Debunking the Question: Is Ice Cream Good for Sore Throats?

Picture this – you wake up feeling groggy and tired, but you shake it off and get ready to tackle the day ahead. Yet, as soon as you try to swallow your morning coffee, you feel a sharp pain in your throat. Uh oh, you think to yourself – a sore throat.

Having a sore throat is like having an unwelcome visitor who refuses to leave. It’s not enough of a reason to call in sick to work, but it’s also not something you can ignore. You soldier on, trying to get through your day-to-day activities, but every bite of food and even every word you speak sends a jolt of pain down your throat.

When you have a sore throat, you deserve a treat – something to ease the pain and make you feel better. What’s more of a treat than ice cream? But wait, does ice cream actually help a sore throat? It seems almost too good to be true.

Let’s debunk the question once and for all–“Is ice cream good for sore throats?”

First of all, What Causes a Sore Throat?

Let’s scoop out the real cause of the problem–or should I say, churn out the cream of the case–when it comes to those pesky sore throats!

Believe it or not, only 1 in 10 sore throats are the result of strep throat. So, if you've been feeling under the weather, it's more likely that your sore throat is just a side effect of a common cold. These pesky infections are so contagious, it's almost like they're spreading faster than an ice cream melting on a hot summer day.

Don’t worry too much about these pesky colds, you can easily avoid them by washing your hands regularly and by avoiding touching your face.

If your sore throat lasts longer than a week or seems like it’s getting worse by the minute, it’s time to scoop up an appointment with your doctor. It could be a sign of COVID-19 or strep throat, which are nothing to joke about–unlike the puns I’m dishing out here!

How to Treat a Sore Throat

If you’ve experienced a sore throat, you know how frustrating and uncomfortable it can be. The good news is that there are several ways to treat a sore throat, ranging from over-the-counter medications to at-home remedies. 

To treat a sore throat, try some of the following methods:

• Over-the-counter medications: Pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil, or Motrin), throat sprays and lozenges, cough suppressants (Robitussin), and decongestants (Sudafed).
• Water: Drinking plenty of water will keep your throat moist and relieve the inflammation causing your sore throat.
• Gargling Salt Water: Mix a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water and gargle for 30-seconds. Salt water can reduce inflammation and break down the mucus in your throat!
• Avoid smoking: Smoking irritates the throat and can make your symptoms worse.
• Rest: Sleep solves all. Take a snooze with a Pillow Cube for maximum ZZZ’s!
• Hot Food/Beverages: Soothe and lubricate your throat.
• Cold Food/Beverages: Reduce pain and inflammation.

Hot or Cold: Which is Better for Soothing Sore Throats?

When it comes to soothing a sore throat, both hot and cold treatments can be effective. However, the choice between them depends on the underlying cause of the sore throat. Let’s explore the benefits of each and when to use them!

Cold Treatments

Cold treatments, such as ice chips, ice cream, and cold drinks, can reduce pain signals by lowering the temperature of nerve endings in the throat. They can also help numb the throat and reduce inflammation!

Hot Treatments

Hot treatments, such as warm tea, soup, and hot water with honey and lemon, are beneficial for sore throats because they promote salivation and help lubricate the throat. Hot treatments also usually include other ingredients, such as honey, lemon, and ginger, that provide extra healing benefits. Just be sure your drink isn’t too hot! 

Which is Better? A Combination of Both!

Ultimately there’s not one treatment that’s better than the other. In fact, it’s often recommended to use a combination of both hot and cold treatments. Depending on the specific symptoms and underlying cause of the sore throat, a mix of hot and cold treatments may be the perfect remedy. 

As always, if your sore throat persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever or difficulty breathing, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

So, is Ice Cream Good for Sore Throats?

Now it’s time to discuss our favorite sore throat remedy: ice cream! Not only is it delicious but it can also provide some much-needed relief for a sore, itchy, and inflamed throat. And let’s be honest, is there anything better than cold, creamy ice cream when you’re feeling under the weather?

But wait, before we get too excited, let’s hear what the medical experts have to say. Dr. Evans from the Cleveland Clinic advises warm fluids to break up the mucus in your throat and relieve swelling throughout the day. But, hold on a second, he also recommends cold foods and liquids, including ice cream, to soothe and ease soreness!

So, is ice cream good for sore throats? Absolutely! There’s no denying that ice cream cream can provide some much-needed relief. However, does ice cream cure a sore throat? Unfortunately, there is no medical evidence to support this claim.

Grab Some Ice Cream for Your Sore Throat

Next time you’re feeling down with a sore throat, don’t hesitate to treat yourself to a scoop (or two) of your favorite ice cream. Just make sure to avoid any crunchy or nutty flavors that could irritate your throat further.