Soothing a Sore Throat and Cough
Hard candies and lozenges are classics for a reason when you have a sore throat. The act of sucking on them stimulates saliva production, which helps keep the throat moist and lubricated, providing a soothing effect. Many medicated lozenges contain additional active ingredients to enhance their effects.
Key ingredients for throat and cough relief
- Honey: For centuries, honey has been used as a natural remedy to soothe a sore throat and calm a cough. Honey possesses antibacterial properties and helps reduce mucus secretions, which in turn limits throat irritation and the urge to cough. Candies with real honey can be especially beneficial, though they should not be given to children under one year old.
- Menthol: Found in many popular cough drops, menthol creates a cooling sensation that numbs the irritated throat lining, providing temporary relief from pain and discomfort. Some lozenges also contain eucalyptus oil, which works with menthol to offer a soothing, cooling vapor that can help clear nasal passages.
- Pectin: This is a key ingredient in many non-medicated throat lozenges. Pectin acts as an oral demulcent, creating a smooth, protective layer over the irritated throat tissues.
Calming Nausea and Upset Stomach
For those battling a stomach bug or motion sickness, certain candies can be surprisingly effective at easing nausea and an upset stomach. The secret often lies in specific flavors and ingredients that settle the digestive system.
Candies for nausea relief
- Ginger Candy: Ginger is a well-known remedy for nausea and indigestion. Real ginger candy works by calming the stomach and may speed up the rate at which the stomach empties. You can find these in both hard candy and chewy forms.
- Sour Candy: The tartness of sour candy can help combat feelings of queasiness. It increases saliva production, which can distract your mind from the physical discomfort of nausea. This is why many pregnant women with morning sickness find sour candies helpful. Look for options with citric acid and natural B vitamins.
- Peppermint: The oil in peppermint can soothe the muscles of the gut and aid in digestion, making it a great option for nausea or indigestion. A simple peppermint candy or peppermint oil lozenge can provide welcome relief after a heavy meal or during periods of stomach upset.
Combating Dehydration and Boosting Hydration
When you’re sick, especially with a fever or stomach bug, staying hydrated is critical but can be difficult. Candies that contain high water content or electrolytes can make staying hydrated more appealing.
Candies for hydration
- Popsicles and Ice Chips: These are excellent for hydration, especially if you are experiencing vomiting and need to consume fluids slowly. Opt for popsicles made with 100% fruit juice to get some vitamins and natural energy without excessive added sugar.
- Specialized Hydration Candies: Innovative products like Jelly Drops, originally designed for dementia patients, are sugar-free candies made of 95% water and added electrolytes. They can be a convenient and fun way for anyone to boost their fluid intake.
- Gelatin Desserts: Foods like Jell-O are easy to digest, hydrating, and provide a small number of calories, making them a good option when easing back into eating solid foods.
The Sugar Question: A Balanced Perspective
While some sugary candies can provide a quick energy boost, excessive refined sugar intake can be detrimental when you’re sick. High sugar levels are linked to inflammation and may interfere with your immune cells' ability to fight off infection effectively. For this reason, it is advisable to choose natural or sugar-free alternatives where possible.
When to moderate sugar intake
- Inflammation: Sugar can promote inflammation in the body, which is counterproductive when your body is already fighting an inflammatory response to illness.
- Immune System: Some studies suggest that high sugar intake might temporarily hinder the immune system by competing with Vitamin C for uptake by immune cells.
- Alternatives: Consider sugar-free candies or natural sweeteners like honey, which offer additional benefits beyond just taste.
Comparing Candies for Sickness
| Candy Type | Primary Symptom(s) Addressed | Key Ingredients | Best For | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honey Lozenge | Sore Throat, Cough | Honey, Menthol | Common cold, sore throats | Choose real honey; avoid for infants under 1 |
| Ginger Candy | Nausea, Upset Stomach | Ginger root | Motion sickness, stomach bugs | Can have a strong taste; opt for low sugar |
| Sour Hard Candy | Nausea, Dry Mouth | Citric Acid, B Vitamins | Distraction from nausea, morning sickness | Increases saliva; watch for high sugar content |
| Peppermint Candy | Nausea, Indigestion | Peppermint Oil | Settling stomach, digestive issues | Simple and effective; can be found sugar-free |
| Popsicles (Fruit) | Hydration, Sore Throat | Water, Fruit Juice | Fever, vomiting, poor appetite | Choose 100% fruit juice; soothes throat |
| Specialized Hydration Candy | Dehydration | Water, Electrolytes | Boosting hydration, difficulty drinking | Low sugar; useful for specific hydration needs |
How to Choose the Right Candy for You
Choosing the right candy when you're sick depends entirely on your specific symptoms and needs. The best approach is to identify the main issue you're trying to address.
- For a sore throat or cough, opt for a hard lozenge with soothing ingredients like honey, menthol, or pectin. The slow dissolving action provides continuous lubrication.
- To relieve nausea, ginger candies are a natural and effective choice. Alternatively, sour candies can provide a distraction and increase saliva, which can calm a queasy stomach.
- When hydration is the priority, especially after vomiting, popsicles or simple hard candy can help replenish fluids and sugar slowly. For a more targeted approach, specialized electrolyte-enhanced candies can be effective.
- Be mindful of sugar intake, particularly if you have a compromised immune system or are prone to inflammation. Many brands offer sugar-free options with the same active ingredients. Always read the labels.
Conclusion
While no candy is a cure for sickness, certain types can offer effective and comforting symptomatic relief. For a sore throat and cough, honey or menthol lozenges are an excellent choice. When battling nausea, ginger or sour candies can help settle your stomach. For hydration, popsicles and electrolyte-enhanced candies are beneficial, particularly if you find it hard to drink liquids. The key is moderation and making informed choices based on your symptoms and overall health. As a general rule, prioritize options with natural ingredients and be mindful of high sugar content. Always consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe symptoms. A registered dietitian can also provide tailored nutritional advice when you are unwell.
