Symptoms

The throat is more than a passageway for food and air. It is also a major fighting post against bacterial and viral agents. A sore throat can develop in many forms, such as raw, dry, burning or stabbing. A sore throat is often an unpleasant indication of an oncoming infection. Along with the throat *pain, the glands along the neck become swollen and tender. Accompanying symptoms of *fever and *fatigue are related to a cold.

If the sore throat is accompanied by a hoarse voice, the problem lies in the larynx. Sometimes, a sore throat is the start of a more serious infection, like *tonsillitis or *mononucleosis. The severity of the illness can usually be measured by how high the fever becomes and how sick the person feels.

Causes

The throat becomes sore because of an inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the throat, often caused by an infection. A strep throat is caused by the streptococcus bacteria, detectable only by lab tests through a throat culture. An infection is more likely to develop when the body is susceptible and resistance is low, due to chills from wet hair or skin, overwork or lack of sleep. Inhaling irritating substances, such as smoke or dust, increases the likelihood of an infection. Excessively dry air can irritate the throat as can yelling or singing, which increases the likelihood for *laryngitis.

Chronic sore throats may be due to a low immune system, *allergies or chronic irritations. A sore lump in the throat, unaccompanied by an infection, is a sign of emotional strain or *grief and will disappear when the difficult period is over or the problem is resolved. Medically, this is called globus hystericus. The condition is not uncommon, and women are more susceptible. A mild sore throat that lingers for a few weeks should be evaluated professionally to establish a cause, as a host of other conditions could be the underlying problem.

Nutrition

Infections leading to a sore throat could be due to a deficiency in vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins. Eat plenty of fruits, especially citrus fruits, fresh, raw or steamed vegetables and whole grains to provide the body with these nutrients. Make sure to include yellow vegetables for vitamin A, which is important for forming antioxidants and clearing up an infection.

In the case of strep throat, vitamin C-rich foods are especially important to prevent further complications, such as rheumatic fever. Use a lot of raw garlic when preparing meals-it is a good antibacterial agent which is effective against streptococci. Limit sugars and drink plenty of fluids to support the immune system.

Nutritional Supplements

Zinc lozenges will help alleviate the sore throat and mobilize the immune system response. Throat sprays containing grapefruit seed extract will kill germs and viruses locally. Also available in liquid or tablets, the grapefruit seed extract has antibiotic properties when taken internally.

As with any infection, vitamin C is important for supporting the immune system. This vitamin is available in capsule, tablet or powder form. If large amounts cause *diarrhea, reduce the dosage, since adequate amounts have been absorbed. Vitamin A also supports the immune system, as well as mucous membrane healing. To reintroduce the normal intestinal culture destroyed by prescription antibiotics, take a Lactobacillus acidophilus complex. Bacterial cultures are necessary for the overall health of the body. Acidophilus naturally occurs in yogurt, but the capsules are stronger.

Daily Dosages

• Zinc lozenges, 25 mg every few hours
  
• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg every few hours, up to 5,000 mg daily
  
• Vitamin A, 25,000 IU (avoid during pregnancy)
  
• Grapefruit seed extract, 3 capsules three times daily
  
• Lactobacillus acidophilus complex, 3 capsules or 1 tsp.

Herbal Remedies

A scratchy, sore throat is an unpleasant experience which clears up by itself over several days or weeks. Herbal remedies will speed up the healing process and soothe the throat.

Source: Encyclopedia of Natural Healing by Siegfried Gursche and Zoltan Rona