Top Foods and Fruits to Avoid during Cough and Cold
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aman Priya Khanna 
Quick Summary
Here are the top fruits and vegetables to avoid when you're sick:
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Green peppers
These foods can irritate your throat and make your cough worse. If you're looking for ways to boost your immune system, focus on eating healthy whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products.
You should also drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
We've all heard the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," but what if you're already sick? As it turns out, some fruits and vegetables can have the opposite effect when you're dealing with a cough and cold. While you may be tempted to load up on fresh produce to boost your immune system, certain types of produce can actually hinder your recovery.
From citrus fruits to vegetables, there are several foods you should steer clear of if you want to feel better faster. In this article, we'll reveal the top fruits and vegetables to avoid when you're battling a cold or cough.
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Fruits to avoid during cough and cold
Fruits are an important part of a healthy diet and are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help boost the immune system. However, there are certain fruits to avoid during cough and cold that can irritate the throat, exacerbate symptoms, and make it harder to recover.
Citrus fruits
- Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, but they can also be very acidic and can irritate a sore throat.
- The acidity can also increase mucus production and make it harder to clear from the chest and throat. Citrus fruits can also cause heartburn and indigestion, which can make it uncomfortable to eat.
- If you have a cold or cough, it is best to avoid citrus fruits or limit your intake to small amounts.
Pineapple
- Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that can help break down proteins and reduce inflammation.
- However, bromelain can also thin the mucus and make it harder to clear from the throat and chest.
- If you have a cold or cough, it is best to avoid pineapple or limit your intake to small amounts.
Kiwi
- Kiwi is a tasty and nutritious fruit that is high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- However, it also has high histamine content which can make symptoms worse in people with allergies or histamine intolerance. Histamine is a chemical that can cause inflammation, sneezing, and runny nose.
- If you have a cold or cough, it is best to avoid kiwi or limit your intake to small amounts.
Dried fruits
- Dried fruits can be high in sugar and can also be hard to digest.
- They can also cause bloating, gas, and constipation, which can make it uncomfortable to eat.
- If you have a cold or cough, it is best to avoid dried fruits or limit your intake to small amounts.
Vegetables to avoid during cough and cold
During a cold or cough, certain vegetables may worsen symptoms and make it harder to recover. Here are some examples of vegetables to avoid during cough and cold:
Raw or undercooked vegetables
- Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables are healthy and packed with nutrients, but they can be difficult to digest and may cause gas and bloating when eaten raw or undercooked.
- These vegetables also contain a compound called raffinose which is difficult to digest and can cause flatulence.
Spicy vegetables
- Chili peppers, raw onions, and other spicy vegetables can irritate the throat and sinuses, and make it harder to breathe.
- They can also cause heartburn and indigestion, which can make it uncomfortable to eat.
Nightshade vegetables
- Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are part of the nightshade family of vegetables and contain solanine which can worsen congestion and inflammation.
Other Foods to avoid during cough
When you have a cold, there are certain foods that you should avoid or limit in order to help your body recover faster. Here are some other foods you should avoid during a cold:
- Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and ice cream can increase mucus production and cause congestion. If you are congested, it is best to avoid these foods.
- Fried and fatty foods are hard to digest and can make you feel sluggish. They can also worsen inflammation in your body, which is not good when you are fighting off a cold.
- Sugary foods and drinks can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off the cold virus.
- Alcohol can dehydrate your body and weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off the cold virus.
- Caffeine can dehydrate your body, which can make it harder for your body to fight off the cold virus. It can also interfere with your sleep, which can make it harder for your body to recover.
- Spicy foods can irritate your throat and make your symptoms worse. If you have a sore throat, it is best to avoid spicy foods.
Immune-Boosting Fruits and Vegetables
There are many fruits and vegetables that can help boost your immune system. Here are some options to consider adding to your diet when suffering from cough and cold:
- Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are packed with antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation and boost immune function.
- Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants, which can help to strengthen the immune system.
- Broccoli: Broccoli is packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many other antioxidants, which can help to boost immune function.
- Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A helps to keep the skin and tissues in the mouth, stomach, intestines, and respiratory system healthy.
- Mushrooms: Certain types of mushrooms, such as shiitake and maitake, contain beta-glucans, which can help to stimulate the immune system and improve its function.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while many fruits and vegetables can provide important vitamins and nutrients to help boost your immune system and fight off cough and cold symptoms, there are some fruits to avoid during cough and cold that may exacerbate your symptoms and should be avoided. It's important to listen to your body and avoid any foods that seem to make your cough and cold symptoms worse, and always consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions about your diet and overall health. By making mindful food choices, you can support your body's natural defences and feel better in no time.
If you're looking for expert guidance on treating your cough and cold, you can reach out to HexaHealth. Our team of experienced professionals can provide you with the best treatment options available. We're here to help you navigate through the process and find a solution that works best for you.
Download our App today to plan your surgery seamlessly and stress-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the fruits to avoid during cough and cold?
Certain fruits may trigger cough and cold symptoms. Fruits to avoid during cough and cold Inlcude oranges and grapefruits.
Download AppWhat are the foods to avoid during cough and phlegm?
During cough and cold, it's best to avoid foods that can irritate the throat and worsen symptoms. These may include spicy or fried foods, sugary or carbonated beverages, and dairy products.
Which vegetables to avoid during cough?
Some vegetables can increase mucus production and worsen cough, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. It's best to avoid these during cough and cold.
Is it advisable to drink coconut water in cough?
Coconut water can be a good option for cold and cough as it is hydrating and contains electrolytes that help to replenish lost fluids in the body. However, it should not be relied on as a sole treatment for the condition.
What to eat in cough?
Is banana good for cough?
Bananas are a good source of vitamins and minerals that can boost the immune system and help fight off infections. They are also gentle on the throat and can provide relief from cough.
What should I avoid during cough?
When you have a cough, it is best to avoid certain types of foods that can exacerbate your symptoms or irritate your throat. Here are some foods that you may want to avoid during a cough:
- Dairy products
- Fried and processed foods
- Sugary foods and drinks
- Acidic foods
- Spicy foods
Which fruits can cause cough?
Certain fruits, such as citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, can irritate the throat and trigger coughing. Other fruits like apples and pears may also have this effect on some people.
Which fruit is best during cough and cold?
What diet should I follow to get rid of cough and cold?
To get rid of cough and cold, it's important to follow a balanced and nutritious diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It's also important to stay hydrated and avoid foods that can worsen symptoms.
Last Updated on: 9 July 2024
Reviewer
Dr. Aman Priya Khanna
MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES
12 Years Experience
Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More
Author
An enthusiastic writer with an eye for details and medical correctness. An avid reviewer and publisher. She emphasises authentic information and creates value for the readers. Earlier, she was involved in making ...View More
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