Social Media Users Swear by This Bizarre Sore Throat Remedy – But What Does an ENT Doctor Think?
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One of the most uncomfortable–even painful–experiences is getting a sore throat. Aside from the itch you can’t seem to get rid of, it’s like a lump also developed inside it overnight. This feeling leaves us miserable, doesn’t it? In the age of social media, home remedies and health hacks spread like wildfire, and the latest to capture the attention of social media users is the claim that pickle juice can soothe a sore throat.
With videos claiming the benefits of this tangy concoction racking up thousands of views, it's no wonder that many are curious about its efficacy. But before you reach for that jar of pickles in your fridge, let's explore what an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor has to say about this viral trend.
Social media users are claiming that drinking pickle juice is the best way to soothe a sore throat. One user said that she combines vinegar, salt, and pickle juice for gargling. Instead of gargling salt water, she claims it’s “THE BEST SORE THROAT HACK”. But should you be trying this quick fix out?
Is Pickle Juice Effective for Soothing Sore Throats?
The idea behind using pickle juice as a sore throat remedy is not entirely baseless. The juice contains vinegar and salt, ingredients known for their antibacterial properties and potential to reduce inflammation. This is similar to the rationale behind gargling salt water, a time-honored method for easing throat discomfort. Indeed, scientific research supports the practice of salt water gargling to help protect against upper respiratory tract infections.
However, when it comes to pickle juice, the evidence is less clear. Dr. Yael Bensoussan, MD, MSc, FRCSC, an assistant professor and laryngologist, cautions against jumping on the pickle juice bandwagon. Despite its popularity on social media, there is no scientific backing for pickle juice as a remedy for sore throats. Dr. Bensoussan emphasizes the importance of relying on treatments with proven effectiveness rather than anecdotal social media claims.
That said, pickle juice does have its merits. Studies have shown that it can help stabilize blood sugar levels, aid in post-exercise recovery due to its electrolytes and sodium content, and support gut health with its probiotics. But when it comes to sore throats, these benefits are not directly relevant.
So, what should you do if you're suffering from a sore throat? According to Dr. Bensoussan, hydration is key. Drinking plenty of fluids can help alleviate the pain and discomfort. For those looking for additional relief, over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil or ibuprofen may be beneficial. And when it comes to the temperature of beverages, hot liquids such as soup or tea have been shown to provide more comfort than cold ones, potentially aiding in recovery from upper respiratory tract infections.
There are also topical medications available that can provide a numbing effect to the throat, offering temporary relief. Products like Cepacol, Vicks VapoCool throat spray, Halls throat lozenges, and Ricola throat lozenges are commonly used for this purpose. Furthermore, certain herbal teas, including ginger, licorice, and oregano, have scientific backing for their soothing properties, particularly against bacterial sore throats like strep throat.
In our quest for quick fixes, it's tempting to follow every health trend that pops up on social media. However, Dr. Bensoussan advises caution and suggests sticking to tried-and-true methods for recovery. Rest, hydration, and appropriate medication are the cornerstones of treating a sore throat effectively.
It's also important to remember that while gargling salt water may offer some protection, it is not a cure for viruses such as COVID-19. So next time you're scrolling through your social media and come across a health hack, remember to take it with a grain of salt—or in this case, a sip of pickle juice—with a healthy dose of skepticism.
Let’s keep ourselves safe and informed. How do you deal with your sore throats? Do you also use health hacks? Share your experience in the comments below!
With videos claiming the benefits of this tangy concoction racking up thousands of views, it's no wonder that many are curious about its efficacy. But before you reach for that jar of pickles in your fridge, let's explore what an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctor has to say about this viral trend.
Drinking pickle juice has gone viral on social media as a method for soothing a sore throat, with one user claiming it works better than gargling salt water. Image source: Pexels.
Social media users are claiming that drinking pickle juice is the best way to soothe a sore throat. One user said that she combines vinegar, salt, and pickle juice for gargling. Instead of gargling salt water, she claims it’s “THE BEST SORE THROAT HACK”. But should you be trying this quick fix out?
Is Pickle Juice Effective for Soothing Sore Throats?
The idea behind using pickle juice as a sore throat remedy is not entirely baseless. The juice contains vinegar and salt, ingredients known for their antibacterial properties and potential to reduce inflammation. This is similar to the rationale behind gargling salt water, a time-honored method for easing throat discomfort. Indeed, scientific research supports the practice of salt water gargling to help protect against upper respiratory tract infections.
However, when it comes to pickle juice, the evidence is less clear. Dr. Yael Bensoussan, MD, MSc, FRCSC, an assistant professor and laryngologist, cautions against jumping on the pickle juice bandwagon. Despite its popularity on social media, there is no scientific backing for pickle juice as a remedy for sore throats. Dr. Bensoussan emphasizes the importance of relying on treatments with proven effectiveness rather than anecdotal social media claims.
Pickle juice still has its own set of benefits. Image source: Pexels.
That said, pickle juice does have its merits. Studies have shown that it can help stabilize blood sugar levels, aid in post-exercise recovery due to its electrolytes and sodium content, and support gut health with its probiotics. But when it comes to sore throats, these benefits are not directly relevant.
So, what should you do if you're suffering from a sore throat? According to Dr. Bensoussan, hydration is key. Drinking plenty of fluids can help alleviate the pain and discomfort. For those looking for additional relief, over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil or ibuprofen may be beneficial. And when it comes to the temperature of beverages, hot liquids such as soup or tea have been shown to provide more comfort than cold ones, potentially aiding in recovery from upper respiratory tract infections.
There are also topical medications available that can provide a numbing effect to the throat, offering temporary relief. Products like Cepacol, Vicks VapoCool throat spray, Halls throat lozenges, and Ricola throat lozenges are commonly used for this purpose. Furthermore, certain herbal teas, including ginger, licorice, and oregano, have scientific backing for their soothing properties, particularly against bacterial sore throats like strep throat.
In our quest for quick fixes, it's tempting to follow every health trend that pops up on social media. However, Dr. Bensoussan advises caution and suggests sticking to tried-and-true methods for recovery. Rest, hydration, and appropriate medication are the cornerstones of treating a sore throat effectively.
It's also important to remember that while gargling salt water may offer some protection, it is not a cure for viruses such as COVID-19. So next time you're scrolling through your social media and come across a health hack, remember to take it with a grain of salt—or in this case, a sip of pickle juice—with a healthy dose of skepticism.
Let’s keep ourselves safe and informed. How do you deal with your sore throats? Do you also use health hacks? Share your experience in the comments below!
