Foods that are soft and very easy to swallow are usually safe to eat when you have a sore throat.
The soft texture will help limit the amount of irritation to your throat. Warm foods and beverages can also help soothe your throat.
Some foods you may want to eat are:
- warm, cooked pasta, including macaroni and cheese
- warm oatmeal, cooked cereal, or grits
- gelatin desserts
- plain yogurts or yogurts with pureed fruits
- cooked vegetables
- fruit or vegetable smoothies
- mashed potatoes
- broth and cream-based soups
- milk
- nonacidic juices, such as grape or apple juice
- scrambled or hard-boiled eggs
- popsicles
Eating and drinking these items will allow you to stay nourished without irritating your already sore throat.
You can also use specific essential oils to relieve sore throats and aid in recovery.
1. Gargle With Salt Water
Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a scratchy throat. The salt pulls the mucus out of your swollen, inflamed tissue and helps relieve the discomfort.
The Mayo Clinic recommends combining 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of table salt with 4 to 8 ounces of warm water. Stir until the salt dissolves. Then gargle with it for several seconds and spit it out. Repeat the salt gargle several times each day.
2. Suck On A Throat Lozenge
Some over-the-counter (OTC) throat lozenges contain menthol, an ingredient that can gently numb the tissue in your throat. This can provide you with temporary relief from burning and pain sensations.
In a pinch, candies can have the same effect.
Candy and cough drops increase your saliva production and help keep your throat lubricated. However, candy and cough drops won’t soothe your sore throat for as long as medicated lozenges or relieve it as effectively, and you may find yourself needing relief again soon.
Avoid giving lozenges or cough drops to young children. Both are a choking hazard.
3. Sip On Some Honey
Warm tea that is sweetened with honey can help soothe your irritated throat. Tea also keeps you hydrated, which is another important step in treating a sore throat. Brew up a cup next time a sore throat starts to tickle.
You might consider choosing a green tea, which serves as an antibacterial, pain reliever, and rich source of antioxidants, as well as, help reduce inflammation.
Honey has another benefit when you’re sick. Research shows that it’s an effective cough suppressant and works as well as OTC cough medication.
