Why Choose Soothing Desserts When You're Ill?
When you're sick, your body is working hard to fight off infection, and your appetite may decrease. Bland, nutrient-dense, and easy-to-digest foods are often recommended. While sugary, high-fat desserts can increase inflammation and may hinder recovery, there are many soothing alternatives that provide comfort and some much-needed energy. These options focus on hydrating ingredients and natural soothers, like honey and ginger, to help you feel better faster.
Desserts for Sore Throats
For those with a scratchy or inflamed throat, cold and soft desserts are ideal. They can provide a numbing sensation and are gentle on irritated tissue.
- Ice Cream or Sherbet: Opt for plain flavors like vanilla or fruit-based sherbet. It provides calories and fluid without requiring much effort to swallow. Avoid flavors with chunky mix-ins that could irritate your throat.
- Frozen Yogurt: Similar to ice cream, frozen yogurt is cool and smooth. It can also contain probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health and overall immune function.
- Popsicles: Homemade popsicles made from fruit juice or a blend of fruit and yogurt are excellent. They offer hydration and vitamins, and the cold temperature helps numb the throat.
- Fruit Gelatin (Jell-O): The soft, wobbly texture is easy to swallow, and it adds fluid to your diet. Look for low-sugar options or make your own with fruit juice and gelatin.
- Honey-Ginger Tea Jellies: A homemade treat combining the throat-soothing properties of honey and anti-inflammatory ginger.
Desserts for Upset Stomachs
When dealing with nausea or stomach upset, bland, low-fiber, and non-acidic desserts are best. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) provides a good starting point.
- Plain Rice Pudding: A traditional comfort food for a reason, rice pudding is gentle on the stomach and provides some energy. Avoid overly rich or spiced versions.
- Applesauce: This is an easy-to-digest source of calories and can be warming and comforting when heated.
- Banana “Nice” Cream: A single-ingredient dessert made by blending frozen bananas. It's naturally sweet, creamy, and contains potassium, which is important for replenishing electrolytes.
- Ginger Candies: Ginger is a well-known remedy for nausea. Sucking on a small piece of homemade or store-bought ginger candy can help settle a queasy stomach.
- Plain Yogurt (or Greek Yogurt): Look for unflavored, low-sugar varieties. The probiotics can help balance gut flora.
Comparison Table: Desserts for Sickness
| Dessert Type | Best For... | Key Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Cream/Sherbet | Sore throat, low appetite | Cooling, hydrating, easy to swallow | Choose plain, lower-sugar options; avoid chunky mix-ins |
| Ginger Candies | Upset stomach, nausea | Anti-nausea properties from ginger | Ensure they are not too sugary; opt for homemade versions if possible |
| Rice Pudding | Upset stomach, low energy | Gentle on the digestive system, comforting | Stick to plain versions without excessive spice or dairy |
| Popsicles | Sore throat, dehydration | Hydrating, vitamins from fruit juice | Choose options with natural ingredients and less added sugar |
| Applesauce | Upset stomach, general illness | Easy to digest, provides energy | Simple, no-sugar-added is best for sensitive stomachs |
| Frozen Yogurt | Sore throat, digestive health | Probiotics, cooling, soft texture | Ensure active cultures are present; check sugar content |
| Warm Stewed Pears | Coughs, sore throat | Hydrating, traditionally soothing | Gentle on the stomach; often made with rock sugar or honey |
Making Your Own Soothing Desserts
- Homemade Ginger Tea: Brew fresh ginger slices in hot water. Add a spoonful of honey once the water has cooled slightly (as high heat can destroy honey's beneficial properties). This makes a great base for jellies or a warm drink.
- Simple Rice Porridge: A traditional recipe for when someone is sick is simple rice porridge, or 'kanji'. It's easily digestible and can be customized with mild additions like honey or apple purée for sweetness.
- Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie: Blend a ripe banana with some plain yogurt and a handful of berries for a nutrient-dense, easy-to-drink treat. The cold temperature is excellent for sore throats.
- Steamed Pears: A traditional Chinese remedy for coughs is steamed pear with rock sugar. It's a gentle, warm dessert that can help soothe a cough. Learn more about using foods as remedies from reputable sources like the Cleveland Clinic. **
Desserts to Avoid While Sick
Just as important as knowing what to eat is knowing what to avoid. Certain ingredients can worsen symptoms like inflammation, mucus production, and digestive upset.
- High-Sugar Desserts: Excessive sugar can increase inflammation and hinder your immune response. This includes many store-bought cookies, cakes, and ice creams.
- Rich, Fatty Desserts: Heavy cream, butter, and excessive fat can be hard on a sensitive stomach and may cause nausea.
- Crunchy or Hard Desserts: Anything with a rough texture, like hard cookies or chunky nuts, can irritate a sore throat.
- Spicy Desserts (e.g., spiced cakes): While some spices can be beneficial, too much can be irritating for a sensitive stomach or throat.
Conclusion: Comfort is Key
Finding the right dessert can provide much-needed comfort and nourishment when you're sick. The key is to prioritize bland, soothing, and easy-to-digest options. Whether it's the cooling relief of a homemade popsicle for a sore throat or the stomach-settling power of ginger candy, these thoughtful choices can make a significant difference in your comfort and recovery. Focus on natural ingredients and gentle preparation methods to ensure your dessert helps, rather than harms, your healing process.
