Is warm milk good for sore throat

Published on: 2 March 2022, 13:32 pm IST

  • 111

When you are sick, especially with a cold or flu, it is very essential that you stick to a healthy diet. Sometimes, food can be real turn off while you are battling cold, the right food choices can offer a big relief by strengthening the immune system and speeding up recovery. When we catch a cold or flu, we often turn towards over-the-counter medicines or home remedies to revive our immunity. Kadha or warm milk are cases in point. But this practice of consuming milk or dairy products during a bout cold and cough, is surrounded by speculation that it can make your symptoms worse. Is it true? Come, let’s find out.

To understand whether dairy product consumption can make your flu symptoms worse or not, HealthShots spoke to Dr Hari Lakshmi, Consultant Dietitian, and Nutritionist, Motherhood Hospitals, Chennai.

To speed up your recovery from the flu and cold consume immunity boosting foods! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Consumption of dairy products with cold and cough causes problems – myth or fact?

According to Dr Lakshmi, though it is a common belief that milk and other dairy products increase the production of mucus or phlegm when you have a cold, there is no scientific evidence to back this up.

Phlegm is the sticky and thick mucus you get when you are suffering from a cold. It tends to drip down the back of your throat. It may feel disgusting and uncomfortable to have this mucus, but it has a purpose. The mucus traps the foreign invader causing the illness, and it gets expelled when you cough up the phlegm or blow your nose.

But too much of the phlegm is very unpleasant and uncomfortable and there is a misconception that drinking milk increases the secretion of the phlegm. But this isn’t true, adds Dr Lakshmi.

Also, read: You should NEVER have milk with these 5 foods

Dr Lakshmi explained that milk coats the mucus or phlegm, making it feel thicker. That is why you may feel your cold may become worse when you drink milk or consume dairy products like curd. However, the production of phlegm does not increase because of dairy.

How to consume milk when you are suffering cold?

You can consume milk, curd, or any other dairy products, even if you have a cold. But it is advisable to have them at room temperature. In fact, warm milk with turmeric can help open up your stuffed throat. But you need to avoid ice cream and any other cold dairy products as they can irritate your throat and stomach. Also, avoid dairy products if you’re allergic to them.

Drink this shot full of haldi for good health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

What to eat and what to avoid with cold and cough?

The best treatment for a cold and cough is to stay hydrated with warm fluids. Foods like vegetable broth, soups, herbal teas, etc help in preventing dehydration and relieve congestion and help soothe your throat. Eat food rich in nutrients containing green veggies like spinach, kale, and broccoli.

Dr Lakshmi said you should avoid salty food items, caffeinated drinks like coffee and soft drinks as these tend to dehydrate you. Also avoid junk food, sugary items, simple carbs, pickled food, and alcohol.

Remember to rest, hydrate and gargle with salt water as these simple steps will help you relieve your symptoms.

  1. Recipes
  2. Beverages

Is warm milk good for sore throat

"If you are having trouble falling asleep this will nod-you-off in no time flat, and also works wonders for a sore throat too! Please adjust the sugar to taste, you will *love* this!"

 

Ready In:

6mins

Ingredients:

6

ingredients

  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (can use more)
  • 1 1⁄2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch nutmeg
  • 1 pinch cinnamon (optional)
  • 1⁄3 cup miniature marshmallow (or to taste)

directions

  • In a micrrowave-safe cup or bowl mix together the milk, vanilla, nutmeg, sugar and cinnamon (if using).
  • Microwave on HIGH until the milk is very hot, removing once to stir.
  • Sprinkle the mini marshmallows on top and enjoy.
  • Good night!

Questions & Replies

Is warm milk good for sore throat

Got a question? Share it with the community!

Join The Conversation

    1. Is warm milk good for sore throat

      I had a really sore throat and this made my throat feel instantly better! I added some honey and it was really soothing... Thank you!

       

    2. I was having a very hard time falling asleep so I looked online quick to find a recipe for warm milk and this popped up and I just had to try it personally I am not a good cook so it is hard for me to find thing that I can make. It is so simple even my friends daughter can make it and she is only 6 years old. It taste so amazing that I have made it every night since I found this recipe and it has been well over one year. It's AWESOME AMAZING WONDERFUL and DELICIOUS LOVE IT!

       

    3. Is warm milk good for sore throat

      Delicious! It really does help me relax and fall asleep too! I changed it a little: 1 cup of milk tbs of honey pinch of cinnamon pinch of sugar (sometimes--or I just use extra honey!) 1.5 tsp of vanilla extract

       

    4. Is warm milk good for sore throat

      I made this at about 2:30 this morning. I cant say that it put me back to sleep but it was soothing comfort in a mug (made 1 serving). I skipped the marshmallows ........hummm, maybe that was the secret sleep ingredient? but loved the vanilla and light spicing. I used fat free milk and Splenda. This would be a great choice if you want something warm and smooth in the afternoon that doesn't pack the calorie wallop of hot chocolate.

       

    5. Is warm milk good for sore throat

      Yum! I used rice milk and halved the recipe for a late night drink. Loved it! Thanks Kitz!

       

    see 7 more

    Is warm milk good for sore throat

    Can I drink milk if I have sore throat?

    A glass of cold milk or a few bites of frozen yogurt may, in fact, soothe a sore throat and provide some nutrients and calories at a time when you don't feel like eating. You might also try a nutrient-packed fruit and yogurt smoothie, which provides zinc, calcium, probiotics, vitamins, antioxidants and fiber.

    Can I drink hot milk in sore throat?

    According to the book 'The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies' by Dr. Vasant Lad, drinking one cup of hot milk boiled with half teaspoon turmeric is helpful in improving the condition. You could also add some ghee to it, which tends to melt and coat your throat, further relieving you of sore throat.

    Is warm milk and honey good for sore throat?

    Milk and Honey Milk can also be very soothing for a sore throat and a warm mug of milk with a spoonful of Manuka Honey is one of life's small pleasures, regardless if it's for a sore throat treatment or simply to enjoy. We've found this works especially well for a dry or tickly cough.