Finding Comfort: What Candy Can You Have When Sick?
When you're feeling under the weather, a sweet treat can feel incredibly comforting. However, not all candies are created equal, and some can do more harm than good, especially in large quantities. The goal is to find candies that offer a specific therapeutic benefit, such as soothing a sore throat or calming an upset stomach, while minimizing immune-suppressing refined sugars. Choosing wisely can provide relief without hindering your recovery.
Hard Candies for Sore Throat Relief
One of the most effective uses for candy when sick is to soothe a scratchy or painful sore throat. Sucking on a hard candy stimulates saliva production, which naturally lubricates the throat and can provide temporary relief from pain and irritation.
The best choices for a sore throat:
- Honey and Lemon drops: Honey has natural antimicrobial properties, while lemon can offer a refreshing, soothing sensation. Look for drops made with real honey or herbal infusions.
- Menthol or Eucalyptus lozenges: These are essentially medicated hard candies designed to provide a cooling, anesthetic effect that can numb throat pain and help suppress coughing.
- Ginger hard candies: The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can help soothe an irritated throat and reduce swelling.
Candies for Nausea and Stomach Upset
Nausea can be one of the most debilitating symptoms of illness. Fortunately, certain candies can help settle a queasy stomach, particularly those with herbal ingredients known for their digestive benefits.
The best choices for nausea:
- Ginger Chews: Ginger is a time-tested remedy for nausea and motion sickness. Ginger chews concentrate the root's active compounds into a portable, chewable format, making them highly effective for soothing an upset stomach.
- Peppermint Hard Candies: Peppermint can calm stomach muscles and alleviate nausea and indigestion. A simple peppermint hard candy can be a gentle and effective way to find relief.
- Sour Candy (in moderation): Some individuals find that the tartness of sour candy distracts from nausea and stimulates saliva production, which can neutralize stomach acid. However, those with a sensitive stomach or acid reflux should be cautious, as the acidity could worsen symptoms.
Candies to Avoid When You Are Sick
Just as some candies are helpful, others can actively impede your recovery. Staying away from these can prevent further discomfort and allow your immune system to function at its best.
Candies to avoid:
- Excessively Sugary Sweets: Refined sugar can weaken the immune system by temporarily suppressing the function of white blood cells. An influx of sugar can also promote inflammation and alter gut bacteria, both of which are detrimental when your body is trying to heal.
- Artificial Sweeteners: Sugarless candies often contain sugar alcohols like sorbitol, which can cause bloating, cramping, and diarrhea in sensitive individuals. This is particularly bad if you are already suffering from a stomach bug.
- Crunchy or Abrasive Candies: For those with a sore throat, hard, crunchy candies can irritate the inflamed tissues, causing more pain and slowing down the healing process.
- Acidic Candies: Beyond just sour candies, treats with high acidity can irritate an inflamed throat. If you have a cough or sore throat, it is best to avoid these until you are well.
Smart Candy Choices for Sickness: A Comparison
| Symptom | Recommended Candy | Why it helps | Candy to Avoid | Why it makes things worse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sore Throat | Honey-Lemon drops, Menthol lozenges, Ginger hard candy | Increases saliva to lubricate throat, anesthetic effect, anti-inflammatory | Crunchy or abrasive candies, Highly acidic sweets | Irritates inflamed tissue, can cause more pain |
| Nausea | Ginger chews, Peppermint hard candy | Calms stomach muscles, anti-nausea properties | Highly sugary sweets, Fatty or greasy candies, Sugar alcohols | Inhibits immune function, can worsen GI upset and trigger diarrhea |
| Congestion | Menthol lozenges, Eucalyptus drops | Cools and helps clear nasal passages temporarily | Dairy-based candies like chocolate | May thicken mucus in some individuals, worsening congestion |
| General Cold/Flu | Herbal lozenges, sugar-free options with caution | Soothes throat, temporary cough relief | Refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, greasy/fatty options | Weakens immune response, promotes inflammation, can cause digestive issues |
Making Healthy Candy Choices When Sick
When your body is fighting off an illness, it needs proper fuel and rest. While candy should never replace nutritious food or hydration, smart choices can offer genuine relief. Prioritize candies with natural, soothing ingredients like ginger, honey, and peppermint. Always check labels, and be mindful of your intake, especially of sugar. For a sore throat, sucking on a lozenge or herbal candy can be a great, low-impact solution. If nausea is your main issue, ginger chews are an excellent and well-documented remedy. Remember to stay well-hydrated with water and soothing herbal teas, and consider incorporating a nutrient-rich smoothie to support your immune system.
Ultimately, a healthy balance is key. A small, intentional treat can provide comfort, but it shouldn't come at the cost of your body's ability to recover. For more information on general foods to avoid when sick, you can consult authoritative health resources like the Mayo Clinic Health System.
Conclusion
Navigating the candy aisle when you're sick requires a strategic approach. Instead of reaching for high-sugar, low-benefit sweets that can hinder your recovery, opt for purposeful candies that directly address your symptoms. Ginger chews and peppermint drops are excellent for nausea, while honey, lemon, and menthol hard candies can effectively soothe a sore throat. By being mindful of sugar intake and avoiding artificial sweeteners, you can enjoy a comforting treat that supports, rather than compromises, your body's healing process.
