A sore throat causes pain and extreme discomfort to people of all ages. Most often, the first sign of a cold or upper respiratory infection is breathlessness, and feeling sick, coupled with not wanting to eat. However, according to doctors, it is important that you fuel your body, especially when you are sick, to speed up the healing process.

And so, experts suggest consuming warm drinks and foods – which include soft foods that do not hurt your already inflamed throat.

You would have heard the phrase “feed a cold, starve a fever.” While eating recommended foods would not cure a sore throat, these choices can help you soothe irritation and swelling while promoting healing.

Experts say to eat foods that are not spicy and easy to swallow - as the soft texture will help limit the amount of irritation to your throat. Hot soups, or tea with lemon, as well as gargling with warm, salty water, can also help soothe your throat.

Some foods you can safely eat without further aggravating your condition include:

Oatmeal is packed with fibre and nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants. It is an excellent meal to fill you up while helping you rid your body of toxins.

While it does not have any medicinal benefits, the smooth texture of gelatin makes it easy to swallow when you have an irritated throat.

Plain yogurts or yogurts with pureed fruits at room temperature

Honey has amazing medicinal benefits. It is super effective in warding off bacterial and viral infections. But since it has a high sugar content, honey can prevent your immune system from doing an effective job, so always take it in small amounts.

Ginger is a natural antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and prevents bacterial growth. It also has anti-nausea properties.

Contrary to popular belief, cold foods like ice cream soothe sore throats and reduce inflammation. However, make sure to just eat a single scoop, as too much sugar can inhibit the immune system’s effectiveness.

Chicken soup is super delicious as well as one of the best remedies to fight colds and infections. It helps inhibit the movement of neutrophils, white blood cells that defend against infection, and the hot fluids increase the movement of nasal mucus.

Soft, easy-to-swallow foods like mashed potatoes are always a good idea when you are sick, and mashed potatoes fit the bill perfectly. It is loaded with magnesium, vitamin C, and antioxidants - ingredients that promote a strong immune system—so leave that on when mashing.

Eggs – whether boiled or scrambled – are a powerhouse of protein, vitamin D, and B12 along with zinc, iron, and selenium – all of which help to fight an infection.

Smoothies – made with seasonal fruits along with dates, are high-antioxidant foods that help soothe your throat and boost immunity levels.

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