Drinking milk while ill has long been thought to exacerbate cold symptoms and boost mucus production. Research, however, indicates that this idea has less to do with real physiological impacts and more to do with perception.
No. According to Dr. Julie Baughn of the Mayo Clinic, consuming milk does not cause the body to produce phlegm. She underlined that while mucus thickens naturally during respiratory infections, milk consumption has no bearing on this process. Milk’s transient coating effect on the mouth and throat, which can provide a feeling akin to mucus buildup, is probably the cause of the sensation individuals associate with increased mucus production.
Nevertheless, studies on the subject have produced contradictory findings. According to a 2019 study published in the National Library of Medicine, eating dairy products may cause some people to produce more mucus. However, in both healthy people and those with respiratory illnesses, a number of previous investigations revealed no obvious correlation.
Unless you have been diagnosed with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivity, there is currently little evidence to support the idea of avoiding milk during respiratory infections. whether you are worried about how dairy contributes to your congestion, you may want to monitor your symptoms or speak with a healthcare professional to see whether cutting it out might help.
According to Baughn, milk may even be helpful for people suffering from a cold or sore throat. While its nutritious composition helps the body during illness, the cold, silky texture can assist soothe sore throat tissues.
According to VeryWell Health, further tried-and-true at-home treatments for colds include:
Drinking warm liquids, clear broths, and water to stay hydrated
Taking it easy
Using a humidifier to reduce traffic
Gargling with salt water to relieve a sore throat
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