Feb 28, 2025, 02:38 PM IST

7 foods to avoid during cold and cough

Muskaan Gupta

Certain foods may increase cough irritation and prolong the healing process. Steer clear of them to aid in healing and throat relief. When you have a cough, stay away from these 7 foods!

Yoghurt, cheese, and milk can thicken mucus and worsen coughing. Dairy products should be avoided until your cough clears up if you experience increased phlegm after eating them.

Dairy Products

Eating greasy food can irritate and inflame your throat, which makes it more difficult for your body to fight off a cough. To speed up your healing, choose lighter meals.

Fried and Oily Foods

Consuming too much sugar can prolong your cough by weakening your immune system and causing inflammation. Steer clear of processed sugary treats, soda, and sweets.

Sugary Foods and Drinks

Spicy foods may be beneficial to certain people, but they can also irritate the throat and cause excessive coughing. Instead, limit your diet to mild, calming foods.

Spicy Foods

Tea, coffee, and energy drinks can dehydrate you, worsening throat irritation. Stay hydrated with warm herbal teas or honey-infused drinks instead.

Caffeinated Beverages

Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are high in vitamin C, but they can irritate your throat, especially if you already have a sore throat from coughing.

Citrus Fruits and Juices

Alcohol can worsen throat irritation and dehydrate the body, which makes it more difficult for your body to heal from a cough. Limit yourself to water and calming herbal teas.

Alcohol

This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion.