When you have a sore throat, eating feels like a challenge. Not surprisingly, not all foods are created equal when it comes to soothing a sore throat, or at least not making it worse.
Spicy Foods
The capsaicin in chili peppers is a strong irritant that can inflame your already-sensitive throat. If you can’t help yourself and want something spicy, try to offset the heat with cooling ingredients like yogurt or cucumber.
Dairy
Dairy products can cause mucus to thicken, making it more difficult to clear your throat. Milk, cheese, and ice cream are all examples of dairy products that you should avoid if you have a sore throat.
Acidic Foods
Acidic foods can irritate inflamed tissue when you have a sore throat and worsen your symptoms. Some examples of acidic foods include citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a common irritant. If you’re struggling with a sore throat, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether. If you still want to drink alcohol, be sure to drink plenty of water in between alcoholic beverages to keep your throat hydrated.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant and is mildly acidic. It can therefore exacerbate the symptoms of a sore throat. It can also lead to dehydration, which can irritate the throat even more. However, drinking a small amount of coffee that isn’t too hot might be beneficial because warm drinks have a soothing effect.
Sugar
Sugar is one of the foods to avoid when you have a sore throat. Sugar can cause inflammation and can make your throat feel worse. Sugar also slows down your body’s healing process.
