Coughs can be highly annoying and disruptive, impacting various aspects of daily life. Persistent coughing can lead to discomfort, disturbed sleep, and make concentration difficult, which will ultimately affect productivity. While there’s no magic cure for a cough, dietary choices can play a role in supporting recovery. Certain items, like those with soothing properties such as honey, ginger, or herbal teas, are some of the best foods for cough. They can help calm irritation and lead to better respiratory health. Conversely, some foods, such as spicy or acidic products, may exacerbate throat irritation and end up becoming foods that cause cough instead.

When dealing with a cough, making mindful choices about your diet can aid in a speedier recovery. Steer clear of certain items and acquaint yourself with food to avoid for cough and phlegm. Lay off foods that can weaken the immune system and aggravate the infection. Be sure to not eat greasy foods that can lead to acid reflux and cause more discomfort. Above all, don’t stress too much, and identify foods that feel the best for you.

Dairy products may thicken mucus, potentially worsening cough symptoms, and leading to more phlegm. It has a protein called casein which leads to increased mucus production. This way it slows down the process of your cough becoming better, and it’ll be difficult to feel relief. Consider plant-based milk alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk, which may be gentler on the throat. Be sure to test everything out to see how your throat reacts to them, and then consume them.

Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in spicy foods, can worsen coughs. Opt for soothing broths, such as a light vegetable broth, to comfort your throat and ease any irritation. Spicy foods are some of the prime foods to avoid with sore throat and may cause an itching-like sensation, only resulting in a more violent and persistent cough. They’ll also slow down recovery.