Bushra Griffith
When suffering from a cough, it is important to be mindful of your diet. While there are many foods and drinks that can help relieve symptoms, some may worsen them. Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and ice cream, have long been believed to increase mucus production and make a cough worse. However, scientific studies have found little evidence to support this claim, and some even suggest that milk does not increase mucus production. Nevertheless, it is important to note that individual experiences may vary, and some people may find that dairy does exacerbate their coughing. Aside from dairy, other foods and drinks to avoid include caffeine, alcohol, deep-fried foods, and sugary items, as these can dehydrate the body or trigger inflammation, prolonging the cough.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effect on mucus production | There is a common misconception that cheese and other dairy products increase mucus production and make coughs worse. However, numerous studies since 1948 have found no link between dairy consumption and increased mucus production. |
| Nutritional benefits | Cheese provides calories, nutrients, and protein, which can be beneficial when you're sick and may not feel like eating much. |
| Alternative remedies | Other foods and drinks, such as spicy foods, honey, ginger, herbal tea, and vitamin C-rich fruits, are recommended to help soothe a cough and boost immunity. |
| Dehydration | Cheese may not directly affect dehydration, but staying properly hydrated is crucial when recovering from a cough. |
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What You'll Learn
- Dairy products like cheese may increase mucus production, but this is not supported by scientific studies
- Spicy foods can help clear your nasal passages, but avoid them if you have an upset stomach
- Alcohol weakens the immune system and dehydrates the body, prolonging your cough
- Citrus fruits may irritate a sensitive throat and cause coughing, although evidence is limited
- Starchy vegetables can increase congestion, which may worsen a cough over time
Dairy products like cheese may increase mucus production, but this is not supported by scientific studies
Dairy products, including cheese, are often thought to increase mucus production, which can worsen a cough. This belief has led to the common advice to avoid cheese and other dairy products when sick. However, scientific studies have found little to no evidence to support this claim.
The idea that dairy products increase mucus production has been a subject of scientific investigation since 1948, with numerous studies examining the link between dairy consumption and mucus secretion. Despite the extensive research, no significant correlation has been established, and the notion remains largely unsupported by scientific data.
One study, published in The Skeptical Inquirer, surveyed 330 parents visiting a pediatric pulmonary office and found that 59% of them believed that dairy causes mucus production. This perception is widespread, with singers and parents of asthmatic children often advised to avoid dairy to prevent mucus buildup. However, the scientific evidence suggests that dairy consumption does not directly lead to increased mucus production.
While the exact reason for this misconception is unclear, it may be attributed to individual variations or the subjective nature of the sensation of mucus in the throat. Some people may genuinely experience an increase in mucus production after consuming dairy, but this is not a universally applicable phenomenon. Additionally, the coating effect of dairy on existing mucus may contribute to the perception of increased mucus, even though the overall production remains unchanged.
It is worth noting that individual responses to specific foods can vary. While scientific studies have refuted the direct link between dairy and mucus production, some individuals may still find that consuming cheese or other dairy products worsens their coughing symptoms. In such cases, it is advisable to limit or avoid dairy products based on personal experience and preferences.
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Spicy foods can help clear your nasal passages, but avoid them if you have an upset stomach
There are many conflicting opinions on the types of food to eat and avoid when you have a cough. Firstly, it is important to stay hydrated, as your body tends to dehydrate when you have a cough. Doctors recommend drinking warm fluids such as herbal tea, honey, and coconut water. It is also important to eat a healthy diet rich in nutrients, including green vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli.
There are some foods that you should avoid when you have a cough, as they can worsen symptoms. Alcohol, caffeine, and sugar can trigger inflammation and weaken the immune system, so it is best to avoid them. Fried foods, fatty acids, and omega-6 fatty acids can also make the body produce more mucus, so these should be avoided.
There are also a number of foods that are thought to help clear your nasal passages and soothe a sore throat. Spicy foods, such as chilli peppers, contain a compound called capsaicin, which has been shown to help with a stuffy head. Ginger also has anti-nausea and antioxidant effects, and can soothe throat pain.
However, it is important to note that spicy foods should be avoided if you have an upset stomach, as they can cause nausea. Similarly, while dairy products such as milk, ice cream, and cheese are often thought to increase mucus production, numerous studies have found that this is not the case. Nevertheless, if you find that dairy makes your coughing worse, it is best to avoid it.
Finally, while it is important to rest when you are unwell, regular exercise can also help to bolster your immune system and reduce the occurrence and severity of acute respiratory infections.
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Alcohol weakens the immune system and dehydrates the body, prolonging your cough
While cheese is best avoided when you have a cough as it can make your nose stuffy or runny, making it harder to breathe, alcohol is even more detrimental to your health when sick. Alcohol weakens the immune system and dehydrates the body, prolonging your cough.
