Having a cold does not necessarily mean you need to avoid ice cream or other cold foods. The common cold is caused by a viral infection, and eating ice cream does not make the virus multiply faster or automatically worsen the infection.
According to Dr Basavaraj S Kumbar, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine at Aster Whitefield Hospitals, people can generally have ice cream in moderation during a cold if they tolerate dairy products well.
However, the way the body responds to cold foods can vary. Some people may find that cold foods temporarily soothe a sore throat by providing a numbing or cooling effect. Others may experience increased throat irritation, coughing or a feeling of congestion after consuming them.
Dairy products are also often blamed for increasing mucus during a cold. However, there is no scientific basis for the claim that dairy products increase mucus production. Milk and other dairy foods can sometimes leave a temporary coating or thicker sensation in the mouth, which may be mistaken for increased mucus.
There is therefore no universal rule about eating ice cream during a cold. If it feels soothing and does not worsen symptoms, there is generally no need to avoid it solely because it is cold.
On the other hand, if ice cream or another cold food makes a sore throat, cough or congestion worse, it is better not to force yourself to eat it. Paying attention to individual symptoms can help determine which foods feel comfortable during recovery.
