What to Eat and What to Skip During a Cough?

One of the most common symptoms of colds, the flu, sore throats, and seasonal allergies is coughing. In cases where the cough persists, sleep may also be disrupted, and appetite and daily activities may become unpleasant. Though various medicines and rest are sometimes required, one attribute that contributes significantly to recovery is diet. Your diet may help calm your throat and boost your immune system, or it may aggravate the problem, causing you to cough more frequently. 

Knowing what to include and what to avoid in your diet can help make a significant difference in the speed of your recovery.

Foods to Eat When You Have a Cough

Eating delicious, warm, nourishing meals can help reduce throat inflammation and promote healing. The following foods will help:

1. Warm Soups and Broths

Chicken soup, vegetable broth, or dal soup offers hydration, electrolytes, and proteins that facilitate the healing process. 

2. Honey

One teaspoon of honey in warm water or herbal tea creates a soothing coating in the throat and helps reduce irritation. Pre-bedtime consumption of honey may assist with nighttime coughing.

3. Ginger

Ginger also contains natural anti-inflammatory constituents that relieve soreness of the throat and clear blockage. One can add fresh ginger to tea, soups, or warm water with lemon and honey for a refreshing addition. 

4. Turmeric Milk (Golden Milk)

Turmeric is well-known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric milk is beneficial at night, as it helps warm the throat and boost immune activity. 

5. Citrus Fruits (in moderation)

Vitamin C-rich oranges, lemons, and sweet lime are known to enhance immunity. In cases of severe throat irritation, citrus juices can cause a slight burning sensation in the throat; in most cases, they will help the body fight an infection. 

6. Warm Herbal Teas

The tulsi (holy basil), chamomile, peppermint, and ginger-lemon teas help alleviate throat swelling and airway relaxation. 

7. Steamed Vegetables

Carrots, spinach, pumpkin, and bottle gourd are soft vegetables that are simple to digest and rich in vitamins. 

8. Bananas and Soft Fruits

Bananas go down well and do not scratch the throat. Papaya, pears, and cooked apples may also help alleviate irritation without further straining.

Foods to Avoid When You Have a Cough

Preventing them will contribute to the relief of discomfort and acceleration of recovery.

1. Cold Drinks and Ice Cream

Cold drinks, ice cream, and other sweet treats may constrict the throat muscles and worsen coughing. They can also produce more mucus, which leads to increased congestion.

2. Fried and Oily Foods

Pakoras, chips, burgers, and deep-fried foods can be difficult to digest and may irritate the lining of the throat. 

3. Sugary Foods

Sodas, chocolates, and candies prolong the symptoms of cough. If you want to eat something sweet, you can take natural honey in moderation.

4. Dairy (for some individuals)

Although not all individuals respond in this manner, if you find yourself coughing more and more after taking dairy, you should restrict the intake of milk, cheese, or ice cream at such a time.

5. Spicy Foods

Hot sauces, hot foods, or extremely seasoned dishes can aggravate a sore throat, especially accompanied by a dry cough.

6. Caffeinated Drinks

Consuming a lot of coffee or intense tea may result in dehydration, which makes mucus thicker and difficult to discharge. It is essential to restrict caffeine and combine it with rich amounts of warm water.

Homemade warm soups, ginger, honey, and turmeric milk, along with fresh fruits, help soothe the throat, strengthen the immune system, and make you feel comfortable. The good news is that for you or your child to recover faster, staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and eating soothing foods is a winning combination. A visit to the doctor is warranted if the cough lasts longer than two weeks, becomes persistent or severe, or is accompanied by difficulty breathing or a high fever.

Feed your body with healing foods, avoid irritants, and leave your system to recover on its own.