Foods to Eat When You Have a Sore Throat

Itchiness and pain in the throat often makes it difficult to swallow food. Sore throat is sometimes associated with many other symptoms as well.It causes symptoms like cough and runny nose. You may also experience redness, swelling, sores and sometimes white patches in your throat. It can also ruin your appetite. 

There are some foods that are not only soothing for the throat but contain some nutrients that can help in relieving sore throat. These foods will satisfy your taste buds also. Following is the list of 10 soothing foods suggested by the best ENT specialist in Lahore.

Honey 

Honey is good for the throat and it is considered to be a natural cough suppressant. It is effective against bacterial and viral infections. You can also use it by mixing it with warm water. However, overdose of it can be harmful for the immune system. 

Ginger 

It is good in reducing pain and inflammation caused by sore throat. This root originated in China and it works as an antioxidant. It protects against bacteria and pathogens. You can have ginger tea or can eat it with warm rice. It has also been studied that eating honey with ginger boosts its effectiveness. 

Lemons 

As we know lemons contain vitamin C which works as a booster for the immune system. It also helps in soothing sore throat because it has antibacterial quality. You can use it by mixing some lemon juice, honey and warm water. 

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that has many functions. It is used to treat a variety of ailments. It is often used as a natural remedy for skin conditions, wounds etc. The juice of aloe vera helps in soothing an upset stomach or throat. It has also been studied that it may also help in reducing inflammation in the GI tract. 

Garlic 

It also helps in fighting the infection of your sore throat. It has antibacterial and antiviral agents. You can eat one or two cloves of garlic daily. You can also use garlic supplements. Garlic tea is also beneficial. 

Chicken Soup 

There is nothing like a warm bowl of soup to soothe your throat. Chicken soup really helps in fighting against cold and infection. There are a variety of other soups as well like vegetable soup, beef soup, and even seafood soup helps in fighting the pain of sore throat. Scientists found out that chicken soup is really helpful in increasing the movement of nasal mucus. The broth keeps you hydrated. It goes down easily when you have Itchiness in your throat. 

Soups are easy to make and also satisfy your taste buds. Make sure that your soup is warm but not hot. Hot soups can cause a sore throat. You can also add herbs in your soup if you want. Prefer to make homemade soups. 

Yogurt 

It is an excellent source of protein, carbohydrates and fats. It is a natural probiotic that can help in fighting off infection. It is soothing and very easy to swallow when you have a sore throat. 

Make sure to buy yogurt that does not contain sugar because sugar can irritate your throat. You can also boost its flavor by adding soft fruits or you can use frozen yogurt as well. 

Eggs

They are a good source of vitamin D and B12. They contain minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium. These minerals help in fighting against infections and relieving sore throat. Try to eat scrambled eggs because they are soft, warm, easy to chew and swallow when you have a sore throat. 

Apple Cider Vinegar 

It is considered to be the best home remedy for treating many ailments. It is also helpful in relieving sore throats. It kills bacteria and helps to break down mucus. You can use apple cider vinegar by mixing one tablespoon of it with eight ounces of water. You can also drink this mixture if you like and can use it for gargling several times a day. 

Coconut Oil

It is a very useful home remedy in relieving sore throat. Coconut oil has anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties. You can use it by simply taking a tablespoon of it or you can gargle with it for a few minutes. You can also add a few drops of coconut oil to your tea or coffee. 

Foods to avoid when you have a sore throat 

Avoid foods that have inflammatory properties such as sugary foods, fatty foods, acidic foods etc. 

Following are some foods that you should refrain from eating when you have a sore throat:

• Fried foods
• Red meats
• Dairy products 
• Baked sweets 
• Spicy foods 
• Coffee etc

The Takeaway 

Now you know the foods that are helpful in relieving sore throat. But if you frequently suffer from a sore throat, book an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor after examination can prescribe you about what to eat.