The natural fruit acid in fresh fruit can cause a burning sensation if you have a sore throat. Your mucous membranes are already raw and fruit acid can make it worse. But the vitamins and minerals in fresh fruit help your body fight infections by supporting your immune system.
Berries are another great option because they can help reduce inflammation and pain in the throat, according to Harvard Health. They're also great to munch on when ill because they are low in sugar but high in vitamin C, which can help fight off illness and strengthen your immune system, says Dr. Pearlman.
Fruit, especially if it's cold, can be comforting when you have a sore throat; plus, fruit is full of beneficial nutrients. Steer clear of citrus and other acidic fruits that can irritate your throat.
Histamine Dense foods
Hence, a person who is already suffering from cough and cold should avoid foods that are rich in histamines. Some foods to avoid are avocados, mushrooms, strawberries, dry fruits, alcohol, yogurt, vinegar and fermented foods.
If you have a sore throat, you may want to stay away from: Citrus fruits and juices, like oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. Berries, like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Acidic foods such as tomatoes (keep that pasta bland and skip the spaghetti sauce)
When cold sores scab and reopen, eating acidic foods can aggravate the sore. Some foods to avoid are: citrus fruits, tomatoes, fruit juices, wine, soda, pickles, and vinegar-based salad dressings. Hot and spicy foods can also have a tendency to break cold sores.
Soft Spots - rotten strawberries may have mushy spots. The mushy spots may be a slightly darker red or brown. Discolored Leaves - if the leaves at the top of the strawberry are turning yellow, are crinkly and brown, or have mold on them, they may be too old to eat.
Vitamin C, which is rich in strawberries and apples, not only helps to increase resistance to bacteria and viruses, but also helps prevent colds and strengthen immunity. Especially these days there's a flu going around in children.
Fresh fruit has important vitamins and minerals your body needs when you're sick. Apples, bananas and pomegranates are all good choices. Eat citrus if it sounds good but be careful if you are nauseous or have a sore throat; too much of these high-acidity fruits may make you feel worse.
Smoothies made with low-sugar and high-antioxidant ingredients such as berries, kale or celery help soothe the throat and boost the immune system. Add fruits such as orange or tangerine to amp up the Vitamin C and speed up your recovery.
So what are the foods to avoid with a sore throat? Generally speaking, avoid fatty, spicy, or acidic foods as they can all increase irritation. You should also avoid crunchy or hard textured foods like dry toast or cereals, as they can scratch your already delicate throat.
In accordance with their pH level, strawberries are acidic. The pH range for strawberries is usually 3 to 3.5. A pH value between 0 and 6.99 is regarded as acidic. The number is more acidic the closer it approaches to 0.
Sore throats are very common and usually nothing to worry about. They normally get better within a week. Most are caused by minor illnesses such as cold or flu and can be treated at home.
8 Here are some professional and authentic dietary guidelines9 to withstand COVID-19: Eat fruits daily (guava, apple, banana, strawberry, cantaloupe melon, grapefruit, pineapple, papaya, orange, Longman fruit, blackcurrant, pummelo) with a serving size of two cups (4 servings).
If you think this superfood is a safe bet, when you are sick, think again. Strawberries are one such example, as they are histamine releasers that can contribute to congestion. Histamine-powered mucus can create a sense of discomfort in your nose, and cause sinusitis.
Because of the anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin, consuming strawberries may help to alleviate symptoms of allergies, including runny nose, watery eyes, and hives; however, to date, there have been no human studies done to prove this theory.
The vitamin C and melatonin in strawberries both promote healthy sleep. Plus, according to the National Sleep Foundation, the antioxidants in strawberries can help counteract the oxidative stress caused by sleep disorders.
Risks and precautions. The disadvantage of strawberries is that they may contain pesticide residue. Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) produces a list of fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residue, known as the “Dirty Dozen.” Strawberries often rank high up on this list.
Acidic and sub-acidic fruits such as grapefruits, strawberries, apples, pomegranates, and peaches, should never be combined with sweet fruits such as bananas and raisins. This is because it often leads to digestive problems, nausea, acidosis, and headaches.
Foods That Increase the Severity of Cold Sores
Therefore, you'll want to avoid foods containing large amounts of arginine. These include flaxseeds, chocolate, spinach, whole grains, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, and walnuts. Avoid these foods completely when you feel the first few symptoms of a cold sore.
As far as what to avoid when you're sick, steer clear of foods that may fuel inflammation or stress your immune system. Those foods include refined sugar, processed foods (especially those with artificial ingredients), conventional dairy and meat, caffeine, and alcohol.
You should eat beets, mangoes and apricots to help healing of cold sores. Green peppers, dark green leafy vegetables and oranges are a rich source of antioxidant vitamin C, which helps in wound and skin healing.