Most people pass gas between 13 and 21 times a day. When gas is blocked from escaping, diarrhoea constipation may be responsible.
Gas pain can be so intense that doctors mistake the root cause for appendicitis, gallstones, or even heart disease.
Luckily, many home remedies can help to release trapped gas or prevent it from building up. Twenty effective methods are listed below.
1. Let it out
Holding in gas can cause bloating, discomfort, and pain. The easiest way to avoid these symptoms is to simply let out the gas.
2. Pass stool
A bowel movement can relieve gas. Passing stool will usually release any gas trapped in the intestines.
3. Eat slowly
Eating too quickly or while moving can cause a person to take in air as well as food, leading to gas-related pain.
Quick eaters can slow down by chewing each bite of food 30 times. Breaking down food in such a way aids digestion and can prevent a number of related complaints, including bloating and indigestion.
4. Avoid chewing gum
As a person chews gum they tend to swallow air, which increases the likelihood of trapped wind and gas pains.
Sugarless gum also contains artificial sweeteners, which may cause bloating and gas.
5. Say no to straws
Often, drinking through a straw causes a person to swallow air. Drinking directly from a bottle can have the same effect, depending on the bottle’s size and shape.
To avoid gas pain and bloating, it is best to sip from a glass.
6. Quit smoking
Whether using traditional or electronic cigarettes, smoking causes air to enter the digestive tract. Because of the range of health issues linked to smoking, quitting is wise for many reasons.
7. Choose non-carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks, such as sparkling water and sodas, send a lot of gas to the stomach. This can cause bloating and pain.
8. Eliminate problematic foods
Eating certain foods can cause trapped gas. Individuals find different foods problematic.
However, the foods below frequently cause gas to build up:
Keeping a food diary can help a person to identify trigger foods. Some, like artificial sweeteners, may be easy to cut out of the diet.
Others, like cruciferous vegetables and legumes, provide a range of health benefits. Rather than avoiding them entirely, a person may try reducing their intake or preparing the foods differently.
9. Drink tea
Some herbal teas may aid digestion and reduce gas pain fast. The most effective include teas made from:
Anise acts as a mild laxative and should be avoided if diarrhoea accompanies gas. However, it can be helpful if constipation is responsible for trapped gas.
10. Snack on fennel seeds
Fennel is an age-old solution for trapped wind. Chewing on a teaspoon of the seeds is a popular natural remedy.
However, anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should probably avoid doing so, due to conflicting reports concerning safety.
11. Take peppermint supplements
Peppermint oil capsules have long been taken to resolve issues like bloating, constipation, and trapped gas. Some research supports the use of peppermint for these symptoms.
Always choose enteric-coated capsules. Uncoated capsules may dissolve too quickly in the digestive tract, which can lead to heartburn.
Peppermint inhibits the absorption of iron, so these capsules should not be taken with iron supplements or by people who have anaemia.
12. Clove oil
Clove oil has traditionally been used to treat digestive complaints, including bloating, gas, and indigestion. It may also have ulcer-fighting properties.
Consuming clove oil after meals can increase digestive enzymes and reduce the amount of gas in the intestines.
13. Apply heat
When gas pains strike, place a hot water bottle or heating pad on the stomach. The warmth relaxes the muscles in the gut, helping gas to move through the intestines. Heat can also reduce the sensation of pain.
14. Address digestive issues
People with certain digestive difficulties are more likely to experience trapped gas. Those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease, for example, often experience bloating and gas pain.
Addressing these issues through lifestyle changes and medication can improve the quality of life.
People with lactose intolerance who frequently experience gas pain should take greater steps to avoid lactose or take lactase supplements.
15. Add apple cider vinegar to water
Apple cider vinegar aids the production of stomach acid and digestive enzymes. It may also help to alleviate gas pain quickly.
Add a tablespoon of the vinegar to a glass of water and drink it before meals to prevent gas pain and bloating. It is important to then rinse the mouth with water, as vinegar can erode tooth enamel.
16. Use activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is a natural product that can be bought in health food stores or pharmacies without a prescription. Supplement tablets taken before and after meals can prevent trapped gas.
It is best to build up the intake of activated charcoal gradually. This will prevent unwanted symptoms, such as constipation and nausea.
One alarming side effect of activated charcoal is that it can turn the stool black. This discoloration is harmless and should go away if a person stops taking charcoal supplements.
17. Take probiotics
Probiotic supplements add beneficial bacteria to the gut. They are used to treat several digestive complaints, including infectious diarrhea.
