There’s no doubt that coffee is one of the most popular beverages around the world. Millions of people rely on it for their daily energy and focus. But if you’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19, should you keep up your coffee drinking habits? While drinking coffee when you have the virus is generally considered safe, there are some important factors to consider before you decide whether it’s right for you.
Caffeine and COVID-19
Caffeine itself isn’t known to interact with the virus or have any direct impact on your COVID-19 recovery process. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) , too much caffeine can weaken the body’s immune system and make it harder for you to fight off the virus. As such, it’s important to stay within the safe limits for caffeine intake, which the FDA recommends as 400 milligrams daily for adults. This is about four 8 oz. cups of coffee.
COVID-19 and Hydration
Coffee can also have a dehydrating effect, which is especially important to be aware of when recovering from COVID-19. Since dehydration can worsen the symptoms of the virus, it’s important to make sure that you don’t increase your risk by drinking too much coffee. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults drink at least 125 ounces of water every day, so it’s important to track your coffee intake as well as your total water consumption.
Other Considerations
When deciding whether to drink coffee while you have COVID-19, it’s also important to consider the other ingredients you may be adding to it. For instance, if you usually add sugar, milk, and/or cream to your coffee, it’s important to pay attention to the amount of calories and fat you’re consuming. These can put additional strain on your body, which is already trying to recover from the virus. Additionally, milk and other dairy products may contribute to inflammation, which can worsen your symptoms.
Talk to Your Doctor
When in doubt, the best thing you can do when recovering from COVID-19 is to talk to your doctor about your coffee drinking habits. Your doctor will be able to explain whether it’s safe for you to drink coffee, as well as how much you should or shouldn’t be drinking. Additionally, they can provide advice on other things you can do to help speed up your recovery, such as increasing your water intake.
Managing Caffeine Cravings
For some people, cutting back on or cutting out coffee altogether can be a challenge. If you find that you have a hard time managing your caffeine cravings when you’re recovering from COVID-19, there are a few things you can do. For instance, you could try switching to decaffeinated coffee or tea, or you could try incorporating some herbal teas into your routine. Additionally, there are now some low-caffeine coffee options available, which can be a great alternative if you want to keep your caffeine intake within the safe limits.
Alternative for Energy and Focus
You may find that when you’re recovering from COVID-19, you need more energy and focus to get through the day. If this is the case, there are several alternatives to coffee that can help you stay alert and productive without the added caffeine. For instance, taking a walk or incorporating more physical activity into your day can help boost your energy levels. Additionally, there are several forms of cognitive training and brain games that can help improve your focus and concentration.
Dietary Supplements
If you’re looking for a dietary supplement to help you stay energized and focused while you recover from COVID-19, there are several options available. Certain vitamins and minerals, such as iron, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to have cognitive and energy boosting benefits. Additionally, there are some supplements that are specifically designed to help boost your immune system, which can be especially beneficial if you’re suffering from the virus.
Awareness and Rest
Finally, it’s important to remember that recovering from COVID-19 is a process of being aware of your body and giving it what it needs. That means getting plenty of rest and avoiding activities that might stress your body and weaken your immune system, such as drinking too much coffee. Giving your body enough rest and allowing it to heal is the best way to ensure a full and speedy recovery.
