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Sore throat - A sore throat is usually caused by viruses or bacteria, but other possible causes are irritations and injuries. The usual suspects are pharyngitis, tonsillitis, flu and the common cold.

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How to treat it? - Treatment varies according to the cause of the pain, so it is important your seek professional help and investigate the source of the inflammation. Even so, some care, food, and home remedies may help relieving the pain.

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Anti-inflammatory - Sore throat medications generally have a combination of analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents, relieving localized pain as well as other symptoms such as fever and body aches.

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Warm compress - A warm compress can help infections by decreasing the inflammatory process. Plus, it relaxes the muscle, easing off a sore throat.

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Drink plenty of water - Drinking lots of water is key to keeping the throat moist. This can be particularly helpful in dry climates.

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Humidify the air - Low air humidity facilitates the proliferation of bacteria, so an air humidifier can be useful. A way to do this is by leaving a few buckets of water around the house.

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Gargling - Gargling with warm water reduces swelling in the throat and helps loosen phlegm, eliminating the bacteria that cause irritation.

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Salt and water - Warm water can help a sore throat, especially when mixed with salt. The salt alters the water's pH, which calms down the irritation.

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Steam inhalation - Inhaling steam will decongest the nose, consequently preventing you from breathing through the mouth, a factor that contributes to dryness of the throat, causing pain. Infuse the water with eucalyptus, chamomile or orange peel.

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Lozenges - Although not a solution, sucking on lozenges stimulates the production of saliva, which helps to keep the throat moist and therefore relieving pain.

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Sprays - Sprays can be effective in relieving a sore throat due to their anesthetic action. Look for sprays containing one or more of these ingredients: menthol, ambroxol, benzydamine, benzocaine, lidocaine and other anti-inflammatories.

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Apple with honey - The combination of sliced ​​apples and honey is perfect to treat sore throats. Honey has a calming action and the apple helps to decrease inflammation.

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Bananas - Bananas are easy on the throat because they are easy to swallow and are not acidic. They also contains nutrients such as vitamin B6, C, and potassium.

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Mint and ginger - This refreshing blend has antibacterial properties. It is effective fighting the pain and relieving itching and irritation in the throat.

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Boiled carrot - Carrots contain vitamin A, C and K, fiber and potassium. All these strengthen the immune system and help fighting sore throats.

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Barbados Cherry - These are rich in vitamins A, C and B complex, which can help to prevent colds and flu, reducing the risks of developing a sore throat.

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Chicken soup - The classic chicken soup boosts your body's defenses and fights off viral infections, relieving symptoms like sore throats as it has mild anti-inflammatory properties.

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Cabbage - Rich in vitamins A and C, cabbage has anti-inflammatory and healing properties, which can help if you have a sore throat.

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Orange - Orange is rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, leaving the body less vulnerable to illnesses.

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Sage - Sage contains flavonoids and phenolic acids which relieve sore throats. It can be consumed as a tea or added to soups.

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Garlic tea - Hot water dilates blood vessels, reducing inflammation. Garlic is an antioxidant and a natural anti-inflammatory.

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Ginger tea - Ginger tea is a strong anti-inflammatory and can be used to ease off throat irritation and soreness.

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Wholegrain pasta - This kind of pasta is rich in fiber, iron, zinc and vitamins B1, B2, B3 and E, which make it great to relieve sore throats and to strengthen the immune system.

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Propolis - Propolis is a super-efficient natural remedy for sore throats. It can be consumed via extracts, lozenges, syrups, tablets and spray.

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Honey and Lemon - This old classic is effective in relieving sore throats and fighting bacterial infections.

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Oats - Oats are a mild food for sore throats. They can be combined with honey or bananas to make them even more nutritious.

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Guava - With strong analgesic properties, this fruit is perfect to relieve throat and larynx irritations.

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Scrambled eggs - Scrambled eggs or egg whites help reduce inflammation and sore throats as eggs contain protein and other key nutrients.

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Garlic and onion -

Both have sulfur compounds that have an expectorant and mucolytic action, facilitating the removal of phlegm from the lungs.

See also: Foods and drinks to consume when you have the stomach flu

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