The Pros of Drinking Coffee When You’re Sick
Coffee can have some great benefits for those who are sick. Especially coffee that is brewed with cafestol, a natural plant antioxidant, which has demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties. Drinking coffee made with cafestol can help reduce the severity of symptoms and may help reduce the duration of symptoms. In addition, coffee can help keep the body hydrated and can provide essential minerals and vitamins to the body, including potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese.
Besides the direct health benefits, coffee can also provide comfort and warmth during times of illness. Caffeine has a stimulatory effect on the body, which can help provide a boost of energy. This can help those feeling sluggish during their sickness to get up and get going with the day. Furthermore, coffee can provide a pleasant flavor and aroma during times of sickness, which can bring a sense of solace and comfort.
The Cons of Drinking Coffee When You’re Sick
Unfortunately, coffee can also cause some ill side effects when taken during sickness. Caffeine can easily irritate the stomach and digestive tract, leading to nausea and indigestion. This can be exacerbated for those already experiencing nausea from their illness, and can even lead to further digestive problems like diarrhea.
In addition, coffee can raise body temperature significantly, when already feeling the effects of a fever. This can be especially dangerous for those with chronic illnesses, such as those with asthma, COPD, and diabetes. The extra heat from caffeine can worsen certain symptoms and can even exacerbate the illness.
Moreover, drinking coffee during sickness can limit the body’s ability to properly fight the illness. Caffeine can be an extreme diuretic, meaning it leads to increased urination. This can cause the body to quickly become dehydrated, which can weaken the body’s immune system and therefore limit its ability to fight off the infection.
Expert Advice
For those that decide to drink coffee during sickness, there are a few things experts suggest. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends a few steps to ensure safe and healthy drinking during illness. Firstly, they suggest limiting caffeine intake during illness. This includes both caffeinated beverages like coffee, but also energy drinks and sodas. They further advise not to add sugar and artificial sweeteners to these drinks, as these can have further negative impacts on the body.
Furthermore, experts advise to avoid taking ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) with coffee. This can lead to an increased risk of stomach irritation, nausea and digestive tract irritation. Lastly, it is suggested to drink plenty of other fluids to stay hydrated, such as water and tea. This can help reverse the diuretic effect of caffeine and help nourish the body during times of sickness.
Insight & Analysis
So what should one do? While it is best to avoid drinking coffee when sick, there may be occasions when it can be beneficial. It is important to be picky with the type of coffee that one drinks, as not all coffees are equal. For example, when drinking coffee with cafestol, it is important to moderate intake, as too much cafestol can raise cholesterol levels.
Moreover, it is important to be conscious of the other ingredients added to the coffee, such as dairy, sugar and cream. Caffeine is already problematic for those with sensitive stomachs and indigestion, so additional ingredients can only make matters worse. Therefore, the best thing to do is to drink small amounts of brewed coffee with little to no additives.
Healthy Alternatives
Those seeking comfort or warmth during sickness, may want to consider alternatives to traditional brewed coffee. Herbal teas, such as ginger and lemon tea, can provide a soothing and pleasant aroma without the problems associated with caffeine. In addition, soups and broths are a great way to stay hydrated, while also providing needed nutrients and minerals.
For those that cannot resist the temptation of a cup of joe, decaffeinated coffee is a great option that can still provide the flavor and warmth sought after. This type of coffee contains much less caffeine than traditional brewed coffee and is much less problematic for the digestive system.
Environmental Impact
For those concerned about the environmental impacts with traditional brewed coffee and decaffeinated coffee, home-grown coffee is another option. Home-grown coffee is free from unnatural pesticides, dyes, and preservatives. This allows for not only great taste, but also less environmental damage. Home-grown coffee is easy to cultivate if one has the right conditions, and the beans can be used to make regular and decaffeinated coffee.
Furthermore, home-grown coffee can contribute to sustainable agriculture initiatives by minimizing the usage of chemical agents. For those that don’t want to take up the hobby of growing coffee, it is possible to buy environmentally friendly coffee beans online or in health food stores. Here, one can find organic coffee beans that are free from unhealthy chemicals and dyes.
Caffeine Intolerance
For those with an intolerance to caffeine, there are a variety of coffee substitutes to choose from. These coffee alternatives are made from plants and herbs, such as chicory root, dandelion root, and more. These coffee substitutes can provide the same flavor and coffee-like experience, without having to worry about the effects of caffeine.
In addition, some of these coffee substitutes may even contain beneficial vitamins and minerals that are not found in traditional coffee. Moreover, these substitutes can be enjoyed hot or cold and can be added to the same recipes that one may use for regular coffee.
Mental Health Implications
Drinking coffee when sick can also have mental health implications. Caffeine can be a trigger for those feeling anxious or stressed. Therefore, it is important to be able to recognize symptoms of anxiety and stress connected to coffee drinking. Furthermore, as illnesses can lead to decreases in mental well-being, it is important to be aware that coffee can trigger or aggravate these feelings of distress.
In conclusion, when contemplating whether to drink coffee when sick, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with it. Furthermore, those with preexisting medical conditions, or sensitive stomachs, should be especially cautious and look for alternatives to coffee.
