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Is it okay to drink coffee when you have a cold?

When you’re sick with a cold, drinking coffee may seem appealing for an energy boost. However, there are some important factors to consider before reaching for your morning cup of joe.

Caffeine Can Temporarily Alleviate Cold Symptoms

Caffeine is a stimulant that can provide temporary relief from some cold symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and nasal congestion by narrowing blood vessels. This leads to reduced inflammation and constricted nasal passages so you can breathe easier.

A 2007 study found that caffeine helped relieve nasal congestion from the common cold. Researchers gave people with colds either caffeine equivalent to 2 cups of coffee or a placebo. Those who took the caffeine reported less severe nasal congestion for up to 4 hours afterwards.

So in the short term, caffeine may help you feel more energized and clear up nasal congestion when you have a cold. Just keep in mind that any relief is temporary.

But Caffeine Can Also Disrupt Sleep

One of the negative effects of caffeine is that it can disrupt sleep patterns. Since adequate rest is extremely important when you’re sick, this is a major downside to drinking caffeinated beverages.

Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine helps induce drowsiness and sleep. So by interfering with adenosine, caffeine can prolong the time it takes to fall asleep.

According to a 2013 meta-analysis on caffeine’s effects on sleep, caffeine consumption reduces total sleep time. It also worsens sleep quality by decreasing slow-wave deep sleep and REM sleep.

Lack of quality restorative sleep can weaken the immune system and make it harder to recover from an illness. So although the initial stimulant effects of caffeine may provide temporary relief, the ensuing poor sleep can be counterproductive.

Caffeine Causes Dehydration

Staying hydrated is extremely important when you have a cold or flu. Drinking plenty of water and other fluids thins out mucus, eases congestion, and prevents dehydration from fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, meaning it increases urine output. So beverages containing caffeine like coffee, tea, and soda can lead to dehydration and loss of fluids your body needs.

A 2014 study found that when people consumed caffeine equivalent to 4 cups of coffee, they urinated significantly more than when they had a placebo. Their bodies also retained less fluid over a 24 hour period.

If you’re already losing fluids from cold symptoms like runny nose, fever, or cough, caffeine will only contribute to further dehydration. This can prolong recovery time.

Caffeine May Interfere With Medications

Many over-the-counter and prescription medications used to treat cold and flu symptoms contain caffeine to boost their effects.

Examples include:

Medication Caffeine Content
DayQuil Severe 30 mg per dose
NyQuil Cough 15 mg per dose
Anacin 32 mg per tablet
Excedrin Migraine 65 mg per tablet

Consuming additional caffeine from coffee, tea, or energy drinks can overstimulate the nervous system when combined with these medications. It may also negate the drowsy side effects that allow sick patients to rest.

Too much caffeine while taking cold medications can cause symptoms like:

  • Jitters or anxiety
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Upset stomach

Check the labels of any medications you’re taking and be cautious about piling on extra caffeine. It’s safest to limit your intake while using over-the-counter drugs.

Coffee Irritates The Throat

Coffee is acidic and can irritate the throat, especially when you’re sick. The average pH of coffee is around 5, making it slightly acidic.

This acidity can contribute to throat pain and increase coughing and hoarseness when you already have an inflamed throat. Hot coffee can also burn or scald the throat when swallowing.

A sore throat goes hand in hand with most upper respiratory infections like the common cold or flu. Drinking coffee when you already have a tender throat can make throat symptoms feel worse.

The Diuretic Effects of Caffeine May Worsen Congestion

As a mild diuretic, caffeine causes the body to lose extra fluid through frequent urination. This can lead to dehydration.

Dehydration causes the mucous membranes lining the nose and throat to dry out. This excessive dryness can actually increase congestion, the opposite effect you may be seeking by drinking coffee.

Plus, adequate hydration is key for producing mucus, which actually helps clear out excess phlegm and relieve congestion. The diuretic effects of caffeine undermine this natural process.

So although coffee may temporarily relieve nasal congestion, it can worsen rebound congestion after the caffeine wears off. The dehydrating effects won’t help break up mucus and clear your nose and throat in the long run.

Coffee Stains Teeth

Coffee is notorious for staining teeth. The dark brown color comes from compounds called chromogens found in coffee beans.

Drinking coffee regularly can over time contribute to yellowed or discolored teeth. This effect is worsened if you drink coffee first thing in the morning without brushing.

When you have a cold or flu, you’re already more susceptible to other infections like strep throat or sinusitis. Staining may make it harder to visually spot these complications early.

So forego the morning java if you want to keep your pearly whites pristine while you recover. Brush diligently after drinking coffee to prevent unsightly staining.

Caffeine Can Raise Blood Pressure

Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause a short-term spike in blood pressure lasting up to 3 hours. It works by blocking adenosine receptors, which leads to increased heart rate, constricted blood vessels, and higher blood pressure.

Studies have shown that consuming the amount of caffeine in 2-3 cups of coffee results in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure increasing by up to 10 mmHg on average.

Raised blood pressure from caffeine can be particularly problematic if you already have hypertension or are prone to spikes when sick. High blood pressure exacerbates headaches, dizziness, and other cold symptoms.

Those with heart conditions need to be especially cautious combining caffeine with decongestant medications, as the mix can cause heart palpitations and fast heart rate.

Caffeine May Worsen Anxiety

Excess caffeine intake can spark feelings of anxiousness, jitteriness, and nervousness in some people. It activates the “fight or flight” response, leading to a racing mind and physical symptoms.

Consuming over 500 mg daily may trigger anxiety disorder symptoms like panic attacks. Coming down from the caffeine high can also precipitate withdrawal anxiety.

Feeling stressed or anxious may already be heightened when you’re managing cold symptoms and discomfort. Drinking caffeinated drinks like coffee or energy drinks can pile on anxiety on top of your existing sickness.

Caffeine Has a Long Half-Life

The stimulating effects of caffeine may last longer than you expect. Caffeine has a half-life of about 5 to 6 hours on average.

This means if you consume a moderate 200 mg dose of caffeine around 8 AM, roughly 100 mg is still in your system by 2 PM. Effects like alertness, constricted blood vessels, and frequent urination persist.

Drinking coffee too late in the day can disrupt sleep at night, even if you don’t feel jittery. The long half-life of caffeine makes timing important.

When recovering from an illness, proper rest is a priority. So avoid caffeine at least 8 hours before bedtime while sick.

Consider Lower Caffeine Alternatives

Coffee and caffeinated sodas may not be the best choice when you’re under the weather. But you can still get a warm comforting beverage using lower caffeine options.

Here are some alternatives if you still want a cup of joe:

  • Green tea – 25 mg caffeine per cup
  • White tea – 15 mg caffeine per cup
  • Decaf coffee – 2-12 mg caffeine per cup
  • Herbal tea (chamomile, peppermint, etc.) – no caffeine
  • Warm lemon water – no caffeine

These provide hydration and the cozy feeling of drinking a hot beverage, without as much caffeine to disrupt rest or dehydrate you.

Conclusion

Having an occasional cup of coffee while you’re sick with a cold is unlikely to cause major harm. But the diuretic effects, disrupted sleep quality, and potential to worsen anxiety make daily coffee consumption a questionable choice.

Your best bet is limiting caffeine while under the weather, so your body can fully rest and recover. Stay hydrated with water, herbal tea, broths, and electrolyte drinks instead.

If you do crave a little energy boost, try green tea or a half-caf coffee. Pay attention to any increased throat irritation, headaches, jitteriness, or trouble sleeping.

Your body already has enough to fight when ill with a cold or flu. So go easy on the coffee until you’re well to help support the healing process.