A Sore Throat and Breakfast

Colds and flu are among the most common causes of a sore throat, but allergies, strep throat, smoking and tonsillitis can also cause throat pain. (See Reference 1) While a sore throat can make eating and drinking certain breakfast foods uncomfortable, there are plenty of nutritious foods that not only ease your sore throat, but that also supply the vitamins and minerals you body needs to heal.

Liquids are one of your best bets when you have a sore throat. Fluids help lubricate your throat, which can ease the pain and discomfort associated with dryness, as well as soothe the irritation of your throat. (See Reference 1) Have a glass of water when you first wake up or drink a mug of hot tea with your morning meal. Water with honey and lemon juice might be particularly beneficial for soothing a sore throat, according to a 2010 article published in the "Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research." (See Reference 4 Page 386) Add a squirt of honey and a slice of lemon, which adds vitamin C, to a mug of warm water to take advantage of the antibacterial and antiviral properties honey has to offer. (See Reference 4 Page 386)

Sucking on something frozen can help soothe a sore throat, according to the FamilyDoctor.org website, (See Reference 2) and opting for nutritious foods can also supply essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, that your body needs to heal. Stick a spoon into a carton of yogurt and freeze it. When it's solid eat it like a frozen dessert, or freeze green grapes and suck on them like you would a throat lozenge. Puree unsweetened frozen fruit, such as berries or peaches, in a blender with a splash to 100 percent fruit juice and a squirt of honey as another frozen breakfast that will help soothe your irritated and painful throat. Keep in mind, however, that cold foods will only soothe your throat, but they won't necessarily encourage healing, notes Stephanie Marohn, author of "The Natural Medicine First Aid Remedies." (See Reference 3 Page 291)

Fresh garlic contains compounds that can soothe a sore throat. Include two crushed garlic cloves twice a day in your diet to take advantage of these, David R. Field, a natropathic doctor, recommends in Marohn's book. (See Reference 3 Page 291) Crush garlic cloves and mix them into butter to spread on toast or a whole-wheat bagel. Add crushed garlic cloves to scrambled eggs as another way to include the beneficial food in your breakfast.

Equally as important as eating soothing foods is avoiding foods that can irritate your already painful sore throat. You should skip foods with sugar, such as donuts, fruit drinks or sweetened breakfast cereals, Marohn notes. (See Reference 3 Page 291) Citrus juices, such as orange or grapefruit, can also make your pain worse, according to the American Dietetic Association. (See Reference 5 Page 1) Foods with a rough texture, such as granola, breakfast cereal and dry toast, should also be avoided. (See Reference 5 Page 1) Skip spicy foods in favor of more bland options, as well. (See Reference 5 Page 1)