There’s a long-standing perception that consuming milk once you’re sick can worsen chilly signs and improve mucus manufacturing. Nevertheless, analysis suggests this perception is extra associated to notion than to precise results on the physique.
“No. Ingesting milk doesn’t trigger the physique to make phlegm,” stated Dr. Julie Baughn of the Mayo Clinic. She emphasised that though mucus naturally thickens throughout respiratory infections, this course of occurs independently of milk consumption. The feeling folks affiliate with elevated mucus manufacturing probably stems from milk’s momentary coating impact on the mouth and throat, which might create a sense just like mucus buildup.
Regardless of this, analysis on the subject has yielded blended outcomes. A 2019 examine printed within the Nationwide Library of Medication signifies some people may expertise elevated mucus manufacturing after consuming dairy merchandise. Nevertheless, a number of earlier research discovered no direct connection in wholesome people or these affected by respiratory infections.
Present proof doesn’t help the concept of avoiding milk throughout respiratory infections until you could have a recognized dairy sensitivity or lactose intolerance. If in case you have issues about how dairy impacts your congestion, you may take into account monitoring your signs or consulting with a well being care supplier to see if eliminating it will be useful.
For these battling a chilly or sore throat, milk may very well present advantages, in keeping with Baughn. The cool, easy texture can assist soothe irritated throat tissues, whereas its dietary content material helps the physique throughout sickness.
Different confirmed dwelling treatments for combating a chilly, in keeping with VeryWell Well being, embrace:
- Staying hydrated with water, clear broths and heat drinks
- Resting
- Utilizing a humidifier to ease congestion
- Gargling salt water for sore throat aid
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