Do Foods Like Milk or Bananas Worsen Cough and Cold?

It’s a common question many parents have: should certain foods be avoided when children have frequent colds or coughs? In our latest podcast, Dr. Gurmeet Soni Bhalla spoke with Dhruv Gupta, Co-founder of Orange Health Labs, about when foods like milk, bananas, or yogurt may play a role in worsening symptoms.

Watch the clip here

When Everyday Foods Turn Into Triggers

According to Dr. Bhalla, the effect of food on colds and coughs depends largely on the child’s individual sensitivities. For children with an allergy or irritation to certain foods, like milk or eggs, consuming them can indeed make coughs or colds feel worse.

The Surprising Link Between Bananas and Coughing

Bananas are often singled out because they are high in histamine, a compound that can aggravate cough in some cases. Dr. Bhalla points out that this does not apply to every child, but if a cough is already present, bananas may sometimes intensify it.

The Case for Balance Over Blanket Rules

Despite these exceptions, Dr. Bhalla cautions against cutting out nutritious foods unnecessarily. Milk, yogurt, and bananas are otherwise healthy and should not be avoided unless a doctor identifies a specific intolerance or allergy. For most children, these foods continue to provide important benefits for growth and development.

Dr. Bhalla explains this further in The Orange Club Podcast: Why Preventive Care Matters for Children