When it comes to drug-free treatment options, many people wonder whether the effectiveness of ice for a sore throat is just a myth. Given the constantly changing weather in autumn and winter, the occurrence of painful symptoms is not uncommon. These usually get better on their own within a week. However, there are other factors that could cause the pain and its duration, such as surgery, allergic reactions, flu or cold. Eating ice cream or sucking ice cubes can cheer you up regardless of the cause of your sore throat. But are these actually effective as treatment methods? Here is some useful information and tools that can help you approach such problems correctly.
Is it recommended to use ice for a sore throat?
The answer to this question depends primarily on the cause of the symptoms that occur. For patients who have had neck surgery, there is evidence that ice cubes or ice cream may help partially relieve a sore throat. Researchers have already found that ice cream can relieve some of the pain associated with tonsillectomy. Although more evidence is needed on this matter, enjoying a cold scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor couldrelieve persistent symptomsand give you a better feeling in your throat.
But what would the situation look like if you were trying toto reduce sugar, have a milk allergy or even don't like ice cream at all? In such cases, what else could you eat and drink if you have a sore throat? It is common for people to wonder how they get a sore throattreat and what home remedies, food or drinks are recommended. Some of them can lead to difficulties speaking and swallowing or improve your health. Below you will find some answers to these frequently asked questions.
Are hot or cold foods and drinks better for a sore throat?
Health experts say people with a sore throat should stay well hydrated, although hot drinks should be avoided. Instead, they point out that sucking on ice cubes, popsicles, or candy could relieve strep throat symptoms. So the answer to the above question can be both. Depending on the cause of your sore throat, cold and hot foods may improve or worsen your condition.
In addition, cold food and drinks have a cooling effect on the nerve endings in the throat and reduce pain signals. Eating cold also helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the throat, which can minimize pain and discomfort. Eating cold foods can also help if you have trouble swallowing or breathing through your mouth. Meanwhile, warm drinks promote saliva flow and lubricate the throat. For example, warm tea drinks often contain healing ingredients such as honey and lemon. For this reason, it is common to recommend tea for a sore throat. Some types of plants such as elm bark, licorice root, horehound, chamomile and turmeric are popular for their healing properties when made into tea together with green tea for sore throats.
Recognize the causes and use hot or ice against a sore throat
When deciding what to eat and drink for a sore throat, the most important thing is to consider the cause. The causes of a sore throat are varied and complex. Most of these are caused by viruses, although bacteria can also play a role. In some cases, however, there is no apparent reason for this. Typically, the inflammatory process begins mildly and symptoms gradually worsen over several days. Additionally, symptoms typically appear suddenly and worsen within 24 hours. They tend to progress slowly and disappear quickly. Some sufferers have pain in the area of the roof of their mouth or behind the ears.
Sucking on ice cubes or popsicles can be soothing and hydrating. According to health experts, ice lollies can be a good treatment for a sore throat because they have a local cooling effect on inflamed tissue. Water ice can also lower the temperature of the nerve endings in the throat and thereby reduce pain signals. Even after a tonsillectomy, doctors advise patients to eat ice cream. The cold ice comes into contact with the inflamed tonsils and minimizes the swelling. Here are some more effective foods, treatments, and home remedies for sore throats that you can use at home.
What to eat or drink for a sore throat
If you don't like ice cream or have a milk intolerance or lactose intolerance, there are some other ways to combat a sore throat. In general, it's best to choose soft foods. As already written, you need to keep yourself hydrated and should also avoid anything that could irritate your throat even more. If you have a sore throat, these are some of the best foods you can eat:
- oatmeal– Oats are high in fiber, making them a good choice for people with sore throats. Oatmeal is also low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option as well. Cook a batch of oatmeal and add some cinnamon and honey.
- yogurt– Natural yogurt contains probiotics that can boost your immunity. For extra flavor you can add some vanilla extract.
- Chicken or vegetable broth– Broths are rich in nutrients and minerals, making them a great addition to meals.
- Other options include warm pasta, gelatin desserts, mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables. These foods includeKale, broccoli and red onions, which contain an antioxidant called quercetin. The latter can help fight a cold. Although the research on this is relatively new, it could have some potential.
- Avocadosare another great option if you have a sore throat. Not only are they rich in healthy fats and super soft, but they also contain fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Which foods to avoid if you have a sore throat?
If you have a sore throat, it is better to avoid foods such as meat, citrus fruits, spicy foods, crackers, coffee and alcohol. Raw meats such as beef, pork, chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, shellfish and organ meats contain bacteria that can cause a sore throat. If you choose to consume such foods, you should wash them thoroughly and then cook them.
Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit, limes, tangerines and grapefruits contain citric acid, which irritates the throat. Accordingly, you should also reduce the amount of citric acid in your diet by drinking water instead of soda or juice. Additionally, spicy foods and foods such as hot peppers, chili peppers, curry, cayenne pepper, paprika, and horseradish can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat and make your sore throat worse.
Try home remedies instead of ice for a sore throat
You can also treat a sore throat yourself at home without having to go to a store or pharmacy. However, some options also include taking over-the-counter pain relievers if your sore throat is unbearable. Taking antihistamines can also help with a sore throat caused by allergies. Taking an antacid can relieve a sore throat caused by acid reflux. Before resorting to medication, you should speak to a doctor to determine the cause. Otherwise the following canMethods and meanshelp relieve symptoms.
- Gargle salt water– Gargling with warm salt water can also help reduce inflammation in the throat. However, this treatment method is not suitable for children. To make your own gargle, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm or partially cooled boiled water. Then gargle with the solution and spit out. Repeat the process a few times throughout the day or as needed.
- Inhale steam– Steam inhalation involves inhaling water vapor, which helps open the airways. The warm, moist airloosens mucus in the throator in the nasal passages, as well as in the throat and lungs. Make sure you place the hot water vessel or electric steam inhaler on a suitable hard surface such as a table. Be careful with the process or you risk injuring yourself from the hot water.
- Rest– Adequate sleep is essential for a good recovery and supports the immune system. Less sleep can reduce the number of white blood cells in the body that help fight the throat infection.
Final words
While home remedies can help provide relief, it is also important to consult your doctor if you notice any new symptoms. This is especially true if you have been suffering from it for more than a week. Using ice for a sore throat definitely won't cure it, but it can certainly relieve some of the pain. If you have such inflammation, it is important to take care of your body, rest and seek appropriate medical care in addition to self-treatment.
