Tonsillitis is a condition categorised by the inflammation of the tonsils situated at the back of the throat. Tonsils are oval-shaped masses of tissues that are responsible for safeguarding the throat and averts pathogens from attacking. Tonsilitis is an infection caused commonly by viruses and it may even be caused by bacteria. Acute tonsillitis can be effectively treated by medication and dietary modifications and heals within a few days. This condition causes a lot of pain and uneasiness in the throat and makes it very hard to eat or drink.
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Well, having certain wholesome food in the diet regimen can speed up the healing process. Read this article to get an insight into foods you should eat and avoid if you have tonsillitis.

Also Read: Tonsillitis: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Dietary Guidelines

Foods that are soft, bland, and easy to swallow are better to eat when you suffer from sore throat. The soft texture of the food will reduce irritation to the throat. Further, warm foods and beverages are known to soothe and comfort throat.

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Foods To Be Included

Warm Fluids

Warm fluids like hot water, tea, herbal teas, soup, etc., offer respite to the throat. Drinking hot beverages on a regular basis help to ease inflammation and speeds recovery.

Spices /Herbs

Mother nature has blessed upon us with a rich array of herbs and spices that are attributed to have healing and anti-inflammatory traits, which may reduce inflammation and speed up the recovery. Try incorporating spices like ginger, turmeric, sage, garlic, mint, and licorice as a nourishing tea to get relief from tonsillitis.

Oatmeal

Packed with fibre, magnesium, zinc, and antioxidants oatmeal is a great food that aid to eliminate toxins from the system and reduce inflammation. Also, soft texture of oats when cooked makes it easy to eat when you have a problem with swallowing.

Yogurt

Yogurt is an impressive source of probiotics, proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates that are known to protect the digestive system and boosts immune response. It is soft and easy to eat, while this nutrient packed food nourishes the system and heal tonsillitis naturally.

Honey

This natural sweetener comes with potent anti-inflammatory and anti-viral traits that helps the system ward off infection causing pathogens. Having honey, ginger tea or honey and turmeric extract offers respite from tonsillitis.

Also Read: Turmeric: 5 Splendid Wellness Incentives Of This Wonder Spice

Eggs

Eggs are loaded with proteins, iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin B12 and D that provide the body with nutrition to combat inflammation. While hard boiled and scrambled ones are soft and easy to eat and speeds up the healing process.

Soft Cooked Vegetables

Soft, cooked vegetables like potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, and sweet potatoes are easy and soft to eat due to its mushy texture. Further, these foods are packed with essential nutrients, which provides relief from tonsillitis.

Additionally including some of these foods, like popsicles, broth and cream-based soups, milk, non-acidic juices, and gelatin desserts will help you stay nourished and energetic without an irritating sore throat.

Foods To Be Avoided

Having dry foods like crackers may be hard and it can be difficult to swallow that causes pain in the throat.

Fried and junk foods like chips, pakoras, samosas, etc should be avoided as they may cause irritation in the tonsils

Spicy foods should be restricted as they can worsen inflammation and irritate the throat.

Alcohol and carbonated beverages must be avoided, as these beverages can cause intense pain, irritation, and burning sensation in the throat.

Tomatoes are high in oxalic acid and this element is known to irritate the tonsils and aggravate the symptoms

Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are acidic in nature, which may be too harsh on the throat and irritate the tonsils.

 Tips

Tonsilitis will take a few days to settle, but you can get relief by following these simple measures which include:

  • Gargling with salt water
  • Having ice popsicles often
  • Getting adequate rest
  • Drinking plenty of warm water and herbal teas
  • Staying well hydrated

Sore throat generally heals within a week. But consult your doctor if you:

  • Suspect a bacterial infection
  • Sore throat isn’t getting better
  • Sore throat is getting worse