Struggling with a sore throat or tonsillitis? Your diet may significantly impact your symptoms and healing.
Tonsillitis, or the inflammation of the tonsils, often comes with a sore, scratchy throat, pain while swallowing, and general discomfort. Whether caused by a viral or bacterial infection, choosing the right foods to eat and avoid during tonsillitis can help soothe your symptoms and support recovery [1].
In this blog, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of soothing foods for a sore throat, as well as ingredients that might exacerbate it, and home remedies that can support healing.
Soothing Food Choices for a Sore Throat
When dealing with a sore throat, opt for soothing, easy-to-swallow foods that provide hydration and essential nutrients. Soft, cool, or warm options, such as chicken soup, may help alleviate discomfort while offering comfort and nourishment.
Chicken Soup
Chicken soup is a comforting remedy that not only hydrates but also may help soothe a sore throat. The warm broth may help relieve nasal congestion, and the steam may ease throat irritation. Rich in protein, vitamins, and carbohydrates from chicken, vegetables, and noodles, this dish supports hydration and provides a boost of energy [2].
Honey
Honey is a time-honored remedy that may help soothe a sore throat by acting as a natural barrier against irritation and can act as a cough suppressant, particularly at night [3]. Its viscous texture may offer temporary relief. However, due to its high sugar content, honey should be consumed in moderation and must be avoided for children under one year old due to the risk of botulism [4].
Yoghurt
Cold yoghurt offers a cooling effect on an irritated throat while providing essential nutrients like protein and carbohydrates. Many varieties also contain probiotics that support gut health and immunity [1]. For maximum benefit, opt for low-sugar, plain yoghurt to avoid exacerbating inflammation.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are soft and easy to swallow, making them gentle on a sore throat. They provide a filling, nutrient-rich meal without causing irritation, and their smooth texture makes them easier to eat when experiencing discomfort.
Eggs
Scrambled or poached eggs are soft and easy to swallow, providing essential protein and vitamins. Avoid fried or hard-boiled eggs, as they can be more difficult to manage with a sore throat.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is easy to swallow and provides sustained energy through complex carbohydrates. Adding a bit of honey (for adults and children over one) can enhance its soothing effects, while ginger can add anti-inflammatory benefits. However, be mindful of sugar intake.
Ginger
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce pain and irritation associated with a sore throat [5]. It can be consumed as tea, in soups, or as lozenges, but be cautious of excessive intake as it may irritate the stomach.
Cold, Smooth Desserts
Extremely soft and cold items, such as Jell-O, popsicles, and soft-serve ice cream, are beneficial primarily because the cool temperature can temporarily numb the throat and reduce inflammation, offering immediate pain relief [6]. Selecting options with low sugar content is advisable to prevent potential irritation.
Smoothies
Packed with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and yoghurt or milk, smoothies offer a nutrient-dense and easy-to-swallow option. They can be customised to include ingredients that are soothing and provide essential vitamins and minerals to support recovery.
Top Foods to Avoid When You Have a Sore Throat or Tonsillitis
When suffering from a sore throat, certain foods and drinks can aggravate inflammation, making recovery more challenging. Here’s a guide to foods to avoid:
Crunchy, Dry, and Hard Foods
Items like crackers, nuts, and toast can scratch and irritate an inflamed throat, making swallowing difficult. Opt for soft, smooth foods like mashed potatoes, yoghurt, and soups to soothe the throat and prevent further irritation.
Acidic Fruits and Juices
Citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, can exacerbate throat inflammation due to their high acidity. These fruits can cause a stinging or burning sensation when swallowed [1]. Instead, choose milder fruits like bananas, melons, or pears, which are less likely to irritate the throat.
Spicy Seasonings and Condiments
Spicy foods, such as those containing hot peppers, hot sauces, and certain spices, can exacerbate throat discomfort by intensifying inflammation and causing a burning sensation. To reduce irritation, opt for mild foods like warm broths, soft grains, and herbal teas.
Alcohol
Alcohol can lead to further irritation of the throat and contributes to dehydration, which may prolong the healing process. It also hinders the body’s ability to recover. It’s best to avoid alcohol during this time, including alcohol-based mouthwashes that can similarly aggravate the throat.
Dairy Products
While not problematic for everyone, dairy might sometimes cause a sensation that the saliva or mucus has thickened, which can lead to increased discomfort. If you’re sensitive to dairy, consider alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk-based products, which are generally soothing to the throat. The idea that dairy produces more mucus is largely a myth for the general population; however, if it causes discomfort, alternatives should be considered [1].
