Fluctuating season changes may have some people turning to classic remedies like hot beverages such as coffee or tea, however the question is, should coffee be consumed if you have a cold or sickness?
The consumption of coffee when you are unwell has long been debated due to its effects on the body. There are both pros and cons to drinking coffee when you’re feeling under the weather, as it can both benefit and further worsen you.
When consumed when you are sick, many experts say that coffee can provide an energy boost and help to give those in need a sense of alertness and relaxation, however it is also known to actually worsen the fighting power of your immune system.
Coffee can also increase dehydration, as when you drink it, you are only contributed to the body’s need for more liquid, as it is a diuretic; meaning that it can remove essential fluids out of the body.
Caffeine has dangerous effects on the human body, as it can decrease the absorption of electrolytes, cause fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure, create headaches, insomnia and induce the production of stomach acid – which can cause acid reflux and further worsen nausea.
Furthermore, it can also worsen symptoms of a cold or sickness such as fatigue, a sore throat and promote dehydration. This leaves the consumer feeling worse as the body was initially trying to become balanced again.
Although coffee may seem like the ideal solution to opening the eyes, consider the long term effects it can have on your body, as it can inhibit the body’s natural ways of fighting a sickness. Popular alternatives such as teas, natural juices and soups, will help to re-hydrate the body and fight against illness.
Ensuring the Body is Hydrated
When suffering from an illness, it is essential to ensure that the body remains hydrated. Many experts say this can help to fight off an illness and can also help to protect the body from further illnesses.
Dehydration can cause an array of complications, including headaches, constipation and inefficiency in the immune system.
Not only that, but it can further enhance symptoms, as fatigue and weakness can increase further due to the lack of hydration. Not enforcing the body to re-hydrate can result in further exhaustion, which in turn can cause further health problems.
Therefore, it is highly beneficial to ensure that the body has enough hydration, as this can boost the effectiveness of the immune system. This may include drinking herbal teas, water, fresh juices and soups.
Worsening Caffeine Sensitivity
Caffeine sensitivity is common amongst those who are unwell and can be a result of an overconsumption of caffeine, or a lack in hydration.
It is essential to understand the effects of caffeine on the body, as some people may be more prone to sensitivity when sick as opposed to when healthy.
This can be due to the body’s natural immunity being compromised, therefore leading to health complications being worsened. Therefore, it is important to monitor caffeine intake, as you may be more sensitive to its effects than before.
As a result, caffeine may worsen existing symptoms, such as nausea, acid reflux and vomiting.
Coffee Can Determine Sleep Patterns
Caffeine has long been known to be detrimental to sleep patterns and can cause disturbances in natural sleep routines.
When sick, sleeping is essential for the body to become balanced again, however coffee may be preventing this idea from coming to life.
It is important to ensure that sleep is being regulated when unwell, as this will allow the body to become rested and to reclaim its energy.
Not taking this into consideration can result in further exhaustion and may mean that the illness takes longer to recover.
Benefits of Herbal Teas
Herbal teas can provide the body with many benefits and provide a variety of minerals and vitamins to the body – aiding the body to fight an illness.
Herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint and ginger tea have long been known to provide alleviation from anger and anxieties, as well as headaches and nausea.
These can often help to soothe sore throats as well as relax the body when feeling unwell. Not only that, but they can also provide a psychological balance, which can be helpful when feeling down and under the weather.
Furthermore, herbal teas are also known to improve sleeping patterns and help those to regulate their sleeping lifestyle – this is important to the body, as when sleeping, the body is replenishing itself.
Being unwell can influence sleeping patterns and this can throw off the natural rhythms of the body, so learning to adjust and playing around with amounts of tea or swapping to herbal teas can be beneficial.
