It's hot, my throat hurts... What should I eat?

 

 

You wake up with a sore, swollen throat. This is caused by pharyngitis, an inflammation of the pharynx and larynx caused by a virus or bacteria. Pharyngitis can be caused by viral infections like the common cold, flu, or COVID-19, as well as by sudden temperature changes or overwork.

 

It usually occurs in the fall or winter, but how can you get tonsillitis in the middle of summer, especially during a heatwave? This is due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic and the widening temperature difference between indoors and outdoors due to cooling devices like air conditioners, which is leading to an increase in the number of people suffering from sore throats and other illnesses.

Pharyngitis can cause symptoms like a lump in the throat, dryness, and a mild cough. If the pain is severe, it can make swallowing difficult, and symptoms like headache, fever, and loss of appetite can also occur. When your throat is sore and uncomfortable due to pharyngitis, what foods can help relieve the symptoms?

Based on data from American health and medical media outlet Everyday Health and other sources, we've explored foods that are good for relieving tonsillitis, including soft, easy-to-swallow foods, foods that soothe irritation, and foods that replenish moisture. Conversely, it's best to avoid foods that can worsen inflammation through irritation.

 

Eggs, mashed potatoes, oatmeal =

 

Experts at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NFI) in the United States say that warm, soft foods, like oatmeal, can help relieve a sore throat. Soft foods are easier to swallow and less irritating.

In particular, the nutrients in oatmeal can help overcome disease. Oatmeal is rich in beta-glucan, which lowers cholesterol and prevents diabetes. It also contains a variety of minerals, including B vitamins, manganese, iron, magnesium, and zinc, which promote digestive health, strengthen the immune system, and increase vitality.

It's also recommended to eat eggs cooked in easy-to-swallow ways, such as scrambled, fried, or soft-boiled. Eggs are rich in protein and contain nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin D, selenium, and vitamin A, which help boost immunity and increase physical strength.

 

Another great way to enjoy a smooth potato is to mash it and lightly mix it with milk or Greek yogurt. Potatoes contain antioxidants that support the immune system and reduce inflammation, vitamin C, and potassium, which helps maintain heart and muscle function. Another great benefit is that potatoes are over 70% water, which helps keep your throat moist.

Warm broth or soup, warm tea =

 

You've probably heard many times that warm drinks and foods can help with a sore throat. The steam produced by warm soups and broths helps clear congested noses and throats, providing ample moisture to thin mucus and prevent dehydration.

A small study comparing the effects of warm and room-temperature drinks on 30 participants with cold or flu-like symptoms found that warm drinks immediately and sustainably improved symptoms such as runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, fatigue, and chills, while room-temperature drinks only relieved runny nose, cough, and sneezing by replenishing fluids.

Drinking warm tea is especially helpful. Not only does the steam and hydration help relieve nasal congestion, but finding teas rich in anti-inflammatory properties, like green tea or ginger, can also help alleviate pain. While the scorching heat is at its peak, drinking warm beverages when you're sick can help you recover.

 

Lemon water, honey water, or honey tea =

 

If you want to boost your hydration and fight off viruses, lemon water, rich in vitamin C, is a great option. Not only does vitamin C provide anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits, it also provides a delicious way to stay hydrated.

Warm honey water or honey tea can also be a good option. According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, honey has long been used as a cough suppressant, forming a protective layer in the throat to reduce irritation. Research also suggests that honey may have anti-inflammatory properties in various ways. However, honey can be toxic, so be careful not to give it to very young children.

 

ice cream or smoothie =

Cool foods and drinks can actually help relieve sore throat pain. Eating things like ice cream can help prevent dehydration by providing additional fluids, preventing the mucous membranes in your throat from drying out too much.

It's okay to eat fruit smoothies, yogurt, milk, and other foods. However, dairy products can sometimes increase mucus production and worsen symptoms, so caution is advised when consuming them.

 

No sweets, spicy foods, or carbonated drinks

 

Naturally, it's best to avoid foods that can severely irritate your throat. Avoiding hard, crunchy snacks like toast or crackers, raw vegetables, and fried foods can help alleviate symptoms.

Foods that are too spicy or salty, like mala-tang or tteokbokki, are also not recommended. Caffeinated beverages and alcohol should be avoided as they have a diuretic effect and can cause dehydration. Carbonated drinks, which are acidic and carbonated, are also a stimulant.

Mild tonsillitis can be cured quickly by taking care of your diet and environment and getting enough rest, but sore throat can also be caused by serious illnesses such as strep throat, so if you experience any unusual symptoms, you should go to the hospital immediately.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people see a doctor right away if they experience signs of serious illness, such as difficulty breathing, blood in the sputum or saliva, excessive drooling (in children), dehydration, joint swelling and pain, or a rash.

 

 

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My throat is sore from the continuous air conditioning on hot days.

It would be nice to quench your thirst with some warm tea.

 

Things that irritate the throat, such as sweets or spicy foods

They say it's not good ~~

 

I had a cool glass of aaro in the morning,

In the afternoon, I should have a cup of lukewarm chamomile tea, even if it's not warm.