Tomato Sauces
Due to their acidity, tomato-based sauces can irritate the throat, causing discomfort and pain during swallowing. It’s better to avoid dishes with tomato sauces or replace them with milder options until your throat heals.
Carbonated Drinks
The fizz in sodas and sparkling waters can be irritating, and the acidity in many carbonated drinks can exacerbate throat inflammation. Instead, stick to non-carbonated beverages, such as warm tea, water, or clear broths.
Sour or Pickled Foods
Foods like pickles, sauerkraut, and other sour or pickled items made with vinegar or salt can worsen throat inflammation. These foods are highly acidic and can intensify discomfort, so it’s best to avoid them while your throat heals.
A Simple DIY Remedy for a Sore Throat
To prepare this remedy, dissolve a quarter to half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water [7]. Gargle with the solution several times a day. This can help reduce swelling, may help inhibit bacterial growth, and soothe throat irritation.
Conclusion
A sore throat or tonsillitis can leave you feeling drained, but the right foods may help provide relief, hydration, and nourishment. Choose easy-to-swallow, anti-inflammatory options like warm soups, smoothies, mashed vegetables, and soft fruits.
At the same time, avoid crunchy, spicy, acidic, and carbonated items that tend to worsen inflammation. Pair your meals with rest, hydration, and simple remedies like saltwater gargles to help your throat heal faster.
Remember: While home remedies can offer temporary relief, a common sore throat usually lasts a few days to a week. If your symptoms persist for more than a few days, worsen, or are accompanied by a high fever, difficulty breathing, or significant difficulty swallowing, seek prompt medical attention from a physician [8].
Expert Quote: “What you eat during a sore throat or tonsillitis can greatly influence your comfort level and recovery time. Pick healthy, soft foods that soothe throat pain and support faster recovery. At the same time, avoid irritants that can worsen inflammation and prolong discomfort.”
– Dr. Sachin Singh
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What foods should I avoid with a sore throat?
Avoid citrus fruits and juices, sour or pickled foods, tomato-based products, irritating spices, hard or crunchy foods, and alcoholic beverages, as these can aggravate throat irritation [1].
What foods help reduce throat pain?
Honey, ginger, oatmeal, yoghurt, mashed potatoes, bananas, and warm broths are soft, easy to swallow, and may offer soothing properties that help reduce throat pain.
How long does a sore throat typically last?
A common sore throat caused by a virus usually lasts about three to seven days [8]. If symptoms persist for longer or are accompanied by a fever, seek medical attention.
What are the best foods to support recovery from a sore throat?
The best foods to support recovery include warm broths for hydration, soft foods like oatmeal and mashed potatoes for energy, and soothing options like honey (for adults) and ginger, which offer anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce throat pain and inflammation.
References
[1] Pelucchi, C., Grigoryan, L., Galeone, C., Esposito, S., Huovinen, P., Little, P., & Verheij, T. (2012). Guideline for the management of acute sore throat. Clinical Microbiology and Infection: The Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 18 Suppl 1, 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-0691.2012.03766.x
[2] Sebo, P., Winkler, N. E., Moussa, M. A., Haller, D. M., & Maisonneuve, H. (2023). Nonpharmacological home remedies for upper respiratory tract infections: a cross-sectional study of primary care patients in Switzerland and France. Family Practice, 40(4), 564–568. https://doi.org/10.1093/fampra/cmad084
[3] Goldman, R. D. (2014). Honey for the treatment of cough in children. Canadian Family Physician, 60(12), 1107–1110. https://www.cfp.ca/content/60/12/1107
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, October 19). Botulism. https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/index.html
[5] Rondanelli, M., Riva, A., Allegrini, B., Faliva, M. A., Perna, S., Giacosa, A., & Peroni, G. (2020). The effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on acute pharyngitis and sore throat. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 38, 223-228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.04.020
[6] Albeladi, M. A., Salamah, M. A., & Alhussaini, R. (2020). The effect of ice cream intake on pain relief for patients after tonsillectomy. Cureus, 12(7), e9092. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.9092
[7] American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. (2023). Sore Throats. https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/sore-throats/
[8] Tahirova, J., & Shernazarov, F. (2022). SORE THROAT IN ADULTS AND CHILDREN, SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, TREATMENT, TIPS. Science and innovation, 1(D8), 931-937. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sore-throat-in-adults-and-children-symptoms-causes-treatment-tips