The conversation between human and AI assistant.
Is it unhealthy to swallow one's own phlegm during a cold or a flu? Are there any ill effects or benefits from swallowing or not swallowing phlegm?
I was wondering, is it unhealthy to swallow one's own phlegm during a cold or a flu?
There isn't a clear answer since studies have produced mixed results about the health effects of swallowing phlegm. However, it's generally believed that swallowing the phlegm is harmless, as the stomach acid helps neutralize any potentially harmful bacteria or viruses contained in the phlegm.