Named two types of products that should be avoided when you have a cough

During the acute phase of a cough, certain foods can increase irritation of the mucous membranes and worsen one's condition. In particular, specialists advise limiting citrus fruits and sweets.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to "Gazeta.Ru," pulmonologist and allergist-immunologist Pavel Berezhansky noted that vitamin C is unable to alleviate a cough that has already started. Oranges and tangerines during this period can, on the contrary, further irritate the mucous membranes of the airways.

According to the specialist, regular consumption of vitamin C before the onset of cold symptoms can indeed slightly reduce the duration of the illness — by approximately one to two days. However, after a cough has developed, loading up on citrus fruits is not recommended.

The doctor also advises temporarily avoiding foods with high sugar content, including sweets, chocolate, and grapes. In the expert's opinion, during the acute phase of illness, excess glucose can create favorable conditions for bacterial growth.

That said, at the beginning of recovery, a small amount of sweets is permissible. After consuming such foods, the specialist recommends washing them down with water to rinse away residual simple carbohydrates from the mucous membranes of the mouth, tonsils, and the back wall of the throat.

During a cold, according to Berezhansky, chicken broth can be included in the diet. The expert specifically highlighted the benefits of chicken skin: the cysteine it contains is chemically similar in structure to acetylcysteine — the active ingredient in the medication ACC. This amino acid helps thin mucus in the airways, facilitating the clearance of phlegm and reducing nasal congestion.