With the onset of winter and cold weather, sore throats are common. A sore throat occurs when a person feels pain, itchiness, or irritation in their throat and may have some difficulty swallowing. A report released by Eat This Not That provides tips on which nutrients to avoid to help your body heal from a sore throat faster, as follows:
1. Crunchy snacks
Some foods, such as chips, crackers, and cookies, can feel sharp when ingested and cause more pain and irritation. The jagged edges of these foods can dig into an already sore throat, making it painful. Softer foods are best and help you heal quickly when you have a sore throat.
2. Citrus
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C which is great when someone is sick. But if the acidity of fresh fruits like oranges, lemons and limes make your throat tickle when you eat them, it’s best to avoid eating them until your sore throat subsides. Citrus juices and ice cream can also be irritating, so you should stop consuming them temporarily. You can also turn to other foods that contain vitamin C, which are softer, such as mashed potatoes or steamed peppers.
3. Acidic foods
Just like citrus fruits, acidic foods like tomato sauce can irritate the throat. They should be temporarily avoided until the pain subsides and the sore throat recovers.
4. Spicy food
Eating foods that are spicy or have hot sauce added irritates the inflamed area of the throat, which leads to increased inflammation and delayed recovery. Nutritionists advise excluding spices and spicy additives from the diet until the sore throat disappears.
5. Raw hard vegetables
Eating carrots and celery, which are healthy ingredients, can cause discomfort in the sore throat area. You can choose to eat cooked or even mashed vegetables when you suffer from a sore throat.
6. Baked and fried foods
Fried chicken and onion rings have a crispy, crunchy coating, but they can be a trigger for a sore throat. Fried foods can be eaten when you have a sore throat, but remember to remove the rough layers.
