Having a cold can ruin anyone's day. But the good news is that sometimes having a cold gives you an excuse to do things you might feel guilty doing otherwise – like eating ice cream. But is ice cream good for sore throat? Some suggest that ice cream should never be eaten while sick, while others believe it's just fine. Here's what to know about ice cream and sore throats.
Is Ice Cream Good for Your Sore Throat?
Though some people might question is ice cream good for sore throat, the answer is a definitive yes. Here are the reasons:
1. Provide Calories
With sore throat you may find it hard to keep anything down which makes you lack of energy. But the soft texture of ice cream makes things easier and can provide the calories needed to support you throughout the day.
2. Alleviate the Pain
Ice cream with its coldness can work as an anesthetic to soothe inflammation and give your temporary relief. Just remember choose plain flavored ice cream such as vanilla or chocolate. Any ice cream with candy pieces, or those that contain fruit juices – such as orange sherbets – should be avoided because they can cause irritation to the throat.
3. Tips
- Ice cream really does have a great deal of sugar, so beware of how much you are eating.
- After eating ice cream, gargle with warm water. This gets the sugar out of the crevices of your throat and promotes healing even further.
- If your sore throat appeared because you ate something icy, then ice cream might not help at all.
- Choose a dairy-free ice cream to avoid an increase in phlegm. If you are lactose intolerant or don't like the taste of dairy-free ice cream, try ice chips or ice water.
Other Ways to Soothe Sore Throat Naturally
Is ice cream good for sore throat? Yes it is, but other remedies also work well. Here are a few to try when you are battling a sore throat or a bad cold.
1. Sage
This leafy herb is a natural anti-inflammatory, so it helps relieve swelling and can soothe sore throats when added to tea. Use sage by steeping it in hot water to make a soothing tea. As an added bonus, the steam from the tea is good for congestion.
2. Echinacea
Just like sage, this herb is an anti-inflammatory that can make your throat feel much better. It might actually reduce fever as well. Use Echinacea in tablet or pill form as a supplement, or look for extracts to use in hot tea.
3. Salt Water
This classic remedy works by washing away mucus and letting your throat heal naturally. The salt can also reduce swelling and irritation of the mucus membranes. Gargle with salt water at least three times per day for the best results.
4. Marshmallow Root
This unique remedy contains mucilage which is known for reducing pain and inflammation. Steep the root in hot water for tea; one tablespoon mixed with boiling water makes an excellent cup of remedy.
5. Slippery Elm
You do not need to ask the question "Is ice cream good for sore throat? " if you have slippery elm in your home. It is created from the bark of the elm tree and contains mucilage, which can reduce inflammation and pain. You can create a tea with this, or use it as supplements.
6. Honey
This age-old remedy is great mixed in with hot tea to soothe the throat. It coats the throat and that eases inflammation. It also works as a cough suppressant. If you want an added punch, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your tea. You can also add up to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the tea as it steeps. If you want another punch of remedy, add whisky instead to create a hot toddy.
7. Garlic
The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of garlic make it a go-to for illnesses, including a sore throat. It can help fight respiratory infections. Make a broth of crushed garlic cloves and boiled water. If you like the taste, you could simply suck on a crushed clove for a while.
8. Adequate Rest
This is the simplest remedy, but for many it might be the toughest. Simply rest your voice – don't talk to anyone if you can help it, and get plenty of rest on top of that. Sleep in late if you can, take short naps, or just meditate and relax.