Some research suggests that certain strains of probiotics can alleviate bloating, intestinal gas, abdominal pain, and other symptoms of IBS.
Strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are generally considered to be most effective.
18. Exercise
Gentle exercises can relax the muscles in the gut, helping to move gas through the digestive system. Walking or doing yoga poses after meals may be especially beneficial.
19. Breathe deeply
Deep breathing may not work for everyone. Taking in too much air can increase the amount of gas in the intestines.
However, some people find that deep breathing techniques can relieve the pain and discomfort associated with trapped gas.
20. Take an over-the-counter remedy
Several products can get rid of gas pain fast. One popular medication, simethicone, is marketed under the following brand names:
Several of these products are available for purchase online.
Anyone who is pregnant or taking other medications should discuss the use of simethicone with a doctor or pharmacist.
Trapped gas can be painful and distressing, but many easy remedies can alleviate symptoms quickly.
People with ongoing or severe gas pain should see a doctor right away, especially if the pain is accompanied by:
While everyone experiences trapped gas once in a while, experiencing regular pain, bloating, and other gastrointestinal symptoms can indicate the presence of a medical condition or food sensitivity.
An Abuja based herbal doctor, Dr Bamidele Joshua, said the consumption of mango leaves helps in the treatment of kidney and gallstones among others.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja that consumption of mango leaves also helps in the treatment of many health conditions.
According to him, Mango leaves contain vitamins C, A and B as well as vital minerals such as Copper, Potassium and Magnesium.
He explained that the leaves could be boiled to be taken as water or dried into powder form to be used in any food or drink.
Joshua added that for medicinal purposes, the use of young and tender leaves was best for optimal benefits.
The expert noted that the consumption of the leaves helps prevent and regulate diabetes, lowers blood pressure, fights restlessness and stops hiccups.
Mango leaves are very useful for managing diabetes. The tender leaves of the mango tree contain tannins called anthocyanidins that may help in treating early diabetes.
Soak the leaves in a cup of water overnight, strain and drink this water to help relieve the symptoms of diabetes. It also helps in treating hyperglycemia.
Mango leaves also help to lower blood pressure as they have hypotensive properties that help in strengthening the blood vessels and treat the problem of varicose veins.
People suffering from restlessness due to anxiety should add few mango leaves to their bathing water. This helps in relaxing and refreshing the body.
Daily intake of a finely grounded powder of mango leaves with water kept in a tumbler overnight helps in breaking kidney and gallbladder stones as well flush them out.
Put some mango leaves in warm water, close the container with a lid, and leave it overnight. Next morning filter the water and drink this concoction on an empty stomach.
Regular intake of this infusion flushes out toxins from the body and keeps the stomach clean,” he said.
He however enjoined patients with serious health challenge to seek medical advice before consumption.
Can the contents of your kitchen seriously save your life? A growing body of research suggests that what you eat and drink can protect your body against myriad health woe. Studies have also shown that up to 70 percent of heart disease cases are preventable with the right food choices.
“What’s good for your heart is good for your brain and good for you in general,” says Arthur Agatston, MD, a renowned cardiologist and founder of the South Beach Diet.
There is just one little trick to turning your kitchen into a hub for heart health: Don’t stick to the same few foods. The secret is by varying the types of fish, vegetables, whole grains and other items you enjoy every day. With that in mind, we’ve compiled the world’s top foods for your heart—mix and match a handful of them every week to eat your way toward a healthier you.
Yams
This is a great source of Vitamin C, calcium and iron, which helps to reduce high blood pressure. Eat the skin, too, which is full of heart-healthy nutrients.
Wild salmon (not farmed)
Broiled, grilled or baked, this tasty, fleshy fish is replete with omega-3 fatty acids that improve the metabolic markers for heart disease. It also has a rich level of selenium, an antioxidant that studies have shown boosts cardiovascular protection. (Of course, not all salmon is created equal: Find out what the ‘Invasion of The Frankenfish’ means for your health.)
Sardines
These spiny little creatures are also loaded with omega-3s in the form of fish oil, which increases “good” cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of sudden heart attacks in people who have experienced previous attacks, according to the Mayo Clinic. Stick to fresh ones to avoid the canned variety’s high salt content.
Liver
Liver contains fats that are good for the heart, says William Davis, MD, a Wisconsin-based preventive cardiologist and author of ‘Wheat Belly’. “That’s the way humans are scripted,” he says. “Primitive humans ate the entire animal. Livers contain a lot of fats and that’s healthy.”
