What Foods Should Be Avoided When Having Tonsillitis?

Aug 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, patients with tonsillitis typically have no dietary restrictions, but it is not recommended to consume foods such as chili peppers, hot pots, ice cream, fried chicken, or alcohol. Additionally, patients should also avoid eating mustard and barbecued foods as much as possible. At the same time, patients should pay attention to drinking plenty of warm water and maintaining good oral hygiene in their daily lives.

Generally, patients with tonsillitis do not have strict dietary restrictions, but it is not recommended to consume foods such as chili peppers, hot pot, ice cream, fried chicken, or alcohol. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Chili Peppers

Chili peppers are spicy and irritating. Capsaicin contained in them can strongly stimulate the tonsillar mucosa, aggravate local congestion and swelling, intensify pain, and may also stimulate the throat to produce more secretions, which is not conducive to the resolution of inflammation. Therefore, chili peppers are not recommended.

2. Hot Pot

Hot pot is usually served at high temperatures and often contains spicy seasonings. The high temperature may scald the already sensitive tonsillar mucosa, while the spicy ingredients further irritate the inflamed area. This dual effect can worsen the condition and delay recovery, so it is best to be avoided.

3. Ice Cream

Ice cream is a cold food. When entering the mouth, it can stimulate the tonsils and surrounding tissues, causing local vasoconstriction, impairing blood circulation, and hindering the absorption and resolution of inflammation. It may also trigger throat spasms and increase discomfort, making it unsuitable for consumption.

4. Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a deep-fried food. Its crispy outer layer contains high levels of oil and fat, which can irritate the throat mucosa upon consumption, leading to increased secretions and worsening the feeling of throat blockage. Additionally, such foods are difficult to digest and increase the body's metabolic burden, which is detrimental to recovery.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol is irritating and can directly damage the tonsillar mucosa. It also dilates local blood vessels, worsening congestion and edema at the inflamed area. Moreover, alcohol metabolism in the liver reduces immunity and delays the healing of inflammation, so it should be avoided.

In addition, patients with tonsillitis should also avoid consuming mustard and barbecued foods as much as possible. At the same time, they should drink plenty of warm water and maintain good oral hygiene in daily life.

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