What should you eat and drink if you have a sore throat?

A sore throat causes extreme pain and discomfort in people of all ages. Very often, the first sign of a cold or upper respiratory infection is difficulty breathing and feeling unwell, along with a lack of desire to eat. However, according to doctors, it is important that you nourish your body, especially when you are sick, to speed up the healing process.

Therefore, experts suggest consuming hot drinks and foods, including soft foods that do not harm the already inflamed throat.

What foods and drinks can help cure a sore throat?

You would have heard the phrase “feed a cold, starve a fever.” While eating the recommended foods won’t cure a sore throat, these options can help relieve irritation and swelling while promoting healing.

Experts recommend eating foods that are not spicy and easy to swallow, as their smooth texture will help limit throat irritation. Hot soups or tea with lemon, as well as gargling with warm, salty water, can also help soothe the throat.

Some foods you can safely eat without further aggravating your condition include:

Hot and cooked oatmeal

Oats are packed with fiber and nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants. It is an excellent meal to fill you up and at the same time help you eliminate toxins from your body.

Gelatin-based desserts

While it has no medicinal benefits, gelatin’s smooth texture makes it easy to swallow when you have a sore throat.

Natural yogurts or yogurts with fruit puree at room temperature

Honey

Honey has incredible medicinal benefits. It is super effective in protecting yourself from bacterial and viral infections. But since it is high in sugar, honey can prevent your immune system from doing its effective job, so always take it in small quantities.

Ginger

Ginger is a natural antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and prevents bacterial growth. It also has anti-nausea properties.

Frozen

Contrary to popular belief, cold foods like ice cream soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation. However, be sure to eat only one tablespoon, as too much sugar can inhibit the effectiveness of the immune system.

chicken soup

Chicken soup is super delicious as well as one of the best remedies to combat colds and infections. It helps inhibit the movement of neutrophils, white blood cells that defend against infection, and warm fluids increase the movement of nasal mucus.

hot mashed potatoes

Soft, easy-to-swallow foods, like mashed potatoes, are always a good idea when you’re sick, and mashed potatoes fit the bill. It’s loaded with magnesium, vitamin C, and antioxidants (ingredients that promote a strong immune system), so leave it alone when you crush it.

Eggs

Eggs, whether boiled or scrambled, are a powerhouse of protein, vitamin D and B12, as well as zinc, iron and selenium, which help fight infections.

Fruit-based smoothies

Smoothies: made with seasonal fruits along with dates, they are foods rich in antioxidants that help soothe the throat and increase immunity levels.