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production, causing you to lose vital fluids and electrolytes. This leads to dehydration, especially when consumed in large quantities or on an empty stomach. Dehydration can affect multiple bodily functions and cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and increased thirst. It is important to stay hydrated when you have a cough to replenish the water lost from your body as mucus.
In addition to causing dehydration, alcohol suppresses the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections. It also damages the cells in your intestines, leading to malnutrition and a weakened immune system. Alcohol-induced inflammation further disrupts the normal functioning of the immune system, making your body more susceptible to infections.
The gut microbiome is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system, and alcohol consumption disrupts the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut. This imbalance weakens the gut barrier, allowing pathogens to enter the bloodstream and trigger an immune response. Alcohol also impairs the skin's ability to act as a barrier against pathogens, increasing the risk of skin infections.
Overall, alcohol weakens the immune system and dehydrates the body, prolonging your recovery from a cough. It is important to limit alcohol intake and focus on rehydrating and nourishing your body to support your immune system when you are sick.
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Citrus fruits may irritate a sensitive throat and cause coughing, although evidence is limited
There are many opinions on what to eat and avoid when you have a cough. Dairy products, such as milk, ice cream, and cheese, are commonly believed to increase mucus production and make a cough worse. However, several studies have found that dairy does not increase mucus production. Nevertheless, some people may find that dairy aggravates their coughing, and it is generally recommended to avoid cold dairy products like ice cream as they can irritate the throat.
Citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, oranges, and lemons, may irritate a sensitive throat and cause coughing, although evidence for this is limited. These fruits are rich in vitamin C, which is often recommended to help prevent and recover from colds. However, if you find that citrus fruits irritate your throat and trigger coughing, it may be best to avoid them when you have a cough.
Instead, opt for warm fluids like herbal teas, vegetable broth, or soups, which can help soothe your throat and prevent dehydration. Honey is also highly recommended for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, effectively soothing an irritated throat and chest. Additionally, bananas are a good source of nutrients and soluble fiber, ensuring your body receives the nourishment it needs when you may not feel like eating much.
Spicy foods, such as chili peppers, can help clear out your nasal passages and provide relief from a throat cough. However, be cautious not to overeat spicy foods if you have an upset stomach, as it may cause nausea. Ginger is another excellent option for its anti-nausea, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer effects.
It is also crucial to stay hydrated and properly nourished during a cough. Alcohol, caffeine, and sugary foods should be avoided as they can trigger inflammation, worsen symptoms, and dehydrate the body.
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Starchy vegetables can increase congestion, which may worsen a cough over time
While cheese is a dairy product, and dairy products are often believed to worsen a cough, there is little evidence to support this. Since 1948, numerous studies have tested whether milk consumption leads to increased mucus production, and several studies have found that it doesn't. However, some people believe that dairy products can worsen their coughing, and some studies have suggested that certain foods can increase mucus production, which can lead to a cough. As such, if you find that dairy products worsen your coughing, it is best to avoid them.
Starchy vegetables, on the other hand, can increase congestion, which may worsen a cough over time. Starchy vegetables such as corn, potatoes, and squash can raise blood sugar levels. Research has suggested that higher blood sugar levels can increase the risk of congestion-related diseases, which may worsen a cough and are eventually linked to the lungs. Thus, sources high in starch may be considered foods to avoid during a cold and to prevent the condition in the long term.
It is important to note that everyone's body is different, and some people may find that certain foods affect their coughing more than others. In addition, it is always advisable to stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy diet to bolster your immune system and speed up recovery.
Some foods that can help relieve a cough include spicy foods, ginger, garlic, honey, and vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, lemons, and limes. These foods can help clear congestion, soothe a sore throat, and provide antibacterial and antimicrobial effects.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is a common belief that dairy products like cheese, milk, and ice cream can worsen a cough by increasing mucus production, scientific studies have found little to no evidence to support this claim. However, some people may find that dairy irritates their throat and worsens their coughing, so it is best to avoid it if you personally notice this effect.
Staying hydrated with warm fluids, such as herbal tea, vegetable broth, or soups, can help relieve congestion and soothe a sore throat. Honey, with its antibacterial and antiviral properties, can also help relieve symptoms when added to tea or warm water. Spicy foods like chilli peppers can clear out nasal passages, making it easier to breathe.
Alcohol, caffeine, and sugary items can worsen a cough by dehydrating the body and triggering inflammation. Citrus fruits like grapefruit, oranges, and lemons may irritate a sensitive throat and trigger coughing. Starchy vegetables, such as corn, potatoes, and squash, can also worsen congestion and coughing by raising blood sugar levels.
Regular exercise can strengthen your immune system and reduce the occurrence, severity, and duration of acute respiratory infections like coughs. Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine when you're unwell can help bolster your immune system and speed up recovery.
Aside from dietary adjustments, staying properly hydrated and getting adequate rest are important for managing a cough. Honey, especially in combination with ginger, can help soothe a sore throat and provide antimicrobial and anti-nausea effects.
