Recommended Soft Food Diet For Inflamed Throat

An inflamed throat may cause difficulty swallowing, a dry throat and painful swallowing. Viruses such as the common cold or influenza or bacterial infections like strep throat are the most common causes of inflamed or sore throats. Changes in your diet may help minimize irritation and pain. Soft foods that are easy to swallow and gentle on your throat are often best tolerated.

Liquids

Drinking plenty of fluids is essential to staying hydrated and preventing throat dryness and irritation. Warm liquids such as broth, tea or hot water with lemon or honey are home remedies that you may find soothing or comforting. Avoid extremely hot liquids and beverages, alcohol and caffeine. Gargle with salt water for temporary relief of your sore throat. Mix 1 tsp. of salt with 8 oz. of warm water, gargle and spit out the solution.

Grains

Avoid any bread, cereals or starches that are dry and crisp. Foods such as potato chips, crusty bread and wild rice have sharp corners that can scratch a sensitive throat. Avoid whole wheat grains and bread products with nuts and seeds. Choose soft, white or refined breads, rolls and biscuits. Cream of wheat or oatmeal are good breakfast options. White or sweet potatoes in any form except fried are acceptable. Add extra sauce, butter or gravies to moisten potatoes, pasta or bread.

Meat & Beans

You can eat most tender beef, lamb, veal, turkey and poultry on a soft diet. Baked, broiled, creamed, roasted and stewed are good cooking techniques to obtain the appropriate texture. Avoid deli and fried meats. Cooked fish is allowed on a soft diet, just avoid fish that is fried and shellfish. As for meat-free alternatives, stay away from legumes, nuts and seeds. Creamy peanut butter, tofu and all cooked eggs, except fried, are excellent sources of protein that are soft. Avoid spicy seasonings, which can irritate an inflamed throat.

Dairy

All milk and milk alternatives, including almond or rice milk, are included on a soft diet. Enjoy any cheese except sharp or strongly flavored ones. Butter, cream, sour cream and margarine are allowed and can be used to moisten foods for easier swallowing. Cold dairy products, including yogurt, sherbet, ice cream, Italian ices, custard and pudding, may be soothing to a dry, sore throat. Keep these products on hand for snacks or desserts. Make milkshakes or smoothies to add variety and flavor to your diet.

Fruit & Vegetables

In general, stay away from raw fruits except for bananas, avocado, soft melons like watermelon, and grapefruit and oranges without membranes. Select canned or cooked fruit such as apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, pears and tomatoes. Enjoy all fruit juices and nectars. Fruit pops are often comforting to an inflamed throat. Refrain from eating all raw vegetables except lettuce. Cook vegetables until soft, or eat canned vegetables, and avoid those with large seeds or tough skin. Drink vegetable juice or eat strained vegetable soup.