A sore throat is a common symptom of viral and bacterial infections. It can be irritating and also can cause pain, dry and scratchiness to your throat. It can also lead to wound in the long run. So it is important to eat the right food to cure sore throat. Here, I have listed the 15 best foods for sore throat, which you must try.
Many people experience sore throat during the winter season as our body is most likely to get infected during winter. Whenever you have a sore throat, it becomes difficult to eat and swallow food. So It is always advised to eat soft food that is easy to swallow while having a sore throat.
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What Causes a Sore Throat?
Various reasons could lead to a sore throat. One of the most common is a viral or bacterial infection. The virus that is responsible for causing cold and sore throat is the rhinovirus. Also, other factors like allergy, dry air, shouting, and outdoor pollution can cause sore throat.
15 Best Foods to Eat With a Sore Throat
1. Banana
Banana is a non-acidic fruit that is one of the best things to eat with a sore throat since it is very easy to swallow. In addition, banana is rich in anti-inflammatory property, which helps recover from sore throat, and also it contains vitamin C, which improves immunity against infections.
2. Cabbage
Cabbage is rich in vitamin C, sulfur, vitamin K, and other antioxidants. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help in curing sore throat. It also prevents swelling in the throat.
3. Cloves
Clove helps in treating infections in the respiratory system. It consists of eugenol, also known as clove oil, that acts as a pain killer and prevents your throat from swelling.
4. Cinnamon
Cinnamon also consists of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which ease the pain and discomfort caused by a sore throat. You can add a piece of cinnamon to your tea and drink it.
5. Ginger
We all know the medicinal properties of ginger. It helps in soothing a sore throat since it has anti-bacterial properties. Ginger is also high in antioxidants, and it also helps increase your immunity against viral and bacterial infections. Add crushed ginger to boiling water and have it.
6. Garlic
Garlic is one of the best foods that helps a sore throat. When crushed, it produces a compound called allicin which has anti-bacterial properties in it. This also acts as an immunity booster and helps cure sinus problems. You can directly put a piece of garlic to your mouth, crush it and swallow the juice.
7. Lemon
Lemon consists of vitamin C, which prevents infections and also helps in soothing the sore throat. In addition, the citric acid in lemon has anti-bacterial property that helps in fighting against viruses and bacteria. You can make lemon juice that is easy to swallow or make lemon tea or add lemon to warm water and drink it.
8. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has great anti-inflammatory compounds that prevent your body from any virus and infections. In addition, chamomile tea naturally has a soothing property and helps in easing throat pain.
9. Boiled Egg
Eggs are a high source of protein. In addition, it contains omega 6 fatty acid, which helps in preventing inflammation. Also, boiled eggs are soft and easy to swallow.
10. Turmeric Tea
Turmeric is one of the best antioxidants in the kitchen. Turmeric consist of an active ingredient called curcumin which helps in soothing your throat. You can add a pinch of turmeric powder to warm water and consume it.
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11. Warm Soup
Drinking a warm soup gives you instant relief from a sore throat. Soups like chicken soup, tomato soup, and carrot soup are high in vitamins and protein, which fight against the infection in your body.
12. Pomegranate
Pomegranate is loaded with antioxidants which help in recovering from infections. It also contains astringents which help in reducing the risk of your throat swelling. In addition, drinking pomegranate juice can help in relieving the pain.
13. Black Pepper
Black pepper also high in zinc content. Studies have shown that zinc fights a virus called rhinovirus, which is the most common virus that causes cold. Black pepper also contains vitamin c, vitamin B6, and vitamin A, increasing your immunity level against infections.
You can crush a tablespoon of black pepper, mix it with honey and swallow it or you can add crushed black pepper to milk and have it.
14. Ice Cream
Eating ice cream while having a sore throat gives a cooling effect on inflamed tissues, reducing the swelling in the throat. It also numbs your throat and provides temporary relief.
But it is not recommended to eat ice cream if your sore throat is caused by cold and flu since it will worsen the condition. However, you can eat ice cream if the sore throat is caused by dry air, allergy, or other factors.
15. Yogurt
Yogurt is packed with protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It is rich in probiotic which helps in fighting against the infections caused by virus and bacteria. It also eases the pain while swallowing and soothes your throat.
But yogurt is also not ideal if the sore throat is caused by a cold or flu.
Food to Avoid While Having a Sore Throat
As some foods help ease your sore throat, there is a certain type of food that can worsen this condition. Eating hot food or drinking hot beverages can increase throat pain. Therefore, it is always recommended to have warm food if you have a sore throat.
Also, eating dry food like chips and raw vegetables will be hard to swallow and irritate your throat. Avoid eating fried and spicy food when sore throat.
Takeaway!
Many different factors can cause a sore throat, and it is a common problem that many people experience. Taking care of your food intake is important when you have a sore throat since the wrong food can worsen the condition.
Apart from the above food list, you can also try a saltwater gargle, which helps relieve pain. If you are experiencing a sore throat for more than one week or have a fever with a sore throat, you need to consult your doctor.
