Background
Coffee and shingles have been debated topics in some circles, and especially amongst caffeine-lovers, there’s a certain fear when it comes to shingles and whether it’s safe to drink coffee whilst suffering from it. Shingles is a painful blistered rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus, and it’s typically found in adults who have had chickenpox before and is usually localized to one area of the body. The virus is contagious in the blistering phase, and can have long-term impacts. Complications from shingles include long-term or chronic pain, vision loss, and complication of existing medical conditions such as diabetes or chronic heart disease.
Risk Factors
Coffee does not directly cause shingles, but it can be an aggravating factor for those who are at higher risk. Most participants in studies who developed shingles had lifestyle factors such as smoking, weakened immunity, or were overweight. Although more studies are needed to confirm the relationship, one study showed that people who consumed more than 900mg per day were two and a half times more likely to develop shingles than those who did not consume the same amount.
Coffee Consumption & Shingles
Consuming coffee when you have shingles may exacerbate the symptoms. Caffeine is known to be a nerve stimulant and could potentially increase the pain and irritation that comes with the condition. When you have shingles, your skin can become very sensitive and the virus is likely to be affected by anything that impacts your general health. Therefore, drinking coffee could aggravate the immune system and cause the virus to flare up. Coffee may also reduce your body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals, further weakening your immune system.
Alternative Beverage Options
If you have shingles and want to avoid caffeine, there are plenty of caffeine-free alternatives that can still give you the taste and warmth of a hot cup of coffee or tea. Herbal teas are caffeine-free and made with a variety of herbs and spices that are believed to help with shingles. Green tea and rooibos tea are also caffeine-free, while chamomile tea is known to soothe the itchiness associated with the condition.
The Verdict
Ultimately, it is not advisable to drink coffee if you have shingles as it could aggravate the symptoms of the virus. Although more evidence is needed to be certain of the impact of consuming coffee on shingles, it is generally recommended to avoid it until you are fully recovered. Therefore, it is better to choose caffeine-free beverage alternatives that can still give you a hot and comforting pick-me-up without the potential detriment of coffee.
Health Benefits of Caffeine
Despite the fact that coffee should be avoided when you are suffering from shingles, it can also have some positive effects on your health. For example, caffeine has been found to improve focus and alertness, which is beneficial for those who experience ‘brain fog’ or fatigue as a result of shingles. Consumption of coffee can also protect against Parkinson’s disease, liver cancer and Type 2 diabetes.
Harness the Effects of Caffeine Responsibly
Although caffeine can bring benefits to your health, it is important to consume it responsibly. Too much caffeine can cause anxiety and insomnia, and if you are drinking more than four cups a day, it is advisable to reduce the amount you drink. Once you have recovered from shingles, it may be an idea to begin drinking coffee again in moderation to benefit from its health benefits.
The Impact of Caffeine On Pain Management
Caffeine could potentially have an impact on the treatment of shingles and other medical conditions. Studies have suggested that caffeine may help to reduce the pain associated with shingles as well as other chronic conditions such as arthritis. Caffeine is believed to block adenosine receptors in the brain that are responsible for transmitting pain signals, reducing pain levels.
Caffeine and Lifestyle Factors
It is important to consider caffeine in the context of lifestyle factors when it comes to shingles. If you have shingles, it is important to pay attention to your physical health, such as getting adequate rest and following a healthy diet. These factors are equally, if not more important, than coffee or other sources of caffeine when it comes to managing the pain and discomfort associated with shingles.
Caffeine and Vaccination
In some cases, coffee may even be beneficial for those recovering from shingles. A recent study has suggested that shingles vaccination effectiveness may be increased in those who have consumed higher amounts of caffeine. The study measured the number of people who developed shingles after being vaccinated, and the results showed that the vaccination was more effective in those who consumed more than 500mg of caffeine per day.
Conclusion
In summary, drinking coffee whilst you have shingles is not a good idea and could potentially aggravate the symptoms. However, although more studies are needed, caffeine could potentially be beneficial in terms of pain management and increasing the effectiveness of the shingles vaccination. Ultimately, it is important to bear in mind the potential effects of consuming caffeine to ensure that it is done responsibly and in moderation once you have recovered from shingles.
