When you have a swollen inflamed sore throat, swallowing can be difficult and often quite uncomfortable. This can make the mere thought of eating and drinking rather unpleasant. Here, we’ll review some food and drink that can help ease the irritation and discomfort of eating and drinking with a sore throat.
Foods to eat with a sore throat
Helpful advice for what to eat with a sore throat is to choose foods that are easy to swallow and that don’t further irritate your already inflamed throat.
Soft foods
Reach for soft yet nutritious foods such as bananas, yoghurt, or scrambled eggs to prevent irritating your sore throat. You could also try whipping up a smoothie to keep up your intake of fruits and vegetables.
Warm foods
Warm foods such as chicken or vegetable soup can help soothe a sore throat.
Frozen foods
Cold frozen foods such as ice cubes, ice blocks, ice cream, and frozen yoghurt may help to cool your sore throat to reduce discomfort while eating.
Foods that coat your throat
Certain foods such as honey are called demulcents. These foods coat the throat with a soothing film to help relieve the irritation of a sore throat.
Drinks for sore throat
We’ve listed some foods that help sore throat, but what about drinks for sore throat? The essential thing to remember is that maintaining your fluid intake is important when you have a sore throat, to prevent dehydration.
Cold drinks
The cooling effect of cold drinks such as iced water or iced tea can help to relieve sore throats.
Warm drinks
Warm drinks such as black, green, or herbal tea can also soothe a sore throat. Consider adding honey to warm water or warm tea to coat and soothe your irritated sore throat.
Foods to avoid with a sore throat
Now that we know what is good food for sore throat, are there any ‘bad’ foods to avoid? When you are managing a sore throat, try to avoid foods that are difficult to swallow or that could cause more irritation to a painful or inflamed throat.
Rough-textured or hard foods
Foods that are rough or have sharp edges or that are hard and crunchy can all cause more irritation to an already sore throat.
Salty or spicy foods
Consider toning down the levels of spices and salt in your foods when you have a sore throat to help reduce irritation.
Acidic foods
Highly acidic foods such as tomatoes or citrus fruits may also irritate a sore throat.
Best food for sore throat recovery
Sore throats associated with colds and flu usually resolve on their own in around 1 week. As described above, adjusting the temperature and types of food you eat can help relieve discomfort associated with an irritated sore throat. However, there is no scientific evidence to show that any particular food or drink can speed your recovery.
Frozen foods such as ice cream can help cool a sore throat, making swallowing easier.
The acidity in lemon may irritate an already sore throat.
For fast and effective relief from an irritated sore throat, reach for Strepsils® Lozenges with double antibacterial action. When you need rapid relief from a painful, inflamed sore throat, try Strepsils® Extra Lozenges with antibacterial and anaesthetic action.
This article is for general information only and not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. In all health-related matters, always consult your healthcare professional. Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional.
RB-M-49509.
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