As a hot and comforting beverage, coffee can be incredibly helpful when you’re feeling under the weather, but if you’re suffering from a cold, drinking coffee can actually have some negative effects. This can be a confusing reality, due to the fact that caffeine has numerous positive properties, including the ability to make you feel more alert and awake. However, this isn’t the case when a person is battling the common cold.
It is important to note that coffee cannot help cure the common cold, nor will it relieve any of its symptoms. In fact, it is important to be mindful when drinking coffee while having a cold, as this can potentially make it worse. People with a cold may already have a decreased ability to concentrate, as well as a lack of sleep or fatigue. These preexisting conditions can be magnified with caffeine, leading to higher levels of fatigue and lack of focus.
Caffeine consumption can also aggravate the flow of mucus in your nose, throat, and chest, which can cause even more sinus pressure and congestion. In addition, the warmth of coffee can increase blood circulation to the sinuses, causing symptoms of a cold, such as stuffiness and fever, to worsen. While coffee may help you to feel more alert and awake, it can also worsen the symptoms of a cold, such as congestion, dizziness, headache, and dry mouth.
If you do decide to drink coffee while having a cold, it is important to monitor the amount you are drinking. The Mayo Clinic recommends that coffee drinkers avoid consuming more than 500 milligrams of caffeine per day. This amount is equivalent to around four to five cups of coffee. It is also important to monitor the type of coffee you are drinking. If possible, opt for coffees that are low in acidic compounds and specific additives, as acidic beverages can worsen the symptoms of a cold. Black coffee or coffee with a small amount of added cream or sugar can be beneficial.
Some people with a cold may choose to drink herbal tea instead of coffee. Herbal teas contain healing properties that can be beneficial when you’re fighting a cold. Some herbal teas, such as chamomile and ginger, can reduce inflammation and congestion, while others, such as echinacea, can help boost your immune system. In addition, herbal teas often contain antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, which can help reduce symptoms of a cold.
When it comes to drinking coffee while having a cold, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and benefits. While coffee can provide a temporary boost of energy, it can also make the symptoms of a cold worse. If you do choose to drink coffee while having a cold, it is important to monitor the type and amount of coffee you are consuming.
Decaffeinated Coffee
Decaffeinated coffee is a popular choice for those suffering from a cold. Decaffeinated coffee contains some caffeine, but only a fraction of the amount found in regular coffee. Decaffeinated coffee still has the same flavor and smell of regular coffee, but with significantly less caffeine. For those who are feeling the effects of a cold, but still want the familiar taste of coffee, decaffeinated coffee is a good option.
Decaffeinated coffee contains some beneficial nutrients, such as riboflavin, magnesium, and pantothenic acid. These nutrients can help reduce inflammation and pain, as well as provide the body with energy. Additionally, the warmth of decaffeinated coffee can help soothe a sore throat and dry nasal passages.
Decaffeinated coffee has been found to have many positive effects. Studies have found that it can reduce the risk of stroke, as well as lower the risk of cancer. Additionally, decaffeinated coffee has been linked to improved mental health and longevity. For people with a cold, decaffeinated coffee can provide energy while also mitigating some of the associated symptoms.
Decaffeinated coffee also has less of a diuretic effect, meaning it won’t make you need to urinate as often. This can be beneficial for people with a cold, as frequent urination can lead to dehydration. However, it is important to note that decaffeinated coffee still contains small amounts of caffeine, and those with a cold should monitor the amount they are consuming.
Can Coffee Treat a Cold?
Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence that suggests that drinking coffee can treat a cold. Caffeine can provide a temporary boost of energy, and the warmth of the beverage can be soothing, but these effects are only temporary. The effects of caffeine can also be negated if a person consumes too much caffeine, making it important to monitor the amount of coffee consumed.
Coffee may provide some relief from the symptoms of a cold, but it is important to note that it cannot actually treat the virus. The best way to treat a cold is to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate inflammation and fever. Additionally, many over-the-counter cold remedies contain caffeine, providing an energy boost while also treating symptoms.
It is important to note that those who have a cold should avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine. Caffeine can make some symptoms worse, such as dizziness and headache, and can also make it more difficult for the body to fight off the virus. However, for those who are looking for a comforting beverage, decaffeinated coffee is a viable option.
Benefits of Coffee for Those with a Cold
Despite the potential risks of drinking coffee while having a cold, there are still some potential benefits. Coffee can provide a familiar and comforting taste, as well as the familiar energy boost that is often associated with the beverage. Some types of coffee, such as decaffeinated coffee, can even provide the body with some essential nutrients that can help reduce inflammation and pain.
For people with a cold, the warmth of coffee can also provide relief from the symptoms, such as congestion and fever. Additionally, coffee can provide a temporary boost of energy, allowing those with a cold to complete tasks that they wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. This can be especially helpful for those who are taking care of young children or working a full-time job.
Coffee can also be beneficial for people with a cold who are struggling with sleep. If a person is having trouble sleeping due to a cold, a cup of coffee can provide a temporary energy boost, allowing them to get the rest they need. Coffee can also help boost concentration levels, making it easier for those with a cold to focus on tasks at hand.
The Bottom Line
While coffee cannot help cure the common cold, it has some potential benefits for those who are suffering from the virus. Coffee can provide a warm and comforting taste, as well as a temporary boost of energy. Additionally, decaffeinated coffee can provide some essential nutrients, as well as temperature relief. However, it is important to note that drinking too much coffee while having a cold can exacerbate the symptoms, and can also make it more difficult for the body to fight off the virus.
