Candies for Soothing a Sore Throat
When a sore throat strikes, the simple act of swallowing can be painful. Sucking on hard candy, throat lozenges, or ice chips increases saliva production, which keeps your throat moist and provides a temporary, soothing film over the irritated tissue.
Hard Candies
Any hard candy can help by promoting salivation, but certain ingredients offer additional benefits. Look for options with lemon, honey, or mild fruit flavors. For instance, homemade honey and lemon drops can combine honey's demulcent action with a pleasant taste. The coating effect of the sugar in hard candy can help relieve redness and pain.
Medicated Lozenges
For more targeted relief, medicated throat lozenges like Halls or Ricola offer active ingredients to numb pain or suppress coughing. Some contain menthol for a cooling sensation or zinc, which can sometimes boost the immune system.
Candies for Relieving Nausea
An upset stomach or nausea can make eating difficult. Ginger and sour candies are often recommended for their ability to help settle a queasy tummy.
Ginger Candy
Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for nausea, including motion sickness and morning sickness. Ginger candies or chews, such as Gin-Gins, provide a concentrated dose of ginger that can be very effective. It's thought to calm the stomach and speed up gastric emptying.
Sour Candy
For some, the sharp, distracting taste of sour candy can help alleviate nausea. The intense flavor and the resulting increase in saliva production can shift focus away from feelings of queasiness. Fruit-flavored options like sour gummies or lemon drops are good choices.
Candies for Calming a Cough
Like with a sore throat, the mechanism for cough relief from candy involves soothing the throat and providing a protective coating.
Chocolate
Surprisingly, studies have suggested that chocolate may be more effective at calming a cough than some traditional cough medicines. The thickness and consistency of chocolate, similar to honey, allows it to coat the throat, which helps to calm hypersensitive nerve endings that trigger coughing. Sucking slowly on a piece of high-quality dark chocolate is recommended to maximize this coating effect.
Honey Lollipops
For children over the age of one, honey can be a safe and effective cough suppressant. Homemade honey lollipops allow for a slow and steady release of honey, providing long-lasting relief to the throat.
Comparison of Candies for Sickness
| Symptom | Recommended Candy | Key Benefit | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sore Throat | Hard candies (Lemon/Honey), Medicated Lozenges | Increases saliva to moisten throat, provides a soothing coating | Opt for sugar-free if concerned about dental health. Medicated lozenges have added active ingredients. |
| Nausea | Ginger Chews, Sour Candies | Ginger calms the stomach. Sour flavors distract from queasiness. | Start with a small amount. Ginger may be spicy for some. |
| Cough | Dark Chocolate, Honey Lollipops | Coats the throat to calm nerve endings and suppress coughing. | Dark chocolate is less sugary. Honey is not for children under one. |
| General Ailments | Non-fatty, fruity candies (e.g., Jolly Ranchers, Lollipops) | Easy on the stomach. Provides a small, easy-to-digest caloric boost when appetite is low. | Avoid if it contains trigger ingredients like high fat or mint. |
Cautions and Considerations
While certain candies can offer temporary relief, it's important to remember they are not a cure. Excessive sugar consumption can increase inflammation and may hinder your immune response. Always consult a healthcare provider for severe or persistent symptoms. Furthermore, hard candy is a choking hazard for young children under five.
Conclusion
When you're sick, the right candy can be a simple, comforting, and sometimes surprisingly effective remedy for minor symptoms like a sore throat, cough, or nausea. Options like honey-based hard candies, ginger chews, and even dark chocolate can provide specific relief through their unique properties. However, remember that candies should be a temporary comfort, not a primary treatment. Prioritize hydration, rest, and nutrient-rich foods for a speedy recovery, and opt for candies that offer targeted relief rather than just sugar. For more information on staying healthy, visit the Cleveland Clinic website.
What candy can I eat when sick?
Some candies, like hard candy with honey or lemon, ginger chews, and dark chocolate, can help soothe specific symptoms such as a sore throat, nausea, or cough.
Why is hard candy good for a sore throat?
Sucking on hard candy stimulates saliva production, which helps keep your throat moist and coats the tissue, providing temporary relief from dryness and irritation.
Can I eat ginger candy for nausea?
Yes, ginger has a long-standing reputation for calming upset stomachs and can be effective for relieving nausea from motion sickness or other issues.
Is chocolate good for a cough?
Evidence suggests that slowly sucking on a piece of high-quality dark chocolate can be more effective than some cough syrups, as its sticky texture coats the throat and calms cough-triggering nerves.
Are there any candies I should avoid when sick?
Avoid candies that are high in fat, contain mint (which can worsen acid reflux), or have excessive amounts of sugar, as this can increase inflammation. Crunchy snacks can also irritate a sore throat.
Why does sugar feel good when you're sick?
Illness puts stress on the body, and sugar provides a quick, easy source of energy. Additionally, consuming sugar can trigger dopamine release in the brain, offering a temporary mood boost and sense of comfort.
How can I soothe my throat without sugar?
For a sore throat, consider sugar-free hard candies, ice chips, popsicles, or a warm salt-water gargle to soothe irritation and dryness without excess sugar.
