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When you have a cough and cold, even healthy foods can sometimes make your throat feel worse. Fruits are full of vitamins, but some fruits may irritate a sore throat, make mucus feel thicker, or increase discomfort in some people. That’s why choosing the right fruits during illness matters.
This simple guide explains 5 fruits to avoid during cough, cold, and flu why they may not suit you, and what you can eat instead to feel better faster.
All fruits are not unhealthy while having colds. There are certain fruits that will aid in recovery from a cold. But there are certain fruits which cause difficulties in recovery due to the fact that they:
It is not true for everybody. It all depends on individuals.
Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, but in case of a severe sore throat, the acids in citrus fruits may trigger a burning sensation.
If you have an irritated throat, orange and lemon juices may increase coughing. Most patients complain of irritation of the throat after consuming orange juice while they have a cold.
Better choice:
Try papaya, kiwi, or guava for vitamin C with less irritation.
The taste of banana is soft and delicious; however, people think that consumption of banana causes excess mucus production.
From a scientific perspective, bananas neither produce nor stimulate mucus. The thick nature of bananas, may cause the feeling of mucus in the mouth or throat, which is quite irritating for coughing and cold patients. If you notice that your throat feels more congested after eating banana, then avoid its intake for one-two days.
Better choice:
Try stewed apple or pear instead.
Pineapple contains bromelain, which may actually help break mucus, but the fruit is also acidic.
If your throat is very sore, pineapple can cause irritation or a sharp sensation while swallowing. So it is best to skip it during severe throat pain.
Better choice:
Go for ripe papaya or pomegranate.
Grapes are sweet and juicy, but the sugar content found naturally in them can cause the throat to be sticky in some instances.
Some individuals even have a perception that consuming grapes results in more phlegm and sore throat problems during flu and cough, particularly when consumed directly from the refrigerator.
Better choice:
Choose warm apple slices or soft berries.
Watermelon is a good source of water content, but due to its low temperature consumption, it may not provide relief when suffering from cough and colds.
Cold fruits might irritate your throat and cause more coughing, particularly at night. This is the reason many physicians recommend that you should avoid eating chilled fruits until your throat returns to normal.
Better choice:
Drink warm water, herbal tea, or room-temperature coconut water.
Instead of the fruits above, these fruits are usually easier on the throat:
These options give vitamins and antioxidants without making your throat feel worse.
Along with avoiding irritating fruits, follow these simple tips:
These small habits can help your body recover faster.
Knowledge of the 5 fruits that one should not eat when experiencing cough and cold will make your healing process easier. Citrus fruits, banana, pineapples, grapes, and watermelon may irritate the throat and thicken mucus.
The best thing is that you do not have to give up on eating fruit at all. All you have to do is select fruits that are soft, less acidic, and at room temperature.
Listen to your body. If any fruit makes your throat feel worse, stop it for a day or two and switch to soothing alternatives and also try some home remedies for cold and cough.
If your cough lasts more than 7–10 days, or you have fever, chest pain, or trouble breathing, please consult a doctor.
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