Foods to avoid and eat for a sore throat

Foods to avoid and eat for a sore throat

A sore throat can result from viral or bacterial infections, exposure to environmental irritants, allergies, dry air, and excessive shouting for extended periods. The condition is easily curable, but when it strikes, it can make eating, talking, or swallowing painful and impact one’s daily life. However, there are several ways to alleviate the discomfort, and food plays a major role in recovery. Here are some foods that worsen the condition and some that help heal a sore throat.

Foods to avoid for sore throat
Spicy foods
Spicy foods and seasonings, such as hot sauces and chili peppers, can irritate an already sensitive throat. They should be avoided until the soreness subsides.

Acidic fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, grapes, and pineapples are high in acidity, which can exacerbate throat pain. It’s best to avoid these fruits when dealing with a sore throat.

Hard and crunchy snacks
Foods like chips and crackers can be abrasive on a sore throat and may cause further irritation. One should instead opt for softer, more easily digestible options.

Fried and fatty foods
High-fat, fried foods can promote inflammation in the body, which may intensify the discomfort of a sore throat. Fatty foods are also known to suppress one’s immunity, and the body also finds it difficult to digest these foods easily, which can further slow down the healing process. So, it’s advisable to avoid these until the throat is feeling better.

Caffeinated beverages
Caffeinated drinks like coffee, some teas, or energy drinks can dehydrate the body, which is the last thing someone with a sore throat needs. These beverages should be consumed in moderation or avoided altogether.

Dairy products
Some people find dairy products like milk can increase mucus production, leading to throat congestion. If this is the case, it’s best to limit one’s dairy consumption when experiencing a sore throat.

Coarse foods
These foods may include anything dry and rough, from deep-fried foods coated with breading, granola, raw vegetables, or even dry toast. They are hard to swallow and can irritate the delicate lining of one’s esophagus. It’s best to avoid coarse foods until recovery or steam and moisten them, especially vegetables, before consuming them.

Foods to eat for sore throat
Broths and warm soups
Hot soups like butternut squash soup, garlic spinach soup, shrimp soup, Miso soup, and others can become a nourishing companion during sore throat. They can clear congestion, lower post-nasal drip, and speed up one’s recovery. Broths like chicken soup or vegetable broth are rich in essential nutrients and moisture, making them easy to swallow. They also contain amino acids that have mild anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce throat discomfort.

Cooked vegetables
When dealing with a sore throat, consuming cooked vegetables can provide comfort and nourishment. They contain essential nutrients and moisture that reduce irritation and discomfort. Some of the options to try are steamed carrots, mashed sweet potatoes, cauliflower puree, and soft-boiled spinach.

Turmeric tea
A warm cup of turmeric tea, often combined with honey and ginger, offers anti-inflammatory relief for sore throats. Its natural healing properties provide comfort and aid in reducing inflammation.

Chamomile tea
Renowned for its calming and anti-inflammatory qualities, this herbal infusion relaxes throat muscles and reduces irritation. Its mild, warm flavor brings comfort and relief during a sore throat.

Honey
Honey is traditionally known for its soothing qualities. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it an excellent choice for alleviating sore throats. Mixing a spoonful of honey into a warm cup of herbal tea can provide instant comfort. One should avoid mixing honey with hot water since it can destroy its essential properties.

Ginger tea
A cup of boiling water induced with raw ginger can work wonders in reducing throat irritation and inflammation. The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of ginger help soothe irritated tissues, providing relief to the affected individual.

Soft, cooked oatmeal
Oatmeal is a soft, easy-to-swallow option that offers both comfort and nutrition. Cooked oatmeal is gentle on the throat, making it a great choice for those with sore throats. For added benefit, one can top it with a spoonful of honey for its soothing properties and some mashed bananas, which are rich in vitamins and provide an extra layer of comfort.

Smoothies
Nutrient-rich fruit smoothies can be a palatable way to stay hydrated while supporting the healing process. Blending fruits like bananas or mangoes with plant-based milk gives this hearty meal a soothing texture while ensuring one gets the essential vitamins and minerals for recovery.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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6 things Medicare does not cover

Medicare is a federal insurance program that helps those aged 65 and above meet their healthcare expenses. Divided into two parts, Part A and Part B, it covers inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, preventive services, medical equipment, and several other costs. However, the plan is not all-encompassing, so individuals are usually advised to purchase supplemental insurance to be on the safer side. Here are six things Medicare does not cover. Routine dental care Both Medicare Part A and Part B do not pay for routine dental care, including the costs for dental checkups, routine cleaning, or other dental maintenance services. The program also does not cover X-rays, fillings, root canals, and dentures. However, in some instances, Medicare may include dental surgery or X-rays. This is especially true during accidents, dental exams needed before kidney or heart surgery, or treatment for mouth cancer. Several Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Part C) may provide routine dental coverage as an extra benefit over Part A and Part B. However, people must purchase these plans from a Medicare-approved private company and pay an additional monthly premium. Routine vision care Medicare does not cover routine vision care. So, despite enrolling in the program, members must pay for eye exams (performed to determine if new prescription eyewear is needed) out of their pocket. Those wanting coverage for routine vision care would have to buy a supplemental plan, as in the case of routine dental care. One must note that the cost of eyeglasses and contact lenses is also excluded. The only exception is when an individual has undergone cataract surgery, and the eye doctor advises them to use such eyewear. Medicare also does not pay for specific chronic eye conditions, including glaucoma tests and eye surgeries, if someone is at high risk for eye diseases. Cosmetic procedures Medicare does not cover the cost of cosmetic procedures like face-lifts and tummy tucks when someone signs up for them voluntarily. But understandably, the program pays for these treatments if they are absolutely necessary for health reasons. So, for example, if someone has met with an accident that has caused injuries that need plastic surgery for recovery, Medicare will cover the expenses. The plan will also bear the costs if an individual undergoes breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. Cosmetic treatments help enhance a person's appearance. However, since Medicare does not cover the expenses, individuals can invest in supplemental plans or invest in a savings program to avoid financial hardships. Hearing aids Hearing aids and routine hearing exams can cost as much as $3,250 per ear. Luckily, certain Medicare Advantage or Part C plans cover hearing aids and equipment fitting exams. Moreover, some discount plans offer coverage or price cuts to help people save on hearing aids. However, by and large, routine hearing examination and equipment costs are not covered by Original Medicare (Part A and B). Generally, healthcare professionals advise people to get their routine hearing-related expenses covered by external insurance service providers. Besides considering this option, individuals with inherent, underlying hearing problems for a long time can consider investing in an HSA. Doing so can occasionally enable them to get tax benefits for hearing aids and other out-of-pocket hearing expenses. Overseas care People undergoing surgeries or other procedures out of the country usually cannot claim reimbursements through Medicare. The costs are covered in a few circumstances only. For example, if someone undergoes a procedure on a cruise ship within six hours of a country's port, they can claim reimbursements. Specific Medicare Advantage plans cover emergency expenses incurred abroad, so frequent travelers might want to consider them. To fully cover themselves, people can also purchase travel insurance policies that cover specific health expenses while away from the country. Doing so ensures one will have to rarely, if ever, pay their bills out of their pocket when traveling abroad. Chiropractic care Original Medicare does not pay for most chiropractor tests or services, including X-rays and checkups. However, Medicare Part B does pay for a given chiropractic service: the physical and manual manipulation of a person's spine done by a qualified chiropractor or other qualified medical practitioner to correct a vertebral subluxation. In this condition, the spinal vertebra is partially dislocated from its usual position.

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