The human body is quite odd sometimes, and it can for example make us feel like coughing after drinking smoothies or eat ice cream.
But why?
If you are enjoying a healthy smoothie, why should it make you cough?
The truth is there are several reasons why a smoothie might make you cough, and if you are wondering why, I have the answers.
Keep on reading to find out more about why smoothies might make you cough, and get answers on how to stop it!
Why Do Smoothies Make Me Cough?
The most common reason for people to end up coughing from smoothies is due to an ingredient in your smoothie causing throat irritation.
This can happen if you use vegetables or fruits that are fresh but are not seeded or peeled.
Alternatively, you may even be allergic to an ingredient such as banana or even strawberries.
However, this is rare, and if this is the case, you would probably also be experiencing other symptoms as well, such as itchiness or even difficulty breathing.
If this is a reoccurring issue then it is best to seek out medical attention as quickly as you can to rule out any serious health issues.
Other Possible Causes
Allergies and fresh ingredients can be causes but are not the most common reason.
One of the most common reasons can simply be due to temperature.
Smoothies are often cold, and cold temperatures can irritate your throat as healthline.com states.
Some people have sensitive throats, and therefore temperature variations, such as the cold temperature from a smoothie can trigger a coughing reflex.
Another reason behind coughing from smoothies can be their thick consistency.
Not all smoothies will have a super thick consistency, but those that do can trigger a coughing reflex in some people.
A smoothie that is considered too thick may be difficult to swallow which can lead to coughing as a result.
It is also wise to consider that some smoothies do contain dairy, and dairy is not only a common allergen but it is also common to be intolerant to it as well as said by mayoclinic.org.
If smoothies cause you to cough, consider if they contain milk. Try smoothies without any dairy and see if it has the same effect.
How To Stop Coughing When Drinking Smoothies?
The key to preventing coughing when drinking smoothies is to ensure that you are avoiding smoothies made with ingredients that you may be allergic or intolerant to.
If you have any allergies or intolerances, ensure that you are avoiding these in smoothies.
There are plenty of substitutions that can be made and a smoothie can be whatever you want it to be.
If you do not knowingly have any allergies or intolerances, testing out individual ingredients can help you eliminate this possibility as stated by clevelandclinic.org.
Alternatively, it is also wise to consult with a doctor if this is a regular occurrence for you.
You may also want to consult a doctor if you have asthma or any other possible respiratory issues as this could be a contributing factor to why smoothies make you cough.
Avoiding Coughs Related To Consistency & Temperature
If you have ensured you are not allergic or intolerant to any ingredients and you have no respiratory issues, then you can try to make your smoothies more gentle on your throat.
The issue may simply be that the smoothie is too cold, and it’s shocking your throat.
If this is the case, then avoiding frozen fruit and other frozen ingredients can help to ensure that you avoid temperature-related coughing.
It can also be a good idea to not drink your smoothie as soon as it has been made.
If the coughing is temperature-related, give it a few minutes after it is freshly made, and then drink it. It won’t be warm, but the cold may not be as shocking.
That being said, if the coughing is related to consistency, this is easier to deal with.
If your smoothies are too thick and this is causing you to cough, try watering it down a bit.
If you cough from pre-made smoothies, ask for more water to be added, or to have more base added to your smoothies to help thin them out.
Why Do Smoothies Make Me Cough: Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Smoothies Hurt My Throat
Smoothies could be hurting your throat for a variety of reasons. You may be allergic to one of the ingredients, or the smoothie may simply be too cold or too thick. Speak to your doctor if it is an ongoing issue.
Can I Be Allergic To Smoothies?
It is unlikely you are allergic to smoothies as a whole, however, it is possible that you could be allergic to a common ingredient used in smoothies. Some smoothies contain dairy, so try smoothies without any dairy first.
Why Is My Throat Itchy After Drinking A Smoothie
You may get an itchy throat from smoothies if you have OAS. This is an Oral Allergy Syndrome that is common in those who have pollen allergies. It causes itchiness in the mouth when you eat raw foods that have proteins similar to certain pollen types.
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