If you have a persistent cough or sore throat that won’t go away, it’s time to reevaluate your daily diet.
As the cold weather approaches, issues like coughing and colds become quite common. Whenever we get sick, we often receive advice on what to eat, but we rarely pay attention to what should be avoided for a quicker recovery. From alcohol to fast food, the following types of food can worsen your cough and cold symptoms.
Foods That Trigger Coughing
According to India Times, while healthy eating is essential for fighting infections, being aware of and avoiding any foods that may exacerbate your cough symptoms is also crucial.
- Fried Foods: We all know that fried snacks are high in fat. Therefore, during cold weather, it’s best to avoid all fried and processed foods as they can lead to inflammation, further weakening the immune system.
- Fast Food: Fast food is often genetically modified and contains ingredients that lack nutritional value. Thus, it’s advisable to steer clear of these when experiencing a cough or cold since they do not help boost the immune system and can slow down digestion.
- Caffeinated Foods: Caffeine should be avoided when you have a cough or cold, as it can worsen dry coughing and may lead to respiratory issues.
- Alcohol: If you think drinking alcohol in cold weather will keep you warm, think again. Alcohol weakens the immune system and causes dehydration, worsening your condition and compromising your defenses.
- High-Sugar Foods: Sugary foods like candies and chocolate can cause inflammation. This may reduce your immune response by weakening white blood cells. Since these cells are responsible for fighting infections, consuming high-sugar foods can hinder your body’s ability to combat flu and cold viruses.
- Mucus-Producing Foods: Mucus is the enemy of anyone suffering from the flu or a cold. If you think certain superfoods are safe to eat when you’re sick, you’re mistaken. Strawberries, for example, release histamines that can contribute to congestion. Mucus containing histamines can cause discomfort in the nasal passages and lead to sinus inflammation. Additionally, avoid spicy foods like chili peppers, as the capsaicin can irritate the nasal passages, producing even more mucus.
Fast food and fried foods can worsen your cough, prolonging recovery.
Foods to Prioritize When Coughing
According to Healthshots, a generally healthy diet will help you recover from coughing and colds by providing your body with the essential nutrients it needs to function optimally. Here’s a list of foods to consume when trying to control your cough:
- Honey: This food has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the intensity and duration of a cough. You can mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a cup of hot water. Lemon helps thin and break down mucus, while honey soothes the throat. This tea not only helps break down mucus and soothe the throat but also provides your body with vitamin C to boost the immune system.
- Peppermint: The essential oil in peppermint leaves acts as a decongestant that helps break down mucus and supports respiratory health. Peppermint is used to relieve congestion and improve breathing by stimulating receptors in the respiratory tract. You can use peppermint lozenges, tinctures, teas, or even steam inhalation with essential oil. The soothing effects of peppermint can be highly effective for dry coughs.
- Pineapple: Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, has anti-inflammatory properties and significantly helps in breaking down mucus. These two properties of bromelain effectively reduce coughing.
- Licorice Root Tea: This drink helps you relax when you are congested and uncomfortable. Licorice also soothes the airways, thins mucus, and controls coughing and sore throat. The recommended dosage is between 5 to 15 grams per day, used for 4-6 weeks. However, individuals with heart or liver conditions should be cautious when using licorice root, and pregnant women should avoid it altogether.
- Ginger: According to Eat This, Not That, ginger is an ingredient that can reduce coughing and sore throat caused by colds. This is because ginger contains compounds that dilate blood vessels and the lungs while relaxing smooth muscle, leading to opened airways. You can steep slices of fresh ginger in hot water or add chopped ginger to herbal tea to alleviate coughing.
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