Oatmeal
The highly publicised benefits of eating your oatmeal have long shown it’s a wonder meal for reducing cholesterol. But eat only the plain, non-processed kind. Instant and flavoured oats are often drenched in processed sugar.
Coffee
Caffeine junkies rejoice. According to Dr Agatston, studies have shown that coffee is high in antioxidants and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Up to three cups a day also increases cognition levels and helps decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, Agatston says. (That’s not the only thing a cup of java can do. We’ve got four more coffee cures that will convince you to drink up.)
Red wine
Back to the importance of resveratrol, a compound with antioxidant properties, which can also help prevent cancer. According to a recent study from the UK’s University of Leicester, resveratrol is found in dark-skinned berries and grapes. Madirans and Cabernets typically contain large amounts of procyanidins, an antioxidant that helps to reduce cholesterol and increases arterial health.
Healthy food means to eat clean and organic while keeping you away from the chemical and sugar rich foods. However, without even realizing their presence, our diet includes a major portion of artificial food content and high calories that claims to be significantly low. Such foods forms acids in the body and they are required to be eliminated as soon as possible. The foods creating inflammation disturb the hormonal balance in the body, congest the liver, and higher the blood sugar levels, as result, it nullify the efforts of restoring the good health.
Foods You Should Avoid While Losing Weight:-
Low Fat Ice Creams
Even when your ice creams are low on calories and loaded with the fruits, there are still lots of sugar content and harmful trans fat hidden inside the cup that makes you gain weight. Moreover, the artificial colours and flavours are nothing to do with your than worsening the situations. Instead, make your own ice cream at home with the natural fruit flavours less of harsh chemicals.
Thin Crust Veggies Loaded Pizza
People used to think that not all pizzas are bad for your health, however, even the thin crust slices are loaded with cheese that contains saturated fats and processed so heavily to make you gain those extra pounds easily. Go for homemade whole wheat crust, healthy sauce, superfoods pizza along with the right cheeses.
Zero Calories Drinks
All that fizz drinks claiming zero calories in the cans are the way to distract you from eating healthy. It is extremely acidic, hence; it takes more than 30 cups of water to neutralize the acidity of a single can. Such residues are hard on the body and make an evil impact on your kidneys.
French Fries
The trans fat and acrylamide present in the food cause inflammation in your body. It is also a greater cause of many other serious problems in the body including heart diseases, weight gain, cancer, etc. Try out finding how to cook them to maximize the nutrients and eliminate the formation of acrylamide.
Potato Chips
When the white potatoes are deeply fried it produces the highest level of toxic acrylamide which is the main reason of accumulation of the fat. As they are loaded with the healthy herbs, it doesn’t mean it will save some calories for you. Instead, try indulging in the crispy sweet potato chips and you will not miss the original chips for sure.
To be healthy, one must eat a wide variety of vitamin-rich foods. But with the growing number of people consuming fast food today, most would probably prefer it over homemade food which is a much better healthier choice. This daily consumption of fast food and junk food is so bad that it is putting the health of many people at risk. In order to prevent serious health problems and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you should consume foods that are rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals.
Eating a variety of antioxidant vitamins and mineral enriched foods can contribute to improving your quality of health for many years to come.
Now, here is a list of some superfoods that can help you achieve better health:
1. Berries
All kinds of berries are rich in fiber that can help promote weight loss. Raspberries contain ellagic acid which has a compound that prevents cancer.
2. Avocado
Avocados provide Vitamins A, B, C, E and K that are several important antioxidants along with glutathione.
3. Beans
It is a source of iron that transports oxygen from the lungs to all the cells in your body.
4. Bananas
It is a highly alkalining nutritious superfood that contains the best sources of potassium which help in maintaining heart function and normal blood pressure.
5. Salmon
Superfoods are not only categorized as fruits and vegetables. This kind of fish contains Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. It is anti-inflammatory and can alleviate joint pain and reduce the risk of heart disease.
6. Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the healthiest leafy green vegetables which is rich in vitamins A, C and folic acid. It also has sulforaphane that is considered a cancer-fighting agent.
7. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are high in alpha and beta carotenoids which are converted into an active usable form of Vitamin A by your body. These compounds can help keep your eyes, bones, and immune system healthy.
8. Cacao (Should be more than 60% Dark Chocolate)
Cacao is high in essential minerals that most people do not get in their diet. It has magnesium which is used in more than 275 biochemical reactions in the body. Cacao also contains manganese, zinc and iron.
Try to consume at least three to four servings daily of a variety of superfoods (even more is better) for optimal health.
