What to Eat and Drink When You Have a Sore Throat

Certain warm drinks and foods, including oatmeal, may help soothe a sore throat. Choosing soft foods may prevent additional irritation.

It can be difficult to drink or eat when you have a sore throat because of the burning and uncomfortable sensation it causes. When you have a sore throat, what foods and beverages are beneficial?

Read on to learn what to eat and drink when you have a sore throat and what you might want to stay away from.

What foods and drinks should you have?

When you have a sore throat, you can usually eat foods that are soft and easy to swallow. Your throat will feel less irritated as a result of the gentle texture. Additionally, gargling with warm, salty water and eating cool foods, hot soup, lemon tea, or both can help soothe your throat.

You might want to eat these foods:

• 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.

What foods and drinks should you avoid?

You should avoid foods that might irritate your throat more or that are difficult to swallow. These foods may include:

• crackers
• crusty bread
• spicy seasonings and sauces
• sodas
• very hot foods or beverages
• alcohol
• dry snack foods, such as potato chips, pretzels, or popcorn
• fresh, raw vegetables
• acidic fruits, such as oranges, lemons, lime, tomatoes, and grapefruits or their juices

In some people, dairy may cause your throat to feel coated, and your mucus may feel thicker and harder to swallow. This may prompt you to clear your throat more often, which may aggravate your sore throat.

How to treat a sore throat

Gargling warm water and salt is the first and most cost-effective treatment for a sore throat. 8 ounces of warm water should have about a tablespoon of salt in it. In the water, stir the salt around. After that, sip a few times, tilt your head back, and spit it out. Always avoid swallowing. Spit it out instead, and do it again.

Some herbal remedies may be beneficial. Licorice root or honeysuckle flower-based herbal throat drops, sprays, or teas can offer some relief. However, before using a herbal remedy, ensure that you are aware of any potential dangers:

• side effects
• allergies
• interactions with other medications
• interactions with other herbal supplements

If you aren’t sure what you can safely take, ask your doctor. This is especially true if you’re pregnant or think you might be pregnant. Some herbal remedies aren’t safe to use during pregnancy.

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