Is drinking coffee with a cold beneficial?
Having a cold is always unpleasant and inconvenient. With the sore throat and swollen lymph nodes, the most challenging part is trying to cope with a blocked nose. Although coffee has always been a popular drink regardless of the season, many wonder whether it is suitable to consume coffee when suffering from a cold. While it is difficult to point out a yes or no answer, this article informs the readers about the potential benefits and harms of drinking coffee with a cold.
The taste of coffee is itself comforting and soothing. Drinking it provides energy and ease to the body especially if you are in dire need for some energy boost, for instance to get through a hectic day of work or have energy for physical activity. While it is true that coffee helps reduce exhaustion and increase energy levels, having a cold still affects the taste buds and more often than not, it is not possible to relish any flavour. Colds result to a decrease in the quality of smell and taste.
Experts advise against drinking coffee with a cold because of two reasons: caffeine and dehydration. Consuming caffeine can delay the recovery process of the cold. Having too much caffeine can also make it harder to rest and sleep which are essential when winning a cold. Depending on the type of coffee you consume, it is possible that it contains high amounts of caffeine which can make the cold last longer.
In addition, caffeine is a diuretic that can make you lose fluids, making dehydration more severe. As a result of this, having a cold becomes worse because even more water is lost in the process of the mucus membrane trying to take the trapped mucus out of the system. With the blocked nose, it is already difficult to breathe normally and having dehydration only makes it more difficult.
However, some research suggest that when consumed in moderate amounts, coffee can help fight off the viral infection better by increasing productivity with the caffeine. Caffeine is known to help narrow the blood vessels which can lead to a reduction of swelling in the sinuses thus allowing for easier breathing. Coffee also has anti-inflammatory properties since it contains phytonutrients that act as antioxidants.
When drinking coffee, it is advisable to go for non-caffeinated options. Such drinks are naturally caffeine-free and usually milder in taste. Decaffeinated coffee is also an option because it has the same taste as a regular coffee but it reacts differently in the body and might not be as dehydrating as a standard beverage.
What to drink after a cold?
Though not everyone may be a fan of certain types of drinks, these drinks can help in the rapid recovery after a cold. Lemon tea is an ideal drink when suffering from a cold. The citric acid found in lemons boosts the immunity system and helps clears the blocked nose. Tea also soothes the throat and helps reduce swelling. Healthy soups such as vegetable broth and chicken broth can be consumed with the added benefits of having minerals and electrolytes.
It is advised to avoid milk and dairy products when having a cold. Milk can increase congestion by creating more mucus build-up in the system. Fruits with fluorescent and chilled are recommended to reduce inflammation. Coconut water is also great for hydration as it helps replenish electrolytes and nutrients lost due to the cold.
What food to eat with a cold?
As advised above, hydration is key. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in water helps with the cold. Fruits like coconut and watermelon are great to give you a boost in the metabolism and they can raise your energy levels while giving you many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Having a cold causes weakness, it is best to consume light meals in order to not over-eat or tire the body further. Vitamin C rich foods like oranges, bell peppers and kiwis are a good way to get your dose and they also help build up the immunity system.
Fish, nuts and legumes are high in protein and contain fatty acids that help with the reducing of inflammation. Grains are also a recommended option for restoring the energy lost due to the cold. Additionally, staying hydrated by taking fluids and drinks helps in the flushing out of toxins from the body to help support the immune system even further.
Should you take medicine for a cold?
There are various medicines available in the market that can be taken to cure a cold. Ibuprofen, aspirin and acetaminophen are analgesics and anti-pyretics, they help reduce the duration of a cold. Decongestants help relieve sinuses and reduce mucus production while antihistamines help reduce the itching and inflammation associated with a cold.
Antibiotics are usually prescribed by a doctor although the timing of such medications should be confirmed with the physician. Most common colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics can only help treat colds caused by bacterial infections. Caution should be taken when consuming steroid medications and with the administration of bronchodilators.
It is important to keep in mind that though the medicines do help to reduce the duration in most cases; it is best to allow the body to naturally recover. Having a cold is normal, after all, and therefore, it is essential to give importance to the body’s natural way to heal.
Do home remedies work for a cold?
Home remedies can help in the recovery process, using ingredients that are easy to access. Though home remedies are usually preferred by many because of their natural approach, it still requires supervision and determination to ensure best results.
Vinegar is a popular home remedy to cure a cold. It helps in the clearing of the air passages and loosening the congestion. Drinking a cup of warm water with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of honey not only soothes the throat, reduces inflammation but also boosts the immune system.
Steam inhalation is also a common way to reduce the symptoms of a cold. Boiling a pot of water with a few drops of eucalyptus oil and lavender oil and taking in the vapours helps in reducing the production of mucus and help clear the chest and nasal congestion.
Garlic can also be used as antiviral and antibacterial agents and can help reduce the duration of the cold. It can be consumed directly or can be made into a soup or other dishes. Taking a hot bath or shower can reduce the production of mucus enabling a faster recovery.
Which vitamins are beneficial in a cold?
Vitamins and minerals help the body in its healing process. To ensure an optimum recovery, it is essential to make sure that these vitamins and minerals are consumed in the correct amounts. A variety of vitamins help in coping with a cold.
Vitamin C has the highest importance in the recovery of a cold. Citrus fruits and other fresh fruits are rich in vitamin C and are a good source for gaining the required amount of this vitamin. Adding some cayenne pepper to your diet helps in the control of the microbial growth and reducing the symptoms of the cold.
Including zinc in the diet is beneficial for its anti-inflammatory properties. Almonds, chickpeas, eggs and whole grains have good amounts of zinc. Vitamin D helps in controlling the generation of the cytokines which helps in fighting the cold.
Having a cold is itself tiring, however, it is beneficial to make the effort to include such vitamins and minerals in the diet to get a speedy recovery and ensure a healthy body.
Should you stay active during a cold?
When having a cold, it is generally advised to take some rest and allow the body to recover. However, though it is best to refrain from going to the gym or other rigorous physical activity, it is best to stay active. The activity should start slowly and gradually, or else it will cause your body to tire even more and extend the recovery process.
Some exercise such as yoga and light walking will help the body in recovery. Yoga helps the lymphatic system to remain active and assists in the normal functioning of the systems in the body. Taking a walk provides your body with the air required to help loosen the congestion.
Ok assuming a healthy diet with adequate water consumption and nutrient and vitamin intake, it may be beneficial to engage in light physical activity. This will provide a short term extreme for the body and the respiratory system. Thus, such activities should be avoided when having a cold, if you feel tired and the symptoms persist, it is advised to take a break and go back to the activity when you feel well again.
