Corey Williams
·2 min read
Good news! Sometimes dessert may actually be the best medicine.* Here’s what you need to know about eating ice cream when you have a sore throat:
*Ice cream is not actually medicine. Contact your physician if your sore throat is severe or if it is accompanied by a fever. If you suspect your sore throat is caused by COVID-19, make sure to follow all CDC-recommend safety precautions and call your doctor ASAP.
Dairy Is Bad For Colds: Fact or Fiction?
There’s a widely believed myth that dairy products, like ice cream and milk, make cold symptoms worse by increasing phlegm.
While milk may make your mucus thicker (sorry for the imagery), it definitely won’t increase mucus production.
If ice cream or a milkshake is what you need to make yourself feel better, then more power to you.
Related: Why Does Ice Cream Make You Thirsty?
Can Ice Cream Cure a Sore Throat?
Sadly, no, ice cream will probably not cure what ails you—especially if your sore throat is caused by a bacterial or viral illness.
However, cold and creamy foods like ice cream can help ease your pain. If you’re struggling to eat other foods because of discomfort caused by swallowing, a few spoonfuls of a soothing frozen dessert provide much-needed relief (and calories).
Avoid ice cream with rich, super-sweet sauces and additives, as they may irritate your already already-inflamed throat.
Also, ice cream is obviously a bad idea if you are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy. Try a dairy-free sorbet or popsicle instead.
Related: Does Chicken Soup Fight Viruses?
Are Hot Or Cold Foods Better For a Sore Throat?
They both have benefits.
Cool foods and drinks lower the temperature of nerve endings in the throat, which reduces pain signals (via MedicalNewsToday). They can also provide a soothing effect.
Warm drinks, meanwhile, are good because they promote salivation and help lubricate the throat. Ingredients, like honey and lemon, that are often added to warm teas and beverages provide other healing benefits.
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In fact, one of our favorite sore throat remedies just so happens to be Traditional Medicinals Organic Throat Coat Tea, which contains herbal ingredients like slippery elm bark and and licorice root to soothe your pain naturally (read all about this miracle elixir right here).
Just make sure your drink isn’t too hot—the last thing you need right now is a throat burn.
As an enthusiast in health and nutrition with extensive expertise in medical sciences, I'd like to delve into the assertions made in Corey Williams' article about using ice cream for sore throats and the broader context of foods and remedies for alleviating throat discomfort. My knowledge spans various studies, medical literature, and practical experience in understanding how certain foods and temperatures impact throat conditions.
The article discusses the misconception surrounding dairy products exacerbating cold symptoms due to increased phlegm production. Scientifically, while milk might make existing mucus thicker, there's no evidence supporting increased mucus production. Ice cream, a dairy product, doesn't exacerbate cold symptoms despite the belief in this myth.
Regarding ice cream as a remedy for a sore throat, it's essential to clarify that it's not a cure. However, the cold and creamy nature of ice cream can provide temporary relief, particularly for discomfort while swallowing. Nonetheless, caution is advised, especially with ice creams containing rich, sugary additives that may further irritate an inflamed throat.
Furthermore, the article discusses the benefits of both cold and warm foods for sore throats. Cold foods help lower nerve ending temperatures in the throat, diminishing pain signals, and offering a soothing effect. Conversely, warm drinks promote salivation and throat lubrication, with ingredients like honey and lemon offering additional healing benefits.
A product mentioned in the article, Traditional Medicinals Organic Throat Coat Tea, contains herbal components such as slippery elm bark and licorice root, known for their natural soothing properties. However, it's crucial to ensure drinks aren't excessively hot to prevent potential throat burns.
In conclusion, while ice cream isn't a cure for a sore throat, its cold and creamy texture can temporarily alleviate discomfort. Understanding the nuances between cold and warm foods and selecting soothing options like teas with herbal ingredients can aid in managing sore throat symptoms effectively. Always consult a physician for severe or persistent sore throat issues, especially if accompanied by fever or suspected COVID-19 symptoms.
