Sore, scratchy throats are the worst! It hurts to talk or even swallow. All you want is some relief. When you’re feeling under the weather, nothing sounds more comforting than a steaming bowl of hot pot. The spicy broth warms you from the inside out and the meat and veggies are soft and soothing.
But is hot pot actually good for sore throats? The heat and
While hot pot may sound tempting when you’re sick, it’s better to avoid it. Stick with cool, soothing foods like popsicles, yogurt, apple sauce, and cold fruit smoothies. And make sure to get plenty of rest and fluids. Your throat will feel better before you know it!
Now let’s talk about some sore throat-friendly recipes to try instead…
Hot Pot Offers Temporary Relief But Can Irritate Further
The heat and
Here’s why:
- The capsaicin in chili peppers can further irritate your throat. It inflicts a burning sensation, which may feel good briefly but causes more pain afterward.
- The hot steam from hot pot can make symptoms worse by drying out and inflaming your throat even more.
So while hot pot may seem comforting, it can actually exacerbate your sore throat. The temporary relief isn’t worth the additional irritation it causes.
Hot and Spicy Foods Tend to Aggravate Sore Throats
In general, doctors recommend avoiding hot or spicy foods when you have a sore throat. Here are some other foods to steer clear of:
- Hot coffee or tea
- Alcoholic beverages
- Acidic juices like orange, grapefruit, or lemon
- Crunchy chips or pretzels
- Toast or other dry, coarse breads
Anything that’s hot, spicy, acidic, salty, or dry has the potential to further irritate your inflamed throat tissues. It’s best to stick with cool, soothing foods and beverages.
What to Eat Instead for Sore Throat Relief
Rather than reaching for hot pot, choose foods that will actually help you feel better. Here are some sore throat-friendly options:
1. Cold Foods
Cold foods like popsicles, ice cream, chilled fruit, and smoothies can numb and soothe pain. The cold temperature reduces inflammation and irritation.
Some good choices include:
- Popsicles
- Ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt
- Cold fruit like watermelon, pineapple, honeydew
- Smoothies with banana, mango, berries
- Chilled soups like gazpacho
2. Soft, Cool Foods
Foods that are soft, smooth, and easily swallowed can provide relief without aggravating your throat. Try:
- Applesauce or fruit purées
- Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Oatmeal, cream of wheat, or grits
- Yogurt, pudding, custard
- Mashed avocado
- Cottage cheese
- Eggs
- Protein shakes
3. Soothing Beverages
Stay hydrated and coat your throat with comforting beverages:
- Chamomile or ginger tea with honey
- Decaf green tea with lemon and honey
- Warm broths like chicken, vegetable, or bone broth
- Nut milks like almond or coconut milk
- Herbal teas like licorice or marshmallow root
- Aloe vera juice
- Decaf mint or lemon tea
Lifestyle Tips for Sore Throat Relief
Beyond diet, there are other ways to find throat pain relief:
- Get plenty of rest. Your body needs rest to heal.
- Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water, decaf tea, and other non-irritating fluids.
- Gargle with salt water. Helps reduce swelling and loosen mucus.
- Suck on lozenges. Look for numbing ingredients like menthol or benzocaine.
- Use a humidifier. Moisturizes dry air and prevents irritation.
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Cigarette smoke will further damage your throat.
See your doctor if pain persists for over a week or you have difficulty swallowing. You may need medication or treatment for strep, tonsillitis, or other conditions.
FAQs About Hot Pot and Sore Throats
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about hot pot and sore throats:
1. Why does hot and spicy food irritate a sore throat?
Spicy foods contain capsaicin, which triggers inflammation and a burning sensation. This can further irritate an already inflamed, sore throat. The heat from steam and broth can also dry out and inflame the throat.
2. Are there certain ingredients in hot pot that help soothe a sore throat?
Some hot pot ingredients may provide temporary relief but aren’t recommended overall. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties while mushrooms contain polysaccharides that may coat and soothe the throat. However, the spices and heat overwhelm any potential benefits.
3. How long should I avoid hot and spicy foods after getting over a sore throat?
It’s best to avoid irritating foods until your throat feels completely normal again with no pain when swallowing. This may take 3-5 days after other cold symptoms resolve. Don’t rush back to spicy foods before your throat has fully healed.
4. Can eating hot pot when you have a sore throat make your condition worse?
Yes, eating hot and spicy hot pot can potentially worsen inflammation and pain. The additional irritation can prolong your sore throat. It’s best to avoid hot pot and stick to cooling, soothing foods.
5. What temperature broth is safest when you have a sore throat?
Lukewarm or room temperature broths are gentler on an inflamed throat. Aim for temperatures under 100°F. Very hot steamy broths can cause further irritation. Go for warming broths you can comfortably sip.
The Verdict: Skip the Hot Pot for Sore Throats
While hot and spicy hot pot may seem appealing, it’s not the best choice when you have a sore throat. The heat and irritation can make symptoms worse.
Instead, opt for cool, soothing foods and beverages. Popsicles, chilled smoothies, applesauce, and ice cream provide relief and let your throat heal.
With plenty of rest and hydration, your sore throat should be gone before you know it. Once your throat is feeling better, you can celebrate with a nice spicy hot pot if you’d like! But when your throat is already inflamed, it’s better to avoid hot pot and other irritating foods.
