Health & Life

6 Foods to Avoid When You Have a Cold or Sore Throat

When experiencing a cough or sore throat, it is advisable to avoid consuming the following foods and drinks as they may exacerbate the condition.

Administrator

4 March, 2024

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Sore throat is a common condition, especially during seasonal changes. Usually, it is not dangerous and can be cured within 7-10 days if treated properly. However, having a sore throat and constant coughing can be quite uncomfortable. If left untreated, it can also lead to complications.

To reduce coughing and sore throat, patients need treatment, rest, and a nutritious diet to boost their immune system. In addition, patients need to avoid certain types of food that can worsen their condition.

Cold food and drinks

Inflammation and oxidative imbalance are among the causes of prolonged and frequent coughing. To reduce coughing, patients should avoid extremely cold food and drinks. Consuming excessively cold food and drinks can create conditions for bacteria in the throat to grow, making the coughing condition more severe.

Furthermore, using cold food and drinks can also reduce the functions of organs such as the spleen.

Sticky food

In Vietnamese cuisine, we have many dishes made from sticky rice such as sticky rice, square sticky rice cake, round sticky rice cake, etc. These are all attractive dishes, often used in breakfast. Although no studies have proven that people with cough, phlegm, and sore throat should absolutely not eat dishes made from sticky rice, due to the condition of the throat being damaged, even narrowed due to inflammation and phlegm, patients should avoid eating sticky food that is sticky and difficult to swallow.

Spicy hot food

Spicy hot food can stimulate taste buds and bring a pleasant sensation. However, consuming spicy ingredients such as chili, ginger, pepper, lemongrass, coriander… can cause the mucous membrane to swell, leading to more severe inflammation. Regular use of spicy ingredients can also cause a sore throat and increase the frequency of coughing.

Spicy food and alcoholic beverages are things that you should avoid when you have a cough and sore throat.

Alcoholic beverages, caffeine drinks

Many people believe that alcoholic drinks have an antiseptic effect on the throat. However, consuming alcoholic beverages can dehydrate the body, dry the throat, and stimulate the throat mucous membrane. In that case, the condition of coughing and sore throat will become more severe.

On the other hand, caffeine drinks have a mild diuretic effect. Consuming these types of drinks will increase the risk of dehydration, causing dry throat, discomfort, and making the symptoms of coughing worse.

Seafood

Seafood dishes can worsen the condition of coughing and phlegm. The odor of seafood can irritate the respiratory system, making the cough and runny nose problem worse. In addition, seafood contains a lot of proteins that can cause allergies with symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing.

Coconut and kumquat

Coconut and kumquat are fruits that have a cool taste, good for the body. However, when you have a cough, you should limit their use.

Coconut has a cooling property that can cause the body and lungs to catch a cold, making the coughing problem worse.

Meanwhile, kumquat produces cellulite that increases phlegm, making the symptoms of coughing worse.

Therefore, when you have a cough, you should avoid using these 2 types of fruits.

Frequently asked questions

There are several foods to avoid when you’re feeling under the weather with a cold or sore throat. Dairy products, especially those high in fat and sugar, can increase mucus production and make it harder to recover. Citrus fruits and juices, while packed with vitamin C, can irritate a sore throat due to their acidity. Spicy foods can also aggravate a sore throat and make coughing worse. Alcohol and coffee can dehydrate you, which is the opposite of what your body needs when you’re sick. Finally, tobacco products can further irritate your throat and slow down the healing process.

Dairy products, particularly those high in fat and sugar, can increase mucus production in the body. This extra mucus can make it harder to breathe and recover from your illness. Opt for dairy alternatives like soy milk or almond milk, and avoid cheese, ice cream, and other dairy-based products until you’re feeling better.

While citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is crucial for immune support, their high acidity can irritate a sore throat. Instead, try getting your vitamin C from less acidic sources like kiwi, broccoli, or bell peppers. You can also opt for vitamin C supplements to ensure you’re getting enough of this important nutrient while your throat is sensitive.

Spicy foods can aggravate a sore or irritated throat, making the pain worse. They can also trigger coughing fits and make it harder to recover from a cold. It’s best to stick to mild, soothing foods when you’re under the weather.

Staying hydrated is crucial when you’re sick because your body needs fluids to thin out mucus, making it easier to expel. Dehydration can also slow down your recovery process and make you feel worse. Avoid alcohol and coffee, as they can dehydrate you. Instead, opt for water, herbal tea, or electrolyte-rich drinks to stay properly hydrated.

Tobacco products can further irritate an already sore throat and slow down the healing process. They can dry out the throat and mouth, making it harder for your body to recover. It’s best to avoid smoking or using any tobacco products until your throat has healed.