01-5400400 / 9863393960 01-6617401/ 9851310113 01-5920918/ 9767224104

Generic selectors

Exact matches only

Search in title

Search in content

Post Type Selectors

Vaccine Hotline Number : 9861966614

Cart

Our Services
Our Doctors
Blog
All About Vaccines
Contact us
Make a Payment

Close Menu

Close Cart

Diet and Nutrition

Abortion
All About Vaccines
Alzheimer's Disease
Andrology
Balanced Weight
Banner
Bhaktapur
Blog
Blood Banks in Nepal
Branch
Breast Cancer
Cancer
Children Health
COVID-19
Diabetes
Diet and Nutrition
Digestive System
Discover (footer)
Diseases in Nepal
Echocardiography
Emergency Number
Eye Health
Family Planning
Fetal Echo
Flu Vaccines
Food Benefit
Full Body Checkup
Full Body Checkup Packages
Gastritis
Gastroenterologist
Gynecology
Haircare
Heart Problems
Hepatologist
home-blogsection
Imaging Tests
Immunity System
Immunization Schedule
Kathmandu
Kidney Health
Lalitpur
Livers Health
Medical Certificates
Melasma (पोतो /कालो दाग)
Men's Health
Men's Health
Mental Health
Minor Procedures & Surgeries
Neuropsychiatrist
News & Events
Ob Gyn
Online Consultation
OPD Departments
OPD Departments
Oral Health
Orthopedic
Orthopedist
Partners
Pneumonia
Pregnancy
Press Release
privacy policy
Psychology
Rabies FAQ
Respiratory Diseases
Review
Services
Sexual Health
Skincare
Team
Travel Safety
Ultrasound
Uncategorized
Urology
Vaccination
Vaccination
Varicose Vein Treatment
Vitamin D
Women's Health
Women's Health

A woman with long hair looks thoughtfully at a list showing fruits to avoid during a cough and cold.

March 12, 2025

Learn About Fruits You Should Avoid or Limit During a Cough and Cold

July 7, 2024

Food poisoning: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention

Food poisoning is a foodborne illness caused by eating contaminated food. It is also known […]

December 25, 2022

Is Balanced Diet Plan Actually Necessary?

A balanced diet is a diet plan that maintains or improves overall health. A balanced […]

November 6, 2023

The Dark Side of Food Challenges: What You Need to Know

In July 2023, Bipin Kumar Paswan, a 25-year-old from Gopalganj in Bihar, passed away on […]

October 19, 2023

Things to Keep in Mind While Eating Food in Dashain and Tihar

Dashain and Tihar are two of the biggest festivals celebrated by Hindus in Nepal. People […]

Diabetic & Heart Patients' Tips for Dashain & Tihar in Nepal

October 19, 2023

Things that Diabetic & Heart Patients should keep in mind during Dashain & Tihar

Where there is a festival, there is food. As Dashain and Tihar approach, it gives […]

October 3, 2022

Watch Your Food Habits During This Dashain!

Dashain and Tihar, the biggest festivals of Nepal, are celebrated with joy and jubilation throughout […]

Why is balanced diet important during pregnancy?

September 2, 2022

Why is Balanced Diet and Exercise Important During Pregnancy?

During the pregnancy, a woman should take care of both the fetus and herself. Performing […]

July 26, 2022

Is Fasting Really Good for Your Health?

Fasting means staying without eating or sometimes without drinking for a certain period of time. […]

June 28, 2022

Can Too Much Iodine be Harmful?

Do you know recent news in Nepal shows that Nepalese consume a higher quantity of […]

Explore

Reviews
Spring Diseases
Healthcare Videos
Gallery
Privacy Policy
Join Our Team
News & Events
Emergency Number

Connect with us

Discover

Blood Banks in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur | Contact Information
Different Levels of Dog Bites – What to Expect in Each Level?

Send Inquiry

Please do not fill in this field.

Introduction

When you cough or cold, what you eat can either help you feel better or worsen things. Fruits are usually great for your health since they provide vitamins, hydration, and energy. However, some types might not be the best choice when battling a sore throat or congestion. Certain fruits can irritate sensitive throats, worsen mucus, or cause discomfort, depending on how your body reacts to them. So, which fruits should you avoid during a cough and cold?

This guide will help you understand which fruits to avoid entirely and why. It will also show you better options to support your recovery without irritating your symptoms.

Why Fruit Choices Matter During Cough and Cold?

Fruits contain essential vitamins and antioxidants that help strengthen your immunity. For instance, vitamin C in them supports your immune system, and their natural sugars can quickly boost your energy. Plus, some fruits are rich in water content that can keep you hydrated for a faster recovery.

But not all fruits suit you when you’re unwell. Some can irritate a sore throat, especially if they’re acidic or too cold. Others might make you feel heavy or cause temporary throat irritation based on their texture or sugar content.

Here’s why you need to pay attention to your fruit choices when you’re sick:

Acidity: Acidic fruits might sting or worsen an inflamed throat.
Sugar Content: Natural sugars in fruits can temporarily thicken mucus, making breathing harder.
Personal Tolerance: Each person reacts differently to fruits. What’s helpful for one person might irritate someone else.

Fruits to Avoid When You Have Cold and Cough

While suffering from cough and cold, avoid these fruits:

Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruits)Pineapple
Unripe Mangoes
Unripe Guava
Stone Fruits (Peaches, Cherries)
Watermelon (Chilled)
Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries)

1. Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruits)

A wooden bowl filled with various citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes, surrounded by green leaves

Citrus fruits contain vitamin C, which is fantastic for overall immune health. However, their high acidity can make them problematic if you have a sore or irritated throat. The acidity can cause a burning sensation and trigger discomfort, especially if your throat is already inflamed.

