Should You Avoid All Dairy With a Sore Throat? There is no evidence that drinking milk will make a cold or sore throat worse.
Reasons not to stop drinking milk
A glass of cold milk or a few bites of frozen yogurt may soothe a sore throat. It also could help you get some nutrients and calories when you might not feel like eating, such as when you're sick.
Warm milk and honey is the perfect drink for when you have a cold. My mom used to give honey and milk to me when I had a sore throat or a cough and it was so comforting.
Consumption of dairy products with cold and cough causes problems – myth or fact? According to Dr Lakshmi, though it is a common belief that milk and other dairy products increase the production of mucus or phlegm when you have a cold, there is no scientific evidence to back this up.
Generally speaking, avoid fatty, spicy, or acidic foods as they can all increase irritation. You should also avoid crunchy or hard textured foods like dry toast or cereals, as they can scratch your already delicate throat.
Further, these foods are packed with essential nutrients, which provides relief from tonsillitis. Additionally including some of these foods, like popsicles, broth and cream-based soups, milk, non-acidic juices, and gelatin desserts will help you stay nourished and energetic without an irritating sore throat.
Some people believe that when they drink milk their throat feels coated, and mucus is thicker and harder to swallow. Research has shown that these feelings are not due to increased production of mucus. These feelings can be due to the texture of the fluid, as they occur with similar liquids of the same thickness.
Drink water, tea (herbal or decaf), broth, soup, and non-caffeinated sports drinks e.g. Gatorade. Hot tea with lemon and honey can help. Gargle with warm salt-water. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of regular table salt in 8 ounces (240 ml) of warm water, gargle for a few seconds, spit it out, then repeat a few times.
Turmeric Milk
Along with sore throat, it even helps in treating a persistent cold, thanks to its natural antibiotic properties. Also, read the 10 health benefits of turmeric.
If you're struggling to eat other foods because of discomfort caused by swallowing, a few spoonfuls of a soothing frozen dessert could provide much-needed relief (and calories). Avoid ice cream with rich, super-sweet sauces and additives, as they may irritate your already already-inflamed throat.
Milk also can be very soothing for many people, some people even recommend chocolate milk because it's a little bit thicker and a few people have recommended taking it through a straw so it provides a slow-coating mechanism.
Sore throats are very common and usually nothing to worry about. They normally get better within a week. Most are caused by minor illnesses such as cold or flu and can be treated at home.
Research has actually shown that 70% cacao could fight cold and flu symptoms! While chocolate can't cure all of the symptoms above, it has been shown to be an excellent way to soothe the throat and calm coughs. In addition, chocolate has been shown to prevent migraines and headaches.
Yogurt is a natural probiotic that can clear bacteria from your gut and protect your immune system. It's also soothing and easy to swallow when you have a sore throat. Make sure you buy yogurt without added sugars, as sugar can irritate your throat. Consider adding soft fruits to plain yogurt to boost its flavor.
Overall, cold drinks can benefit a sore throat by: Decreasing pain4. Decreasing inflammation4.
Carbonated drinks cause inflammation, so avoid the fizzy stuff while you have a sore throat. Similar to fried foods, drinks with a high sugar content weaken your immune system. The best course of action is to drink plenty of water instead.
What Foods Can Increase Mucus? It might not surprise you to learn that most processed foods contain artificial sweeteners, sodium, and thickening agents—all of which can increase mucus production [4]. Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, or ice cream can do the same.
For most people, dairy does not cause inflammation, and there is no need to avoid it. Many dairy-containing foods may be eaten as part of a healthy diet. In addition, there are many non-dairy, plant-based milk alternatives on the market for those seeking out other options.
No connection. In one study, researchers measured the amount of mucus 60 people with a cold produced over a 10-day period, and got them to record how much milk they drank. They found no connection between the amount of mucus produced and dairy consumption.
“Hot [tasty] drinks have the best effect in soothing [a] sore throat.”
Foods to Avoid with Tonsillitis
Acidic foods (such as tomatoes or citrus fruits) can further aggravate the condition and cause more pain. Dairy products can increase mucus production and make it difficult to swallow.