Can I Drink Coffee When I Have The Flu?
When we’re feeling a bit under the weather, many of us reach for a hot cup of coffee to give us an energy boost. But when you’re suffering from the flu, is that such a good idea?
Studies show that the flu virus can significantly weaken the immune system, leading to high-protein fluid loss and rapid dehydration. With a dehydrated body, the last thing you want to do is increase its rate of water loss.
Caffeine is an ingredient in coffee that acts as a diuretic. This causes your body to lose more water, further aggravating dehydration. Research suggests that eliminating coffee and any other caffeinated drinks during the flu is a good idea.
Dr. John Liu, an infectious diseases physician at National Jewish Health, agrees with this recommendation. He suggests drinking plenty of water, herbal teas and electrolyte-rich drinks instead.
Aside from its dehydrating effects, coffee’s acidity has also been implicated in potentially aggravating flu-induced nausea, one of the most common symptoms of the flu.
The phenols, antioxidants in coffee, can also make the lungs more vulnerable to viruses. As the main organ affected by the flu, the lungs are already in a weakened state and avoiding anything that will weaken it further is a good idea.
Moreover, the effects of the caffeine from coffee can interfere with the rest your body needs in order to enhance its natural defense mechanisms.
Reduce Fever
Fever is one of the main symptoms of the flu and can cause headaches, body aches and lethargy.
Luckily, coffee has been found to reduce fever temporarily by constricting the blood vessels and increasing circulation.
This can be an effective way to reduce fever, but it should be done in moderation as drinking too much coffee can lead to dehydration and reduce your body’s defenses.
The effectiveness of coffee as a fever-reducing agent has been noted by Dennis Gable, the chief of the Department of Integrative Medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, who suggests drinking coffee in small doses to temper the flu’s symptoms.
Can Coffee Keep Flu-Related Symptoms At Bay?
Although not recommended for long-term consumption during the flu, coffee can provide short-term relief from other flu-related symptoms.
For instance, caffeinated beverages like coffee can help ease common flu symptoms such as drowsiness and fatigue.
Drinking coffee can also help lessen congestion in the nose, and its anti-inflammatory properties can provide some relief from the discomfort of a sore throat.
Furthermore, the scent of a cup of coffee can help relieve headaches caused by the flu by providing a sense of comfort and relaxation.
This is backed up by researcher and physician Douglas Kiel, who agrees that the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee can be helpful and comforting for people with colds or the flu.
Maintaining a Healthy Immune System
Having a healthy immune system is key to fighting the flu. To do that, it is important to eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.
In addition, certain minerals and vitamins like vitamin C can support the body’s ability to resist the virus. Foods rich in vitamin C like oranges, tomatoes, and leafy green vegetables can help the body fight the flu and reduce the severity and duration of the infection.
Drinking coffee can be beneficial at times during the flu. The key is to enjoy it in moderation as drinking large amounts of coffee can aggravate dehydration, nausea and weaken the lungs, exacerbating the flu virus.
Being Cautious with Caffeine Intake
As with most things, moderation is advised when it comes to consuming caffeine when dealing with the flu.
Although there is evidence to suggest that it can help alleviate certain symptoms, drinking too much can lead to severe dehydration, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.
It should also be noted that supplements like zinc can interact with caffeine and make it less effective in alleviating symptoms like fever. So be sure to consult your doctor before taking any additional supplements.
In the end, coffee can be beneficial during the flu – but it should be consumed in moderation.
Hydrating The Body
Drinking coffee on occasion to lessen the symptoms of the flu is alright, but make sure to counter its dehydrating effects by drinking plenty of fluids that do not contain caffeine.
Good hydration is necessary to combat dehydration, which happens as a result of the body’s struggle against the virus. Hydration helps the body to heal and prevents the symptoms of the flu from worsening.
Some of the best beverages for hydration are water, creamy milk and herbal teas. Be sure to include these in your diet as well when fighting the flu.
Understanding How Coffee Affects The Flu
Although drinking coffee during the flu is not generally recommended, there is evidence to suggest that it could provide short-term relief for some symptoms.
However, its caffeine content has a dehydrating effect on the body, meaning you should always balance your coffee intake with plenty of non-caffeinated fluids.
It is also important to understand that consuming too much coffee can have a detrimental effect on your health, so always opt for moderation.
Overall, your best bet when dealing with the flu is to rest, eat a balanced diet, and drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated.
Creating a Balanced Diet
Incorporating certain foods into your diet when dealing with the fluid can be beneficial.
Eating chicken soup with plenty of vegetables is a good way to nourish your body with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support the immune system.
Fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish are also good sources of these minerals and vitamins. Add these to your diet for added nutrients.
Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting lots of rest are your best bet for fighting the flu. You can still drink coffee if you wish, but keep the intake to a minimum for the best results.
