What Fruits to Avoid During Fever and Cold?

November 16, 2025 •

3 min read

While fruits are often recommended for their vitamins and hydrating properties, nearly one-third of people experience aggravated symptoms from certain fruits when sick. Knowing what fruits to avoid during fever and cold can help ease discomfort and promote a faster recovery by preventing irritation and excessive mucus production.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines specific fruits to limit or avoid when sick with a fever and cold, detailing how their acidity, sugar content, or cooling properties can worsen symptoms like throat irritation and congestion. It provides practical dietary advice for a more comfortable recovery.

Key Points

Avoid Citrus Fruits: The high acidity can irritate an already sore or inflamed throat, making a cough worse.
Limit Bananas: Some people find that bananas increase mucus production, which can exacerbate congestion and chest heaviness.
Skip Chilled Watermelon: The 'cooling' properties of chilled melon can cause discomfort and worsen symptoms like chills during a cold or fever.
Beware of High Sugar Fruits: Excess sugar in fruits like grapes and mangoes can potentially thicken mucus and increase inflammation.
Consider Food Temperature: Opt for fruits at room temperature or served warm, such as cooked apples, to prevent triggering sensitivity in your throat.
Focus on Gentle Hydration: Stay hydrated with mild, nutrient-rich fluids like herbal teas, warm broth, and easy-to-digest fruits like papaya and cooked pears.

How Certain Fruits Can Worsen Symptoms

When the body is fighting off an infection, its systems are under stress. While many fruits offer beneficial vitamins and hydration, certain properties can counteract the body’s healing process and exacerbate symptoms. The main factors include high acidity, high sugar content, certain textures, and the temperature at which they are consumed.

Acidity: Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are highly acidic. While rich in vitamin C, this acidity can irritate an already inflamed and sensitive throat, worsening a cough.
High Sugar Content: Fruits with a high natural sugar content, such as grapes and mangoes, can contribute to inflammation and potentially increase mucus thickness in some individuals, which can make breathing more difficult when you are congested.
Cooling Effect: Some fruits, like chilled watermelon, have a cooling effect on the body. For some, especially during a cold, this can aggravate symptoms and increase discomfort.
Hard-to-Digest Fibre: Certain fruits, especially dried fruits or those with fibrous skins and seeds, can be harder to digest for a weakened digestive system, leading to bloating or discomfort.

A Guide to Fruits to Avoid During Illness

This section delves into specific fruits commonly recommended yet potentially problematic when you are under the weather.

Citrus Fruits

Despite the popular belief that high doses of Vitamin C from sources like oranges and grapefruits can cure a cold, their acidic nature can cause more harm than good for a sore throat. The high acidity can cause a burning or stinging sensation and may trigger acid reflux, which further irritates the throat lining and can worsen coughing.

Bananas

Bananas are often recommended for those with an upset stomach due to their bland nature, but they can be a poor choice during a cold. Some believe bananas can increase mucus production, leading to a feeling of clogged airways and worsening congestion. This effect is debated and may vary by individual, but it is a common concern for those with heavy phlegm.

Pineapple

Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is also highly acidic and can irritate a sore throat, causing a burning sensation. The fibrous texture can also be abrasive on sensitive throat tissue.

Grapes

While juicy and hydrating, grapes are relatively high in sugar and can contribute to the thickening of mucus. Consuming them, especially if they are chilled, can make congestion feel heavier and more uncomfortable.

Watermelon

Known for its high water content, watermelon is excellent for hydration. However, its 'cooling' effect can be perceived as detrimental by some during a cold, as it may cause chills or a general feeling of internal coldness that can exacerbate symptoms.

Comparison of Fruits to Avoid vs. Safer Alternatives


Fruit to Avoid	Reason for Caution	Safer Alternative	Reason for Better Choice
Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemon, Grapefruit)	High acidity irritates sore throat.	Warm Apple Sauce	Soothing, easy to digest, and rich in antioxidants.
Bananas	Can increase mucus production in some.	Cooked Pears	Gentle on the stomach and less likely to trigger mucus.
Pineapple	High acidity and fibrous texture can irritate throat.	Papaya	Contains vitamin C without being overly acidic.
Grapes	High sugar can thicken mucus; chilling can aggravate.	Kiwi	High in vitamin C and antioxidants without high acidity.
Chilled Watermelon	Cooling effect can worsen chills.	Pomegranate Juice (room temp)	Contains flavonoids that can fight viruses and reduce inflammation.
Unripe Mangoes	Highly acidic and fibrous, hard to digest.	Berries (like blueberries)	Rich in antioxidants and lower in sugar.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Diet While Sick

Choosing what to eat when you have a fever or cold is about more than just finding nutritious options; it's about selecting foods that will not aggravate your symptoms. While many fruits offer immune-boosting benefits, those that are highly acidic, sugary, or have a cooling effect can increase discomfort. By focusing on warm, easily digestible foods and staying well-hydrated with warm liquids, you can provide your body with the best support to recover quickly and comfortably. Listening to your body is key, as individual reactions to foods can vary significantly. For reliable medical advice, always consult a healthcare professional, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent. For more insights on optimal nutrition, you can explore trusted health resources. Explore more dietary tips here.

Frequently Asked Questions

While orange juice contains vitamin C, its high acidity can irritate a sore throat and potentially worsen coughing. It is often better to opt for less acidic fruits or drink it diluted with warm water.

For some individuals, bananas can increase mucus production and lead to a feeling of more chest congestion and a stuffy nose. This effect can vary from person to person.

Cold fruits or chilled drinks can sometimes trigger discomfort or a 'cooling' sensation that can aggravate chills during a fever. Opting for room-temperature fruits is often a safer choice.

Pineapple, while having some beneficial enzymes, is very acidic and can cause a burning or stinging sensation in an already inflamed throat. Its fibrous texture can also be irritating.

Safer alternatives include warm applesauce, cooked pears, and low-sugar berries like blueberries. These are easy to digest and less likely to irritate your throat or increase mucus.

Grapes have a relatively high sugar content, which some people believe can thicken mucus and increase phlegm production, making congestion feel worse.

Dried fruits are often high in sugar and can be hard to digest for a weakened system. Their fibrous nature can also be irritating to a sore throat.