When suffering from a tonsil infection, ice cream shouldn't be the only item on the menu. Tonsillitis causes a severe sore throat. Though cold ice cream will sooth and numb your throat, other foods and beverages are encouraged to avoid malnutrition and weight loss. Following a healthy diet is critical to speed up recovery time and ease throat irritation. Tonsil infections are most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, and rarely seen in adults, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. In severe cases, a tonsillectomy is suggested to decrease the amount of infections a child battles throughout the year.
Beverages
Drinking fluids is one of the most important dietary factors when suffering from tonsillitis, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. Choose water, juice or sports drinks. You should avoid milk as it may increase the thickness of mucus in the back of the throat. Consume drinks at cold, lukewarm or warm temperatures. Avoid extremely hot liquids when suffering from a tonsil infection. Soothing warm drinks include apple cider, warm water flavored with honey and lemon, as well as chicken and vegetable broth.
Food
Soft, creamy foods are easy to swallow when tonsillitis is present. Choose foods such as sherbet, ice cream, oatmeal, grits or steamed fruits. As your infection begins to clear, often 2 to 3 days after beginning antibiotic treatment, add additional soft foods. These foods can include plain pastas, mashed potatoes, baked sweet potatoes and scrambled eggs. Fruit-based smoothies are ideal as a snack. Add extra protein to your shakes for more nutrition.
Foods to Avoid
When suffering from tonsillitis, you should avoid hard or crisp foods, such as crackers, cookies, hard breads or croutons, until the infection is gone. Crunchy foods can scratch and irritate your infected throat even more. You should also avoid acidic drinks, such as colas and other sodas, as well as citrus fruit juices. The acidic drinks can cause an irritable burning sensation in the back of the throat.
Tips and Suggestions
If it is difficult to swallow foods or liquids, take acetaminophen about 30 minutes to 1 hour before eating. Children should never be given aspirin as a pain reliever. Gargling with saltwater throughout the day may help ease your sore throat. Add about 1 tsp. of salt to a warm cup of water. Swish and gargle the solution in the back of your throat and spit out. Repeat as needed. Suck on ice chips or throat lozenges throughout the day. Look for lozenges that contain benzocaine or similar medications, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center.
