Having a sore throat can be bothersome at best. At worst, it can really ruin your day, as well as your appetite. Turns out, there are some preferable foods for sore throat that may bring you some much-needed relief. And while cough drops and various OTC sore throat remedies might do the trick from time to time, food is almost always the best medicine. So, there are some foods and beverages you should keep in mind when it comes to your achy throat. But perhaps even more importantly, there are some things that might sound appetizing, but may make your sore throat even more bothersome than before.
Avoid talking, swallowing, singing, or any other activity involving your vocal cords while you have a sore throat and it's a recipe for pain and discomfort. The same goes for eating. "Sore throat is usually associated with inflammation of the pharyngeal tissue or throat lining, this causes the discomfort. Therefore it is important to make proper food selections.
"When deciding on a diet, it’s important to remember that what we eat and drink will touch this tissue and can cause additional discomfort, so making the right decision is important. soft textures foods are recommended like potatoes/sweet potatoes, grains like rice, oatmeal, and warm soups (like chicken noodle!). It is important to notes that hydration trumps nutrition in terms of importance when one has a sore throat. Therefore, getting plenty of liquids is key, particularly water.
"Warm teas like a nice green tea or jasmine can be helpful," Foods such as sweet potatoes, rice, and soups are more advisable for those with a sore throat. "These foods are better with a sore throat because [they are] less likely to trigger further irritation of the inflamed tissue," Some of these foods can also help alleviate a sore throat due to their temperature. "Warm soups and teas can be helpful because the warmth can sooth[e] the throat muscles." Conversely, foods patients should steer clear of includes foods with sharp edges like crackers,"
Sharp edges can cause mechanical irritation. But texture isn't the only factor to consider, she states. "In addition, foods heavy in spice and acid can trigger acid reflux which can exacerbate sore throat but also can be a cause of sore throat." Therefore, it's best to avoid spices, as well as stick with low-acid food and drink items. Offering one final suggestion, "If your sore throat is associated with a cold and mucus, I recommend limiting dairy. It doesn't produce more mucus but will combine with mucus/saliva to give an uncomfortable thickness sensation in the throat.
