What Should You Eat and Avoid if You Have Tonsillitis?

Do you have a sore throat that makes swallowing feel like a struggle? If you’ve had tonsillitis, you know how tough eating can be. The right foods can soothe your throat and help you feel better, while the wrong ones can worsen things. So, what should you eat with tonsillitis? 

And what foods are best to avoid? Knowing this can help speed up your recovery and make eating easier. If tonsillitis keeps returning, it might be worth talking to an ENT Specialist in London about options like tonsil removal surgery. Let’s explore the best and worst foods for tonsillitis.

Safe Foods to Eat with Tonsillitis

The goal is to eat foods that are soft, easy to swallow, and packed with nutrients. Here are some safe food options to consider if you’re wondering what to eat with tonsillitis.

1. Soft and Easy-to-Swallow Foods

Soft foods are ideal when you have tonsillitis because they are gentle on a sore throat and don’t require much chewing:

• Mashed Potatoes: Soft and creamy mashed potatoes are easy to eat and can be flavoured with butter or broth to make them even more soothing.
• Scrambled Eggs: Lightly scrambled eggs are soft, easy to chew, and a good source of protein, which is important for recovery.
• Applesauce and Mashed Bananas: These are easy to swallow and provide natural sweetness and nutrients without irritating the throat.
• Oatmeal and Porridge: Warm, soft cereals like oatmeal or porridge are gentle on the throat and can be flavoured with honey or fruits for added benefits.
• Cottage Cheese: Soft and creamy cottage cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, which are vital for healing.

Including these soft foods in your diet can help ensure you’re eating without causing further irritation to your throat.

2. Cold and Soothing Foods

Cold foods can provide a numbing effect on a sore throat, reducing pain and discomfort:

• Ice Cream and Sorbet: These treats are delicious and help numb the throat, temporarily relieving pain. Choose options without chunks or nuts to avoid irritation.
• Smoothies: Blended drinks with fruits, yoghurt, and milk can be soothing and nutritious. Avoid citrus fruits like oranges, which can be too acidic and irritate the throat.
• Popsicles: Homemade or store-bought popsicles made with natural fruit juices can help cool and soothe the throat. Again, avoid citrus-based ones.
• Cold Applesauce: Applesauce can be served chilled for a soothing throat effect. It’s also easy to swallow and full of nutrients.

Cold foods are especially helpful in temporarily reducing swelling and numbing throat pain, making them great for short-term relief.

3. Hydrating Fluids

Staying hydrated is key when you have tonsillitis, as it helps keep your throat moist and supports your body’s healing process:

• Water: Drinking plenty of water is essential to keep your throat hydrated and help flush out toxins.
• Coconut Water: This natural drink is not only hydrating but also provides electrolytes, which can be helpful if you have a fever or are sweating a lot.
• Diluted Fruit Juices: Non-citrus juices like apple or pear juice can be soothing when diluted with water. Avoid acidic juices like orange or grapefruit juice, which irritate the throat.
• Milk and Non-Dairy Alternatives: Milk, almond milk, or oat milk can be soothing when consumed cold, especially if your throat is particularly sore.

Hydrating fluids keep the throat moist, prevent dehydration, and help your body recover more quickly from the infection.

4. Nutritious Soups and Broths

Warm, clear soups and broths are perfect for those dealing with tonsillitis:

• Chicken Broth: A classic choice, chicken broth is light, easy to swallow, and full of nutrients. The warmth can help soothe the throat, and it’s also hydrating.
• Vegetable Soup: Light vegetable soups, especially those without chunky pieces, provide vitamins and minerals without irritating the throat.
• Bone Broth: Rich in nutrients, bone broth is a great choice for those looking to boost their immune system while also soothing a sore throat.
• Miso Soup: This Japanese soup is light, easy to digest, and contains probiotics that can support your immune system.

Soups and broths are easy to eat, help keep you hydrated, and provide the necessary nutrients to support your body during recovery.

5. Honey and Warm Herbal Teas

Honey and herbal teas have been long recommended for soothing a sore throat:

• Honey: Known for its natural antibacterial properties, honey can coat the throat and relieve irritation. It can be added to warm tea or taken directly by a spoonful.
• Chamomile Tea: This herbal tea has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe the throat and reduce pain.
• Ginger Tea: Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a good choice for easing throat pain. Adding honey can enhance its soothing effects.
• Peppermint Tea: Peppermint tea can cool down the throat and help reduce discomfort.

Honey and warm herbal teas can offer comfort and healing properties, making them a great choice for tonsillitis patients.

Foods to Avoid if You Have Tonsillitis

Just as there are foods that can help, there are also foods that can worsen your symptoms. Knowing which foods to avoid for tonsillitis can help reduce discomfort and prevent further irritation. Here’s a guide on what to steer clear of when your tonsils are inflamed.

1. Rough or Crunchy Foods

Rough and crunchy foods can scratch and irritate a sore throat:

• Chips and Crackers: These snacks are hard and can scratch the throat, worsening the pain.
• Toast and Dry Bread: Dry and rough can be difficult to swallow and may cause more irritation.
• Nuts and Seeds: Small, hard pieces can get stuck in the tonsils or further scratch the throat.

Avoiding these foods can help prevent additional pain and discomfort when swallowing.

2. Acidic and Spicy Foods

Acidic and spicy foods can cause a burning sensation and increase throat pain:

• Citrus Fruits and Juices: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, as well as their juices, are highly acidic and can irritate a sore throat.
• Tomato-Based Products: Foods like tomato sauce, ketchup, and salsa are acidic and may worsen throat inflammation.
• Spicy Foods: Dishes with hot spices, chilli peppers, or strong seasoning can cause a burning sensation and increase irritation.

It’s best to avoid these foods until your throat feels better to prevent worsening the pain.

3. Dairy Products

While dairy isn’t inherently bad, it can sometimes thicken mucus, which may be uncomfortable:

• Milk and Cream: These can create a coating in the throat, making you feel more congested.
• Cheese and Ice Cream: Although ice cream can be soothing due to its cold temperature, its dairy content might cause mucus build-up, irritating the throat further.

Limiting dairy products might help reduce mucus production and make swallowing easier.

4. Sugary and Processed Foods

Sugary and processed foods can weaken the immune system and prolong recovery:

• Candy and Sweets: These provide little nutritional value and can increase inflammation.
• Sodas and Sugary Drinks: These drinks are high in sugar and often acidic, so they can irritate the throat and slow healing.
• Fast Food and Junk Food: Often high in salt, fat, and sugar, these foods don’t provide the nutrients your body needs to fight infections.

Focusing on nutritious foods rather than sugary, processed options can support your body’s natural healing process.

5. Caffeinated and Carbonated Beverages

Caffeinated and carbonated drinks can be harsh on a sore throat:

• Coffee and Energy Drinks: These beverages can dehydrate you, making your throat feel drier and more irritated.
• Sodas and Fizzy Drinks: The carbonation can cause a fizzy, bubbly sensation that can irritate a sore throat.

Sticking to soothing, non-caffeinated, and non-carbonated drinks like water, herbal teas, or clear broths can keep your throat hydrated and less irritated.

Entrust ENT LDN for Comprehensive Care

ENT LDN provides personalised care for adults and children dealing with ear, nose, and throat issues. Whether you’re wondering what to eat with tonsillitis, looking for advice on foods to avoid for tonsillitis, or considering a tonsil removal surgery, our experienced team is here to help. As your trusted ENT specialist in London, we focus on delivering the highest standard of care tailored to your needs. Let us guide you through every treatment step with compassion and expertise. Reach out today to learn how we can help you feel better.

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