQs
What is sore throat?
A sore throat, medically termed as pharyngitis, is a condition wherein your throat is irritated and feels scratchy and painful. The throat pain often worsens when you swallow food, drinks, or even your saliva.
What kills a sore throat fast at home?
Simple yet effective remedies such as gargling with warm salt water, having a spoonful of honey, sucking on sore throat lozenges, and using a humidifier help in clearing a sore throat quickly. But if you still don't feel relief, see your doctor.
What is the best gargle for sore throat?
While the best gargle for sore throat is the time-tested warm salt water gargle, your doctor may prescribe a medicated gargle such as povidone iodine gargle to treat your sore throat.
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Sources:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-eat-with-a-sore-throat-6834215#:~:text=On%20the%20other%20hand%2C%20acidic,help%20for%20overnight%20throat%20dryness.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315937#avoid