If you also experience acid reflux, eating citrus fruits may worsen that, causing further irritation.

2. Pineapple

An image that contains two pineapples in a wooden bowl and a text "pineapple" against a green background.

While pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties, it is also acidic. This acidic nature can irritate your sensitive throats, causing discomfort or a mild burning sensation. The fibrous texture of pineapple can further irritate the throat, making it even more difficult for you to swallow. For these reasons, pineapple should not be consumed during a cold or cough.

3. Unripe Mangoes

An image that contains a text "unripe mango" and A pile of green unripe mangoes, some smooth and oval-shaped, stacked closely together.

Unripe mangoes are one of the worst choices when you’re sick. Their high citric, malic, and oxalic acid levels can upset your throat and worsen coughing. Additionally, they are harder to digest due to their starch content.

This can lead to bloating or discomfort issues you don’t want to deal with when you’re already unwell. Unripe mangoes’ rough, fibrous texture can trouble your sensitive throat tissues, causing further irritation.

4. Unripe Guava

An image that contains text "unripe guava" and a green unripe guava hanging from a branch with shiny leaves.

Unripe guava contains high amounts of tannins, which can dry out your throat and increase irritation. This dryness can lead to more coughing and make it harder for you to feel comfortable. These guavas should be avoided during illness to prevent any worsening of symptoms. Opt only for hydrating foods that don’t stress your throat.

5. Stone Fruits (Peaches, Cherries)

An image with a text "Stone fruits" and a bowl filled with stone fruits like cherries, peaches, and plums on a table.

Stone fruits like peaches and cherries tend to be acidic. These acidic foods can also trigger reflexive coughing in individuals with sensitive respiratory pathways. This acidity can irritate a sore throat, especially when the fruits are unripe.

Further, the skins of stone fruits can feel rough as you eat them, which may irritate your throat. So, to avoid worsening your symptoms, stay away from stone fruits until you feel better, especially if you find their acidity bothersome.

6. Watermelon (Chilled)

An image with text "chilled watermelon" and also has watermelon slices on ice in a wooden bowl, showing red flesh and seeds.

Watermelons are rich in water; consuming them keeps your body hydrated. Though some may want to drink it chilled for a better taste, consuming it cold or chilled can cause throat discomfort.

Cold foods tend to irritate sensitive throats, making you cough or feel more strained. Watermelon also contributes to “cooling” sensations, which some people perceive as being unhelpful when recovering from illnesses.

7. Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries)

an image that contains text as "berries" and a white bowl filled with various berries like raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries, with a mint leaf on top.

Berries are packed with antioxidants, which are suitable for your health but have some downsides. When it comes to a sore throat, certain berries, like strawberries, are fairly acidic and might trigger throat discomfort or contribute to coughing.

The tiny seeds in berries can also feel gritty as they slide down your throat, causing further irritation. So try to minimize or altogether avoid its consumption during cold and cough.

Best Fruits and Foods for Relief

If some fruits bother you, there are still plenty of options that won’t irritate your throat or worsen your symptoms. Here are better choices when you’re unwell:

- Cooked Fruits: Stewed or baked fruits, like apples or pears with cinnamon, are soft, warm, and soothing.
- Ripe Avocados: Their creamy texture makes them easy on the throat and contains healthy fats that fight inflammation.
- Herbal Teas with Fruits: Add slices of fruits such as apples to herbal teas like chamomile or ginger. This adds flavor while also hydrating and soothing your throat.

Simple Tips for Faster Recovery

Drink Plenty of Fluids: Warm water, tea, or broth helps moisten your throat and thin out mucus.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Avoid foods or drinks that are very hot or cold. Lukewarm items are your best bet.
Listen to Your Body: If eating certain fruits makes you feel worse, avoid them temporarily. You can always try again once your symptoms improve.

Final Thoughts

Avoid fruits that irritate your throat when you’re sick. Acidic, fibrous, or cold options like citrus, pineapple, and unripe mangoes can worsen symptoms. Focus on hydrating, soothing foods like cooked apples or pears for comfort. Choose wisely, listen to your body, and rest well for a quicker recovery. If not, the best option is to visit the clinic or consult a doctor for faster recovery.

At Clinic One, your health is our priority. Whether it’s a nagging cough or an unshakable cold, we’re ready to help you feel your best. Visit us now for the care you need. Book an appointment today!!

FAQs

Can I eat oranges when I have a cold?

Oranges contain Vitamin C, which boosts immunity. However, their acidic nature might irritate a sore throat. So, consider reducing the quantity or opting for diluted orange juice instead.

Can pineapple help with a cough?

Pineapple contains bromelain, which can offer mild relief for sinus congestion. However, its acidity can irritate your throat if consumed in excess.

What fruits are good for a cold?

Opt for gentle fruits like apples and pears and cooked fruits like stewed peaches or applesauce. These are easy on the throat and help provide essential nutrients.

Should I avoid all fruits during a cold?

Not all fruits need to be avoided. Focus on options that won’t irritate your throat or worsen congestion, and avoid fruits with high acid, extreme sugar content, or cooling properties. Make mindful fruit choices and prioritize hydration, rest, and immunity-boosting foods while you recover.

Do apples cause coughs?

Apples usually don’t cause coughs. But their slight acidity can irritate some people’s throats or trigger heartburn, which might make you cough.

Can bananas cause coughs?

Bananas don’t usually cause coughs. Rarely, they might make mucus thicker if you already have a cough. People allergic to latex might also feel throat irritation from bananas.

Is coconut water good for coughs and colds?

Coconut water helps you stay hydrated when you’re sick. It won’t cure a cough or cold but can soothe a scratchy throat and replace fluids lost from a fever or stuffy nose.

Request Services