Achieving better health is not only about the foods you consume. You must also include proper exercise that can help you become physically fit.
Protein — along with amino acids, which make up proteins — are considered the building blocks of life.
Every cell in your body, from your muscles and bones to your skin and hair, contains proteins.
Proteins are made up of amino acids attached to each other in long chains.
Up to 20 different types of amino acids can be combined to make a protein, and the sequence of amino acids determines each protein’s structure and function in your body.
Proteins do many important things in your body, including:
You get protein from the foods you eat. When you eat protein-containing foods, the protein is broken down by your body into amino acids.
Animal sources such as meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are especially rich in protein.
Non-animal products can also provide adequate amounts of protein. Plant sources that may provide substantial amounts of protein include soy products, beans, nuts, and some grains (such as wheat germ and quinoa).
For most people, eating a well-balanced diet will provide enough protein without the need for protein supplements.
The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults get a minimum of 8 grams of protein daily for every 20 pounds of body weight, and says that getting 10 to 35 percent of calories from protein is a healthy range for most people.
Most adults require two to three servings of protein-rich foods each day.
However, this recommendation may vary depending on your age and health and may be particularly different for children and teens.
The following are examples of a serving size of protein-rich foods:
Good sources of protein include:
It’s important to consider the fat content of protein-rich foods when deciding what to eat. Ideally, you should aim for foods that are high in protein and low in saturated fat.
In fact, more and more research is showing that eating foods like fish, chicken, beans, and nuts in place of red meat can lower your risk of premature death and certain health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
When your body has too much protein, the following can occur:
The amount of protein that you obtain through a well-balanced diet is usually safe.
Still, talk with your doctor if you plan to follow a diet that’s very high in protein or one that includes protein or amino acid supplements.
When people have food allergies, it means that their immune system overreacts to at least one type of protein in the food. The following protein-containing foods are responsible for the majority of dietary allergic reactions:
Contact your doctor if you think you may have an allergy to any food.
System fire fighters: The body requires energy to live. Even breathing requires energy for the muscles to use. Everything you do, even thinking, requires a lot of energy. Though it’s a clear fact of life that most of us are missing is the result of such process. The body converts the food into energy through oxidation. This is similar to burning of fuel from cars. But what is left after the so called combustion process is the heat. And for the human body that would mean trouble. This is where antioxidants come to the rescue. We have natural antioxidants within our body that can counter the damage. But truth is, it is not sufficient. From breathing, digestion to thinking, all of these require energy which in turn requires antioxidants to cool down millions of cells at once. But modern society has even more. Pollution and stress release free-radicals as well. And to cope with this gap we need to consume additional antioxidants to relieve the body from these harmful effects.
Cleanses the destructive aftermath: The aftermath of using energy is very disadvantageous for the cells. Thus it requires cleaning and repairs. Cleansing of free-radicals in the body needs a huge amount of antioxidants. The more energy you use, the more destructive it is for the body. Active lifestyle is good for your health but it should be balanced with the right amounts of antioxidants as well.Taking antioxidant supplements is not just for fancy lifestyle, it’s good for your health.
Lengthens your cell’s life: The body’s cell depends on nutrients from the food. But destructive energy production makes it even harder for individual cells. Each time it uses energy it needs to repair itself. And each cycle makes the cell’s life shorter. This is a natural process but it can become even more challenging if free-radicals come into action. This can further shorten the life of cells. This is the reason why some people age very rapidly, not with the number of years but with their body. Healthy cells dictate how old your body would be. With the aid of antioxidants, body cells may give you more extra years to enjoy.
Lowers risk of diseases: Old age comes with diseases. It sounds all natural but the reason behind this is, again, your cells. On one side the body has the capacity of repairing and healing itself. This phenomenon happens each day without you noticing it. On the other side, each time the body repairs itself, the cell’s life shortens as well. If you expose yourself to loads of stress, physically or mentally, the body will have a harder time repairing itself. If left unaided the body will be overwhelmed with free-radicals, making cells weak. This will ultimately cause ageing and diseases. The antioxidant can aid in this problem. It will help eradicate the harmful free-radicals and help in cell repairs as well.
Antioxidant is not an all-in-one solution to all diseases that plague the human body. But this is one thing that could help your body recover naturally. Remember, healthy cells equates to healthy body.
Pineapple, a delicious tropical fruit, has been celebrated for centuries not only for its unique taste but also for its miraculous health benefits. The health and medicinal benefits of pineapple include improving the immune system, respiratory health and digestion, strengthening bones, reducing inflammation, curing coughs and colds, and weight loss.
