How Pickles Can Soothe a Sore Throat
Find Relief for a Sore Throat with Pickles, Says Specialist
Suffering from a sore throat? Instead of reaching for the typical remedies like tea with honey, you might want to consider a jar of pickles. Dr. Linda Yancey, an infectious disease specialist at Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, Texas, recently shared how consuming pickles or pickle juice can help relieve a sore throat, providing an alternative solution that might surprise you.
How Pickles Alleviate Sore Throat:
According to Dr. Yancey, the properties of pickle brine play a vital role in soothing a sore throat. When a solution, like pickle juice, has a higher concentration of salt or sugar compared to the fluid in our tissues, it can effectively reduce inflammation by drawing out the water. Thus, pickle juice can help ease the discomfort associated with a sore throat by reducing inflammation.
Why Salty Pickles Work Best:
Surprisingly, in the quest for sore throat relief, dill pickles, with the higher salt content in their pickling solution, prove to be more effective compared to sweet pickles. Dr. Yancey explains that the salt in the pickling solution of dill pickles aids in reducing sore throat symptoms.
How Many Pickles to Consume:
While there are no official recommendations on the exact quantity of pickles one should consume for sore throat relief, it’s advisable to experiment and find the appropriate amount that works for each individual. Dr. Yancey emphasizes that this home remedy should be taken in moderation.
Considerations:
It’s essential to be mindful of the salt intake when using pickles for relief, as they are known to be high in sodium. Additionally, Dr. Yancey suggests that pickle consumption should be accompanied by other common remedies, such as drinking tea and following medical recommendations provided by your healthcare professional.
Alternative Remedies:
Dr. Yancey also suggests a spoonful of honey, sweet tea, or a salt-water gargle as alternative remedies for sore throat relief. However, individuals on salt-restricted diets or with diabetes should exercise caution when using pickles or sweet tea for relief.
Note: This information is based on expert advice and should not substitute professional medical guidance.
