The Marshmallow Cough Cure Craze Debunked! Sweet Dreams or Sour Reality?
Have you ever heard the wild idea that munching on a marshmallow before bedtime could magically hush your persistent nighttime cough? TikTok has been buzzing with this sweet remedy, claiming that the gelatin in marshmallows creates a throat-coating shield, banishing coughs and welcoming a peaceful night’s sleep.
But before you raid your pantry for marshmallows, let’s unravel the marshmallow mystery and explore if this sugary solution is truly as sweet as it sounds.
The Marshmallow Marvel: Fact or Fiction?
Freepik | azerbaijan_stockers | There’s no scientific proof that gelatin in marshmallows works as a cough suppressant.
So, what’s the fuss about marshmallows and coughs? It turns out that this viral TikTok trend might be mixing up natural marshmallow root with the sugary confections found in your s’mores. While marshmallow root could offer a protective coat to soothe your throat, the marshmallows lining your grocery store shelves lack this magical root.
Omid Mehdizadeh, MD, a specialist, says there’s no scientific proof that gelatin in marshmallows works as a cough suppressant. It’s like expecting your toothpaste to fix a leaky faucet – different tools for different jobs!
Sugar, Spice, and Not So Nice: The Downside of Marshmallows
Sure, the idea of curing a cough with marshmallows might tickle your taste buds, but Cynthia Li, MD, warns that it might not be the sweet solution you’re hoping for. Commercial marshmallows are packed with sugar and corn syrup, notorious for causing inflammation and suppressing the immune system.
So, while the marshmallow cure might sound tempting, it could end up doing more harm than good. Are you willing to trade a cough for a sugar crash?
Doctor-Approved Remedies for a Sweet Slumber
Freepik | jcomp | A Cup of warm water with honey can work wonders in soothing a sore throat.
If marshmallows aren’t the superhero of cough remedies, what does the medical world suggest? Fear not, because there are more soothing alternatives that won’t leave you with a sugar hangover.
- Sip, Sip, Hooray: Doctors swear by warm beverages to calm your cough. A cup of warm water with honey can work wonders in soothing a sore throat.
- Broth Bonanza: Move over marshmallows; bone broth steals the spotlight! Packed with immune-supporting and mucus-thinning properties, it’s a delicious alternative to sugary treats.
Dreamy Nights Ahead: Tips for a Cough-Free Slumber
Struggling to sleep soundly because of a pesky cough? To ensure a restful night without resorting to sugary fixes, try these simple strategies:
Firstly, elevate the head of your bed – this can be easily done with extra pillows or a specialized wedge pillow, aiding in the drainage of phlegm for more comfortable breathing.
Additionally, consider using a humidifier in your bedroom to combat dry air, creating a more soothing sleeping environment for your throat and lungs. Lastly, steer clear of eating late at night to prevent acid reflux, which often worsens coughs, ensuring both your stomach and your sleep are undisturbed.
The Drugstore Dilemma: Over-the-Counter Options
Freepik | Opt for low-sugar cough drops with natural ingredients like manuka honey or menthol.
If the cough persists, it might be time to hit the drugstore. Skip the marshmallow aisle and head for these doctor-recommended options:
- Cough Drops Done Right: Opt for low-sugar cough drops with natural ingredients like manuka honey or menthol. Your taste buds and your throat will thank you.
- Syrup Solutions: Dextromethorphan, found in cough syrups like Robitussin, can be a game-changer. Don’t shy away from nasal anti-inflammatory sprays or allergy medications for some extra cough relief.
When to Wave the White Flag and Call a Doctor
While home remedies are fantastic, sometimes it’s a sign to seek professional help. If your cough overstays its welcome for more than two weeks or brings along unwelcome friends like shortness of breath and chest discomfort, it’s time for a doctor’s visit. Sorry, marshmallows, but you might need to step aside for the experts!
In the grand marshmallow debate, it’s clear that TikTok trends don’t always equal medical miracles. So, if you’re aiming for a cough-free night, ditch the marshmallows, embrace the doctor-approved alternatives, and let sweet dreams, not sugar highs, fill your nights. After all, a good night’s sleep is worth its weight in marshmallows – or maybe even more!