When you're feeling under the weather with Covid, reaching for comfort foods like chocolate or cheese and crackers might seem like a small consolation. However, one expert has issued a warning that these treats could actually exacerbate your symptoms, emphasising the importance of maintaining discipline even when unwell.
Dr Gareth Nye, lecturer in Biomedical Science at the University of Salford, previously told the Mirror about the food items to steer clear of for a speedier recovery from throat discomfort. Anything 'dry or hard' like biscuits and crunchy cereals are a definite no-go - but that's only scratching the surface.
"Any food which is dry or hard to swallow – biscuits, crackers are good examples," he said at the time. "In addition, fizzy drinks or spicy foods can aggravate the throat membrane making it hurt more. Some people find dairy [including chocolate] can make a sore throat worse as it coats the throat allowing mucus to build up leading to more frequent coughing episodes.
"The coughing ultimately leads to increased damage to the throat and an increased discomfort." Dr Nye's advice comes as more than 100 deaths per week are caused by Covid in the UK, according to recent UK Health Security Agency data. The symptoms of this illness are strikingly similar to those of other diseases, but usually include a persistent cough, sore throat, and loss of smell and taste, among others. Beyond avoiding irritants, NHS Guys' and St Thomas' asserts that diet can play a significant part in your Covid recovery and meals should include 'a variety of vitamins, minerals, protein, energy, fibre, and fluid'.
