Soothe a Sore Throat with These Foods and Drinks

Whether it is just a lurking scratch or a full-blown attack, sore throats are just the worst. Keeping your strength up and your immune system working hard is essential in fighting off whatever might be causing your pain and helping your body to heal.

But, as is the case with a sore throat eating, drinking, or swallowing anything at all, can be excruciating. Fortunately, there are some foods and drinks that might feel quite soothing whilst giving you just the right nutrients you need to fight off the illness.

That said, there are certainly some foods that you should avoid to prevent further irritation or discomfort in your throat.

There are many causes of sore throats, some of which can be serious. Be sure to seek medical advice if your symptoms persist or become worse.

1. Water

Okay, so this may seem too obvious to add to the list, but staying hydrated is just about the most important thing you could do to help your body fight your sore throat.

Sipping cool water will help to keep your throat lubricated and stop it from drying. Sucking on ice chips has the added benefit of being able to numb your throat a little, too.

2. Smoothies and Yogurt

Source: Mind Body and Soul Smoothies

Non-acid, fruit-based smoothies or plant-based yogurts are great for soothing a sore throat. Not only do they fill you with energy and nutrition, but they are also soft and smooth, making them much easier to swallow.

You could always add a little turmeric or ginger to the smoothies or yogurts for extra anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic fighting power.

3. Sage, Echinacea, and Thyme

Though drinking hot liquids is not really advised when you have a sore throat as they may anger already inflamed tissue, drinking a cool herbal tea using sage, thyme, and/or echinacea might be helpful in treating a sore throat. Just steep a sage leaf or two or a tablespoon of dried herbs in hot water and allow them to infuse. Wait for the liquid to cool before sipping it.

4. Non-Acidic Fruit Juice

Source: Fresh Apple Cinnamon Juice

This is a great way to get some vitamins and some calories into you without having to swallow uncomfortable food. It is important that you opt for non-acidic juices such as grape or apple juice. The acid in citrus juices can further irritate and sting the already tender throat.

5. Creamy Soups

Source: Creamy Potato and Cauliflower Soup

We aren’t looking at spicy chili and chunky stews, here, just a simple, light, and creamy soup can provide you with lots of nutrition whilst being a little easier to eat than some other options. Here is a really clean and nutritious Creamy Green Broccoli Soup, or try this Creamy Potato and Cauliflower Soup and just hold the spices and croutons, for now.

6. Ice Cream and Ice Lollies

Source: Cashew Coconut Vanilla Ice Cream

You didn’t think we’d forget. Just about the only good thing about having a sore throat is that you get to eat ice cream whenever you wish. Ice cream and ice lollies help to feed you some nourishment when you are ill, but also act as numbing agents for short-term pain relief. There are lots of smiple vegan ice cream recipes that you can whizz up when you’re feeling under the weather such as this Cashew Coconut Vanilla Ice Cream.

7. Avoid These Foods

Dry, Scratchy Food– Just the thought of eating dry foods when you have a sore throat might make you wince anyway. Basically, you want to stay away from any foods that are drying or scratchy like crackers, toast, or raw, hard vegetables.

Spice and Acid– Certainly stay away from spicy foods and acid fruits, such as oranges, lemons, lime, tomatoes, and grapefruits, as these can aggravate your already inflamed throat. Capsaicin, the compound in hot peppers that gives them their heat actually causes inflammation which is the last thing you need.

Alcohol– It is important to avoid alcohol when you have a sore throat as it works to dry the tissue in your throat which will worsen your symptoms.

This is for information purposes only. Seek medical help if you have severe or persistent symptoms and never use herbal medicines without consulting a medical professional first, especially if pregnant on medication. 

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