Table of contents:
- Can sugary foods cause sore throat?
- The relationship between GERD and laryngitis
- Tips for dealing with sore throat due to sweet foods
After drinking drinks with a high sugar content, such as sweetened tea or milk shakes, many people feel sore throats. Is it true that sweet foods and drinks can cause sore throat?
Check out the reviews below to find out the answer.
Can sugary foods cause sore throat?
Sore throat is a common condition that often occurs in children to adults. This condition is usually caused by a viral infection or sore in the throat.
Starting from the flu virus, bacterial infection, to a wound on the neck can be the cause of a sore throat. However, there are some people who believe that even sweet foods are one of the causes of inflammation.
In fact, consumption of foods or drinks that contain artificial sweeteners can indeed trigger sore throat. This condition may often occur if you have GERD, aka stomach acid rising into the esophagus.
As reported by the Oesophageal Patients Association page, consuming small amounts of sugary foods or drinks will not affect stomach acid.
This is even more so if the food does not contain artificial sweeteners, such as pure honey, jam, or maple syrup.
However, excessive consumption of high-sugary foods and drinks that contain other stomach acid triggers will certainly worsen your situation. For example, chocolate, fatty foods, citrus fruits, and caffeinated drinks.
This may also be because too much sugar can increase the risk of diabetes and damage the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the nerve that controls the digestive muscles.
As a result, the emptying time of the stomach is delayed which can cause stomach acid production to increase and lead to GERD.
One of the symptoms of GERD is a sore throat. So, indirectly, sweet foods and drinks can trigger sore throat by increasing stomach acid.
The relationship between GERD and laryngitis
The effect of sweet foods can indirectly cause sore throat through GERD.
Sore throat due to GERD is caused by stomach acid rising to the touch of the vocal cords. As a result, the acid causes inflammation and when it occurs repeatedly can make a hoarse voice, cough, or feel that something is stuck in the throat.
This symptom is more commonly referred to as laryngeal pharyngeal reflux (LPR). This condition is usually characterized by upper respiratory disease. This can be caused by irritation of the vocal cords from stomach acid which can cause inflammation.
Therefore, it can be concluded that sugary foods might cause sore throat. However, the effect was not immediate.
However, further research is still needed whether high-sugary foods and drinks can actually irritate your throat.
Tips for dealing with sore throat due to sweet foods
One way to deal with sore throat due to sugary foods is to reduce foods and drinks with high sugar content.
In addition, a good diet and avoiding foods that can trigger acid reflux and sore throats can also help, such as:
- Eat more often in small and regular portions
- Maintain weight
- Don't eat two hours before bed
- Avoid foods that are acidic, spicy, and contain high fat
- Manage stress well
If you feel that sweet foods can trigger acid reflux and cause repeated sore throat, consult your doctor first. This is so that you get proper treatment from medical professionals.
