Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. The intense pain and difficulty swallowing that accompany this infection can make eating a challenge. Consuming soup is an excellent approach to maintaining nourishment, though the specific ingredients and temperature matter significantly for comfort and recovery.
How Soup Provides Relief During Strep Throat
The inflamed tissues of the pharynx and tonsils make swallowing painful, often leading to a reduced appetite. Warm, smooth liquids like soup offer a gentle way to deliver necessary sustenance without irritating the sensitive throat lining. The liquid consistency minimizes the physical effort required for swallowing when the throat muscles are tender.
Warm fluids also play a direct role in maintaining hydration, which is difficult when a fever is present or drinking is painful. The salt content often found in broths assists the body in retaining fluid, helping to prevent dehydration. Additionally, warm liquid encourages the movement of nasal mucus, which can help clear respiratory passages.
Soups deliver essential macronutrients, such as protein and carbohydrates, providing the body with energy for an effective immune response. When solid foods are unbearable, nutrient-dense broths or pureed soups ensure the body’s healing processes do not stall due to a lack of fuel.
Choosing the Right Soups and Ingredients
The ideal soup is completely smooth, warm (not hot), and low in acidity. Clear chicken or vegetable broths are beneficial because they are hydrating and contain electrolytes and easy-to-digest nutrients. Pureed soups, such as butternut squash or sweet potato, are also good options because their uniform texture requires minimal effort to swallow.
Avoid highly acidic soups, such as those with a tomato base, as the acid exacerbates the burning sensation in the throat. Spicy ingredients, including cayenne or black pepper, should also be excluded because they irritate inflamed mucous membranes.
The soup must be warm and soothing, not scalding hot, which increases throat irritation. Avoid chunky textures, rough vegetables, or tough meat pieces, as these require chewing and can scratch the pharynx. Do not add crunchy toppings like croutons or hard noodles, as these sharp textures can damage throat tissues.
Dietary Foods and Drinks to Aid Recovery
Focusing on soft, smooth foods and maintaining high fluid intake are the primary dietary strategies for recovery. Hydration is paramount to keeping the throat moist and easing the pain of swallowing, which helps the body recover more quickly. Recommended soft foods include smooth yogurt, applesauce, scrambled or soft-boiled eggs, and creamy mashed potatoes.
Cold, soft items provide localized pain relief by temporarily numbing the throat tissues. Options such as popsicles, sherbet, and frozen fruit purees are soothing and deliver fluids and calories. Warm tea, particularly chamomile or ginger, mixed with honey is also beneficial, as honey coats the throat and provides mild anti-inflammatory properties.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid
Several foods and drinks should be strictly avoided because they can worsen symptoms. Avoid acidic beverages like citrus juices and carbonated sodas, which cause a stinging sensation on inflamed tissue. Also off-limits are crunchy, rough, or dry snacks, such as chips, crackers, and raw vegetables, as their texture can scratch the throat.