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Why Peppermint Candies Could Be Making Your Throat Worse

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Consider reconsidering if you often reach for peppermint candy when your throat hurts, or you have a cold. Menthol, a key ingredient in peppermint, may actually harm throat health.

A reference image to help understand throat colds. / Orawan Pattarawimonchai-shutterstock.com
A reference image to help understand throat colds. / Orawan Pattarawimonchai-shutterstock.com

For those battling chronic laryngitis, peppermint candies can worsen symptoms. Chronic laryngitis causes dryness in the larynx and bronchial passages because it disrupts the production of protective secretions. This makes the throat even drier.

While the cooling menthol sensation might trick you into thinking you’re feeling better for a hot second, it actually steals moisture from your throat, leaving it even drier. This can worsen symptoms such as throat discomfort and coughing.

Drinking water frequently is the best remedy for maintaining throat health. It keeps the throat’s mucous membranes hydrated and helps reduce inflammation. Lukewarm water—similar to body temperature—is recommended, as it’s gentler on the throat and won’t shock the system.

And if you’re dealing with acid reflux? Step away from the peppermints. They can stimulate stomach acid production and relax the esophageal sphincter – the muscle that keeps that acid where it belongs. This can aggravate symptoms of acid reflux disease.

A reference image to help understand peppermint candies. / Anton Leonchikov-shutterstock.com
A reference image to help understand peppermint candies. / Anton Leonchikov-shutterstock.com
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