Ice cream can offer soothing relief for sore throats, but eating too much sugar may make symptoms worse.
If you’ve got a sore throat, it might be tempting to reach for the ice cream to get a little cool relief. But is it completely harmless? Can it make your condition worse?
Here’s the scoop on eating ice cream for a sore throat.
Eating ice cream may provide some temporary relief for a sore throat thanks to its cold and soothing feel. However, this relief is often short-lived, and the high sugar content in most ice creams might increase inflammation and lower your immunity, potentially worsening your condition.
The good news is there are more ice cream options now than ever before, so you might be able to get the cool relief without the negatives.
Can sugar make a sore throat worse?
High sugar intake may reduce the effectiveness of white blood cells, which play a crucial role in defending against illnesses. This is particularly true if a virus or bacteria are the cause of your sore throat.
If you’re set on eating ice cream for a sore throat, opting for certain types of ice cream may be a better choice. Here are some considerations:
- Low sugar varieties: High sugar content can potentially worsen inflammation and irritate a sore throat. Choosing ice cream with lower sugar content or even sugar-free alternatives can be gentler on your throat.
- Non-dairy options: Individuals with dairy allergies may experience added stress on their immune system. In such cases, non-dairy alternatives, like ice creams made with coconut milk or almond milk, can serve as suitable options. These alternatives provide a creamy and soothing treat without the potential for dairy-related issues.
- Fruit sorbets: Fruit-based sorbets are generally lower in fat and dairy-free, making them a lighter option for a sore throat. They’re often made…
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