Aside from the interesting story and appearance of this fruit, it is also a storehouse of huge health benefits due to its wealth of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium, copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, beta carotene, thiamin, B6, and folate, as well as soluble and insoluble fiber, and bromelain.
A pineapple fruit is known to offer a lot of benefits, which include a stronger immune system, weight loss, improved respiratory health and strengthened bones, among others. Let us discuss each benefit in detail;
Treats arthritis
Boosts immunity
A single serving of pineapple has more than 130 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin C for human beings, making it one of the richest and most delicious sources of ascorbic acid. Vitamin C helps in reducing illnesses and boosting the immune system by stimulating the activity of white blood cells and acting as an antioxidant to defend against the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals are dangerous by products of cellular metabolism that can damage various organ systems and disrupt function, as well as cause healthy cells to mutate into cancerous ones. The vitamin C content of pineapples defends against this.
Improves cellular health
One of the commonly overlooked benefits of vitamin C is its essential role in creating collagen. This is partly the reason why it is seen as a healing vitamin because collagen is the essential protein base of blood vessel walls, skin, organs, and bones. High vitamin C content in pineapple helps you heal wounds and injuries quickly, along with defending your body against infections and illnesses.
Prevents cancer
Pineapple has been directly related to preventing cancers of the mouth, throat, and breast, as it is rich in various other antioxidants, including vitamin A, beta carotene, bromelain, various flavonoid compounds, and high levels of manganese. Manganese is an important cofactor of superoxide dismutase, an extremely potent free radical scavenger that has been associated with a number of different cancers.
Treats cough and cold
The normal immune system boosting power of vitamin C is well known, but that special enzyme, bromelain, is also connected with the reduction of phlegm and mucus build up in the respiratory tracts and sinus cavities. Pineapples, rich in bromelain and vitamin C, therefore prevent and treat respiratory illnesses, and eliminate phlegm and mucus from your body if you’ve already contracted an illness or infection.
Improves vision
Vision is one of the most important senses for human beings and pineapples have been directly connected to improving eye health and preventing the age-related eye deficiencies that often occur. Macular degeneration affects many elderly people, and beta carotene can help delay this vision problem. Keeping proper amounts of beta-carotene in your diet from fruits and vegetables is essential in maintaining good eyesight as you age.
A sore throat can be very uncomfortable.
The main symptom is pain and irritation in the throat, especially when you swallow.
A sore throat occurs as part of your body’s immune response to viral or bacterial infections.
Your natural immune response leads to inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes in the throat.
Fortunately, there are several natural remedies that may provide relief, including some that are supported by scientific evidence.
Here are 11 natural sore throat remedies.
The marshmallow plant has been used to treat sore throats and other conditions since the Middle Ages.
Its root contains a gelatin-like substance known as mucilage, which coats and lubricates the throat when you swallow it.
Lozenges containing marshmallow root have been tested in animals and found to be effective and nontoxic, even at very high doses.
Here is a recipe for a cold marshmallow root infusion to soothe a painful throat:
Ingredients:
Directions:
When this is ready, you can sip on it throughout the day to help reduce your symptoms.
Bottom line: Marshmallow has been used to treat sore throats since ancient times. Its root contains a gelatinous substance called mucilage, which coats and soothes the throat.
Apple cider vinegar is a natural health tonic that’s been used in folk medicine remedies for centuries. Its main active ingredient, acetic acid, helps fight bacteria.
The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine, even prescribed a combination of apple cider vinegar and honey – known as oxymel – to treat flu symptoms such as coughs and sore throats.
To help relieve throat pain, drink 1 cup of warm water mixed with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and an optional tablespoon of honey.
Bottom line: Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties and may help provide sore throat relief when consumed in small amounts with warm water.
Gargling with salt water is a well-known natural remedy to get rid of a sore throat.
The salt helps reduce swelling by pulling water out of your throat tissue. It may also help kill unwanted microbes in your throat.
Combine 1 cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of salt and stir to dissolve. Gargle with a mouthful of this mixture for 30 seconds, once per hour.
Bottom line: Gargling hourly with warm salt water helps reduce swelling and may ease throat discomfort.
Honey is a delicious sweetener that is often used in combination with other natural ingredients to soothe a sore throat.
In addition to helping fight infection and providing pain relief, honey can undeniably make remedies taste better.
Honey may be especially effective when combined with warm water and apple cider vinegar or herbs.
