Sore throat refers to a condition characterized by pain in the throat. It usually results from inflammation due to colds or viruses. It can per present in people across the life span; however, there is increased risk in young people, smokers, people with allergies, and those with a compromised immune system. Also, those who stay or live in a close space with others also have strong risk of acquiring upper respiratory infections that usually present sore throat as an initial symptom.
According to Healthline, pain is the initial manifestation of a sore throat; nonetheless, the condition may also include symptoms, such as dryness of the throat, white patches on the tonsils, hoarseness of voice, and swollen glands in the neck. It can be managed by proper nutrition, gargling warm salt water, drinking lots of warm fluids like water, tea, and soup, avoiding irritants and allergens like chemicals and smoke, and taking lozenges.
In line with nutrition, the following meals can be prepared to manage sore throat.
Banana and Water Mix
According to Health Life Tricks, banana has beneficial effect on the throat. First, it is easy to swallow; thus, it does not cause pain if a person has a sore throat. Another benefit of eating banana is that it is rich in vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium, along with a low glycemic index. As per the publication, the ingredients for the recipe include two medium sized bananas, two tablespoons of honey or sugar, and 400ml of boiling water.
To prepare, the bananas are peeled and mashed with a spoon or fork (preferrably wooden). Then, sugar is added and is stirred well. Next, the boiling water is poured and the mixture is covered, allowing it to stand for 30 minutes. If the person plans to add honey, it should be added when the mixture has already cooled down. Once done, the mixture is strained through a plastic sleeve, which is optional. As per the publication, the mixture is mildly heated and is consumed for four times a day, about 100ml each time; also, a new dose is made each treatment day.
According to India Times, chicken soup stands as a conventional remedy for sore throat and it beats the power of antibiotics. As per the publication, this soup possesses properties that fight inflammation and relieves congestion. In addition, chicken soup may also contain vegetables and spices like celery, carrot, sweet potatoes, turnips, garlic, and onions, which also have their own nutritional properties.
As per All Recipes, the ingredients for chicken soup include one three-pound whole chicken, four carrots, four stalks of celery, one large onion, a teaspoon of chicken bouillon granules, water, salt, and pepper. To prepare, the chicken, celery, carrots, and onion are placed in a large soup pot and is covered with cold water. Then, they are heated, simmered, and uncovered, until the chicken meat separates from the bones. After that, everything is removed from the pot and the broth is strained. Then, the meat is picked off of the bones while the celery, carrots, and onions are chopped. Next, the broth is season with pepper, salt, and chicken bouillon to taste. Then , the ingredients are returned to the pot, are stirred together, and then served.
Overall, sore throat can be annoying to some, as it manifests symptoms like pain, irritation, and itchiness that it hard for a person to swallow. Thus, it is important to seek medical consult if the condition persists for more than a week or if it becomes accompanied by other symptoms, such as rashes, fever, difficulty of breathing, and joint pain.