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By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern

Being sick is never fun. What makes it even worse is when you have a sore throat, as it is uncomfortable to talk, eat, drink, and just swallow in general, making you not want to eat or drink anything. But, as we all know, it is important to be getting good nutrition while you’re sick so that your body can properly fight off the illness. So, here are some dietician-recommended foods to eat while you are sick that also help to soothe a sore throat, in addition to foods to avoid. 

According to Dr. Peter DeMarco and registered dietician Rachel Begun, it is best to eat foods that are either warm or cold, smooth, soft and easily swallowable. The following are some suggestions.

• Warm cereals like oatmeal, grits, or cream of rice
• Cooked, mashed, or pureed vegetables
• Yogurt
• Jello
• Hummus
• Scrambled eggs
• Soup
• Smoothies
• Ice cream
• Puddings
• Popsicles
• Tea (with or without honey)

The following foods often make a sore throat more irritated.

• Spices and seasonings
• Crunchy snack foods like potato chips, tortilla chips, and crackers
• Raw vegetables
• Acidic fruits
• Acidic beverages such as coffee and sodas
• Chocolate
• Red sauces
• Greasy foods

Even though eating or drinking might not feel the best when you’re sick and have a sore throat, don’t deny your body the nutrition that it needs in order to fight off your sickness. Likewise, don’t eat foods that further irritate your throat. Instead, opt for foods that not only nourish your body but can also help to soothe your throat.

For more health-related articles, check out the Fill Your Plate blog!