However, it shouldn’t be given to children under the age of one because their guts haven’t had a chance to acquire healthy bacteria that can fight off germs, such as botulism spores, that are sometimes found in honey.
Also, people who avoid sugar or follow a low-carb diet may want to choose another remedy, since honey is a form of sugar and contains 17 grams of carbs per tablespoon (15 ml).
Bottom line: Honey can help relieve throat pain, particularly when combined with vinegar or herbs in warm water.
Licorice is a plant native to Europe and South Asia.
Interestingly, it has been used in traditional medicine to treat many disorders.
Licorice has properties similar to aspirin that may help reduce sore throat pain.
Unfortunately, there isn’t any research on its ability to relieve illness-related sore throats.
However, studies on individuals who had just undergone major surgery found that licorice significantly reduced throat pain due to breathing tube removal.
One study found that gargling with licorice water prior to surgery reduced the risk of getting a sore throat by 50%, compared to gargling with sugar water.
Licorice root tea can be purchased at natural grocery stores or from online retailers.
You can also make your own to drink or gargle. Combine ground licorice root with hot water, let it steep for five minutes, then strain it prior to drinking.
Bottom line: Licorice root has aspirin-like qualities and may help soothe a sore throat when gargled or consumed as a tea.
Lemon water is a refreshing beverage that may also reduce the throat pain that occurs during a cold or the flu.
Lemon contains vitamin C and antioxidants. It also increases the amount of saliva you produce, which can help keep your mucous membranes moist.
Combining lemon with warm water and a bit of honey or salt water may be the best way to maximize its benefits.
Bottom line: Lemon water contains vitamin C and compounds that can soothe a sore throat and assist with healing.
Ginger is a spice with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that may help relieve throat pain.
One study found that when ginger extract was applied to throat swabs from people with bacterial respiratory tract infections, it helped kill some of the bacteria responsible for the illness.
Ginger tea can be purchased from most markets or online retailers. You can also make your own from fresh ginger.
Ingredients:
Directions:
This tea can be reheated as needed, or served cold.
Bottom line: Ginger root tea may help fight infection, reduce inflammation and relieve sore throat pain.
Coconut oil is a versatile food with several health benefits.
Animal studies suggest that it may help fight infection, reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Coconut oil is also very soothing because it helps lubricate the mucous membranes in the throat.
Here are a few ideas you can try:
It’s best to limit coconut oil to about 2 tablespoons (30 ml) per day, as it can have a laxative effect at higher dosages. If you’ve never tried coconut oil, start out taking 1 teaspoon (5 ml) at a time to minimize potential side effects.
Bottom line: Coconut oil is very soothing on the throat, has anti-inflammatory effects and may help your body fight infection. Take up to 2 tablespoons (30 ml) per day alone or in warm beverages.
When your throat hurts, the last thing you may feel like doing is drinking a lot of fluids.
However, it’s important to keep your throat’s mucous membranes hydrated so they can heal.
While swallowing may be uncomfortable, drinking plenty of water or other fluids will ultimately make your throat feel better.
Drink tea, herbal infusions, water or other beverages at whatever temperature feels most comfortable.
Bottom line: Consuming adequate fluid ensures that you stay well hydrated and allows your throat to remain moist so it can heal.
Peppermint tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds and is extremely soothing to the throat. The mint may also slightly numb your throat, thereby relieving pain.
There are many peppermint herbal teas on the market.
You can also make your own by steeping fresh peppermint leaves in boiling water for three to five minutes, then straining off the leaves.
Peppermint tea is caffeine-free and its naturally sweet taste often requires no additional sweetener.
Bottom line: Peppermint tea is a tasty, refreshing beverage that may help reduce inflammation and throat discomfort.
Chamomile is a daisy-like plant that has been used for medicinal purposes since the Middle Ages.
You may be most familiar with it in the form of tea.
Chamomile tea is believed to promote restful sleep, which is important for healing.
Studies have found that chamomile may help fight infection and reduce pain.
Chamomile tea is widely available at grocery stores and online. It has a pleasant, mild aroma and flavour. Like other herbal teas, chamomile contains no caffeine.
Bottom line: Chamomile tea promotes restorative sleep, helps fight infection and soothes sore throat pain.
No matter how healthy you are, you’re likely to get a sore throat occasionally.
Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to soothe a sore throat and encourage healing.
However, make sure you see a doctor if your sore throat lasts more than a few days or is extremely painful.
Severe or persistent pain may indicate strep throat, tonsillitis or another serious infection that requires medical treatment.