{"id":3754,"date":"2023-12-08T02:09:15","date_gmt":"2023-12-08T07:09:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/millenora.com\/?p=3754"},"modified":"2023-12-08T02:09:17","modified_gmt":"2023-12-08T07:09:17","slug":"is-chocolate-bad-for-sore-throat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/millenora.com\/is-chocolate-bad-for-sore-throat\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Chocolate Bad For Sore Throat? [Why, How & Alternatives]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Yes, processed chocolate is bad for sore throat especially when it contains dairy or sugar<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sugary treats like processed chocolate feed the bacteria responsible for sore throat and worsen it. Chocolate can also prolong the healing time, making you go through so much pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, chocolate such as dark unsweetened chocolate made with real cacao can be effective in treating sore throat or cough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will help you understand why chocolate is bad for sore throat and how some varieties can be useful for the same condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is chocolate bad for sore throat?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chocolate is not good for sore throat because of its high amounts of sugar or dairy<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dairy increases mucus buildup in your throat while sugar feeds the bacteria responsible for the sore throat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeding the bacteria will cause a burning sensation in your throat, aggravate the pain, and slow the healing process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hence, regardless of whether it is white chocolate, milky chocolate, or your favorite branded chocolate bar, you’re probably setting yourself up for more pain than you can imagine. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Maybe you unknowingly ate a bar of sugary chocolate while having a throat infection, saltwater gargle or herbal tea mixed with cinnamon, cloves, honey or mint can help soothe the pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can hot chocolate relieve sore throat?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hot chocolate beverages made from sweetened cocoa should not be used to treat sore throats.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regular hot chocolate drinks have a high sugar content and will worsen the throat infection. Also, because chocolate beverages usually have a thick and sticky texture, they can trap the bacteria in your tonsils and help them to thrive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, hot chocolate beverages made with dark chocolate from pure cacao will help and relieve the soreness to a good degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When should you not use chocolate for sore throat?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do not use chocolates for a sore throat if they contain sugar or dairy and if your sore throat is a result of acid reflux. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chocolate contains cocoa which is known to boost gastric acid production and worsen acid reflux. Gastric acid shot up to your throat will worsen a sore throat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This also happens with coffee. Therefore, it’s best to avoid green or black tea that contains caffeine and coffee as they aggravate acid reflux. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does dark chocolate soothe a sore throat?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Research<\/a> has found that dark chocolate made from real cacao contains theobromine, an alkaloid that can suppress the urge to cough. <\/strong>Theobromine was also found to be more effective than codeine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, to enjoy the soothing effect of chocolate on cough or sore throat, go with dark chocolate that contains over 70% concentration of cacao. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dark chocolates with over 70% concentration of cacao are generally healthier and contain less sugar compared to their sweetened counterparts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do you use dark chocolate to treat a sore throat?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To use chocolate as a remedy for an irritated throat, it should be dark chocolate made from real cacao. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, it would help if you held it in your mouth for a long period. Rather than just swallow a big chunk of chocolate, get yourself dark unsweetened chocolate and slowly suck on it.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the health benefits of chocolate?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some of the major benefits of eating chocolate come from its high amounts of antioxidants which help to combat free radicals and relieve irritation and inflammation<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pure chocolate is also rich in minerals, helps to boost heart health, improves brain function, and boosts the immune system.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What alternative beverages can you use for sore throat?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Drinking hot herbal or decaffeinated tea works wonders for a sore throat<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To enhance its therapeutic and healing properties, you can add lemon, honey, and mint to the mix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Can you be allergic to chocolate?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you can suffer allergic reactions after consuming chocolate<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common symptoms to look out for after consuming chocolate include swelling (tongue, lips, throat), shortness of breath, wheezing or shortness of breath, stomach cramps, and\/or hives.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can you cure sore throat fast?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sore throat is caused by viral or bacterial infection. A sore throat caused by a viral infection heals by itself while a bacterial sore throat needs treatment. But, in either case, you can do any of the following for fast relief:<\/p>\n\n\n\n