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

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)

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

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

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

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)

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)

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)

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.