Introduction
Having a sore throat can be a miserable experience. Not only is it painful, but it can also make it difficult to swallow and talk. Eating the wrong foods can make your sore throat worse, so it’s important to know which foods to avoid. In this article, we’ll discuss the 6 worst foods to eat when you have a sore throat. These foods can irritate your throat and make your symptoms worse, so it’s best to avoid them.
6 Worst Foods to Eat When You Have a Sore Throat
Having a sore throat can be a real pain, and it can be difficult to know what to eat when you’re feeling under the weather. While there are some foods that can help soothe a sore throat, there are also some that can make it worse. Here are 6 of the worst foods to eat when you have a sore throat.
1. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are high in acidity, which can irritate a sore throat. Avoid these fruits if you’re feeling under the weather.
2. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods can be a real throat irritant, so it’s best to avoid them when you’re feeling under the weather. The capsaicin in spicy foods can cause a burning sensation in your throat, making it even more uncomfortable.
3. Dairy Products
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream can be difficult to swallow when you have a sore throat. The mucus-like consistency of these foods can make it even harder to swallow, so it’s best to avoid them.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol can be a real throat irritant, so it’s best to avoid it when you’re feeling under the weather. Alcohol can also dehydrate you, which can make your sore throat worse.
5. Caffeinated Beverages
Caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and soda can be dehydrating and can also irritate your throat. Avoid these drinks if you’re feeling under the weather.
6. Acidic Foods
Acidic foods like tomatoes, vinegar, and pickles can be a real throat irritant. Avoid these foods if you’re feeling under the weather.
A sore throat is when you have pain, scratchiness, or irritation in the throat and it can feel worse when you swallow. When the cold weather settles in, so do sore throats. Those sore throats can get annoying, especially when you’re trying to get everything on your to-do list done. In my experience, swallowing liquids can be painful, let alone eating! However, You certainly want to keep on track with a healthy diet to help your body heal.
You certainly want to In addition to keeping hydrated while under the weather with a sore throat, even when you feel that initial tickle starting to come on. Additionally, there are certain types of food you may want to steer clear of to increase your chances of rebounding quickly with a more speedy recovery.
Below are six foods that you should avoid when feeling under the weather with a sore throat. Also, for more ideas on how to soothe your sore throat, be sure to also check out 4 Best Foods to Eat for a Sore Throat, Says Dietitian.
Foods like chips, crackers, and other such foods may feel sharp when swallowed and cause more pain and irritation. The jagged edges of these foods can poke into your already sore throat making it painful. Softer foods tend to fare better with a sore throat. If crackers are all that you’re in the mood for while sick, you can dip them in warm tea to soften them up.
They are packed with vitamin C, which is great for when you’re ill. However, if the acidity of fresh fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes enhance the tickle in your throat when you eat them, then it’s best to pass on them until your sore throat subsides. Juices, ice pops, and smoothies made with citrus fruit may also be irritating, so temporarily hold off if they bother you. To soothe a sore throat with citrus, squeeze a wedge into warm tea or even with plain warm water and honey. To soothe a sore throat with citrus, squeeze a wedge into warm tea or even with plain warm water and honey. You can also turn to other foods with vitamin C that are softer like mashed potatoes, or sautéed peppers.
Just like citrus fruit, acidic foods like tomato sauce may be irritating to your throat. If they are, then temporarily avoid until your pain subsides—and then bring on the (healthier) pizza!
For some folks, when they have a sore throat they need to put down the hot sauce or sriracha. These types of foods may be irritating to the area in the throat that is inflamed or further irritate the throat. If that’s you, then take the spiciness out of your diet just until the sore throat passes.
Carrot and celery stalks are certainly healthy, but their toughness may be bothersome if brushed on the area of your throat that is irritated. If their toughness bothers your sore throat, then opt for cooked veggies or even pureed veggies like mashed potatoes for the time being. You can go back to dipping those raw veggies in hummus once your throat is on the mend.
Although fried chicken and fried onion rings may be comforting to eat when you’re sick, the coarse coating may be irritating to your sore throat. Steer clear until your symptoms ease up—and remember to choose fried foods in small amounts as they aren’t the healthiest option, especially when you’re sick.
The bottom line:
When you have a sore throat, avoiding these foods while choosing healthier ones and staying is your best bet to help your body mend. As sore throats can vary in how painful they are, avoid any food that may irritate your throat until you start feeling better.
Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN