When a sore throat hits, it may be tempting to opt for the cool relief that ice cream offers. But is eating ice cream with a sore throat a good or bad idea? Will it improve or wosen the condition?
Ice Cream and Sore Throat
Ice cream could offer some temporary relief to a stressful and itchy sore throat due to the food's soothing and cold feel. However, this relief only lasts for a short while.
Despite the relief offered by ice cream, the high amounts of sugar present in it could actually dampen immunity and boost inflammation. Studies have shown that sugar is not good for the immune system as it can weaken the body's capacity to combat infections. It may also lead to inflammation. This, in turn, could worsen the overall condition.
However, for those with tonsillitis, ice cream can also offer a certain degree of relief. The coolness can numb a sore throat for a short while. The creaminess of the treat also makes it easy to swallow. Ice cream could be quite comforting especially after undergoing tonsillectomy. A study found that there is a significant association between eating ice cream and pain absence among children who ate ice cream after undergoing tonsillectomy.
While ice cream could be good for children with tonsilitis and who have undergone tonsillectomy, the same cannot be said for sore throat in general, as the relief offered by ice cream is temporary. The good thing is that the market offers a variety of ice cream options. This makes it possible to avail of the cooling effects of ice cream without having to deal with its negative consequences.
What Ice Cream Can You Eat When You Have a Sore Throat?
There are certain types of ice cream that are better options in cases of a sore throat. For one, low-sugar types are better, as high-sugar ones can irritate the throat and boost inflammation. Opting for varieties with low sugar content or that are fully sugar-free could be better for the throat.
Creamy and smooth-textured ice cream is also a better option. In cases of sore throat, it is important to avoid ice creams that have hard and crunchy ingredients mixed into it. These additions could be irritating for the throat.
Fruity sorbets are also a lighter option for irritated throats as these treats are typically dairy-free and low-fat. Oftentimes, they are made with actual fruit. Because of this, they tend to offer antioxidants and vitamins that can be good for the throat. However, it is important to remember that these sorbets could have high sugar content, so it is better to opt for one that does not have any added sugar.
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