What Foods to eat and Avoid When You Have a Cough

When you or your loved ones have a cough all your body needs are the items that can help you recover quickly. Did you know that certain foods can hinder your recovery process? Understanding what to eat and avoid during a cough is crucial for faster healing. This information empowers you to make informed decisions about your diet, potentially reducing the duration and severity of your cough symptoms.

This article will explore the essential foods to avoid during a cough for faster recovery. This will also highlight beneficial foods that support your immune system and soothe your throat. 

Foods to Avoid When Suffering from a Cough

Individuals must be mindful of the foods they consume when dealing with a cough. Certain foods can exacerbate symptoms and slow down recovery. Here are some foods to avoid during a cough:

• Dairy Products: Although evidence is limited, it is best to avoid dairy products such as milk, ice cream, and cheese when suffering from a cold. These items may make the nose stuffy or runny, making breathing difficult.
• Caffeine and Alcohol: Both of these substances have a dehydrating effect on the body. When fluid is already lost through mucus production, it's better to avoid them. Alcohol, in particular, hinders the proper functioning of the immune system, potentially prolonging the cough and cold. Instead of coffee, opt for a tall glass of herbal tea.
• Deep-fried Foods: These tend to worsen cough symptoms and thus are among the foods to avoid while coughing. The unhealthy fatty acids from butter, lard, and omega-6 fatty acids can stimulate the body to secrete more mucus. It's advisable to eat healthier foods that boost immunity instead.
• Histamine-rich Foods: The body produces histamines to eliminate harmful particles, including allergens. This chemical triggers increased mucus production, leading to a runny or stuffy nose. If you have a cough or cold you should avoid foods rich in histamines including but not limited to:
  • Avocados
  • Mushrooms
  • Strawberries
  • Dry fruits
  • Alcohol
  • Yoghurt
  • Vinegar
  • Fermented foods
• Sugar: Like alcohol, sugar can trigger inflammation, potentially worsening cold symptoms, including cough. Despite its comforting nature, avoiding sweets as much as possible during recovery is best.
• Starchy Vegetables: Corn, potatoes, and squash can raise blood sugar levels. Some research implies that higher blood sugar levels may increase the risk of congestion-related diseases, which can worsen cough and lung issues. This connection may be associated with high starch consumption over time. Therefore, foods high in starch are considered items to avoid during colds and for long term prevention.
• Histamine-rich Vegetables: If you have histamine intolerance eating vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes and fermented vegetables like sauerkraut can trigger coughing more.
• Citrus Fruits: Some people believe that grapefruit, oranges, lemons and other citrus fruits may irritate a sensitive throat and make you cough.
• Carbonated Beverages: If you are consuming soft and carbonated drinks you are also taking artificial ingredients and added sugars, which may irritate your throat and cause coughing.

By avoiding these foods, individuals can support their body's natural healing processes and potentially reduce the duration and severity of their cough symptoms. Remember to stay hydrated and focus on consuming foods that boost immunity and soothe the throat for faster recovery.

Foods to Eat When You Are Down with a Cough

Certain food items can help alleviate symptoms and support recovery when suffering from a cough. These foods provide essential nutrients, hydration, and natural remedies to soothe the throat and boost the immune system.

• Soup and Broths: Chicken soup has long been one of the popular remedies for colds and coughs, and for good reason. It is an easy-to-consume source of vitamins, minerals, calories, and protein. The warmth of the soup helps relieve sinus congestion, while the chicken contains cysteine, an amino acid that may aid in recovery. Similar to chicken soup, broths provide essential fluids and electrolytes. When served hot, they help clear sinus congestion. Broths are gentle on the digestive system while offering a variety of nutrients. If you are taking bone broths rich in collagen and amino acids you may have faster recovery.
• Herbal Teas: Hot herbal tea is a natural decongestant and keeps your body hydrated. Different types of tea offer various benefits including but not limited to:
  • Peppermint Tea: Contains menthol, which calms dry, tickly coughs and has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
  • Ginger Tea: Ginger helps relax airway muscles and ease breathing due to its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.
  • Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial effects.
• Honey: Honey is renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly effective for coughs. Adding one or two teaspoons of honey to lukewarm water, milk, or tea can relieve a sore throat.
• Citrus Fruits: Although citrus fruits may irritate the sore throat in some people, certain citrus fruits, like oranges, limes, and lemons, are excellent sources of vitamin C, which assists the immune system in fighting illness.
• Spicy Foods: Spicy foods, such as those containing chilli peppers, can help loosen mucus in the nasal passages. Chilli peppers have a compound called compound capsaicin that thins out your mucus so that you can expel it easily. But excess of anything is bad therefore avoid eating too much of spicy foods as it can upset your stomach.

Just by adding these foods to your diet if you are suffering from a cough, you can use your body's natural healing processes and get relief from symptoms. Remember to stay well hydrated and consult a doctor.

Conclusion

Cough can be a problem but if you know what to eat and what to avoid you can speed up your recovery. Try to avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, deep-fried foods and histamine-rich items and include chicken soup, broths, herbal teas, and immunity boosting foods in your diet so that you can get relief from symptoms and a better immunity.

Remember, your food choices alone can make a lot of difference in managing cough symptoms and speeding up recovery. Keep yourself hydrated and have nourishing, easily digestible foods so that your body has the best chance to fight off the illness. By making informed dietary decisions, you're taking an active step to improve your health and get back to feeling your best sooner.

When dealing with a cough, avoiding foods like dairy, caffeine, alcohol, fried items, sugar, and histamine-rich foods (e.g., avocados, mushrooms) can prevent aggravating symptoms and mucus production. Instead, focus on nourishing, immunity boosting options like chicken soup, broths, herbal teas (ginger, peppermint), honey and spicy foods which help soothe the throat and loosen congestion. Keeping yourself well hydrated and being mindful of your diet can speed up recovery. Adding nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, is also beneficial for immune support.