Tequila is a popular alcoholic drink that is commonly consumed in cocktails and shots. Some people believe that drinking tequila can actually provide health benefits when you’re sick. Is there any truth to this claim? Let’s take a closer look at whether tequila is good for you if you’re sick.
Alcohol and Illness
First, it’s important to note that alcohol consumption in general is not recommended when you’re feeling under the weather. Drinking alcohol can worsen some symptoms and make you feel more run down. For example, alcohol is a diuretic which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is already a concern when you’re sick since illnesses like cold, flu and respiratory infections deplete your body’s fluid reserves.
Alcohol can also disrupt sleep, which is essential when you’re sick so your body can rest and recover. Impaired sleep from alcohol may also worsen common cold or flu symptoms like fatigue, body aches and respiratory congestion.
In addition, alcohol suppresses the immune system so your body has a harder time fighting off viruses and other germs that are making you ill. Even moderate drinking can dampen immune function for up to 24 hours.
For these reasons, health experts usually recommend avoiding alcohol completely when sick with the cold, flu, respiratory infections or other illnesses. Drinking large amounts may also interact with common medications used to treat symptoms like cough, pain and fever.
Does Tequila Have Any Health Benefits?
Now that we’ve covered the potential downsides, are there any scenarios in which tequila might actually be helpful if you’re under the weather? Some specific health claims about tequila include:
- It can soothe a sore throat
- It contains antioxidants that support immunity
- It aids sleep when consumed in moderation
Let’s evaluate each of these claims about potential health benefits of tequila.
Sore Throat Remedy
One of the most common traditional uses of tequila is as a remedy for a sore throat. The reasoning is that the alcohol numbs and soothes throat pain while the agave nectar in tequila coats and protects the throat.
There’s limited scientific evidence that tequila or other hard liquors can relieve a sore throat better than other remedies. Simple teas, lozenges, saltwater gargles and throat sprays may provide similar soothing without the risks of alcohol consumption.
Overall, sipping small amounts of tequila may temporarily numb sore throat pain but the risks likely outweigh the benefits when you’re sick.
Antioxidant Content
Tequila contains antioxidants called polyphenols which are beneficial plant compounds. The most abundant polyphenols in tequila come from the blue agave plant that the liquor is distilled from.
These antioxidants may help fight inflammation and protect against viruses and infections. However, research shows the antioxidant levels are significantly lower compared to other beverages like red wine.
While tequila does contain some beneficial antioxidants, you can get much higher amounts from other sources when you’re sick like fruits, vegetables and green tea.
Promoting Sleep
Drinking a small amount of alcohol right before bed can help induce drowsiness and promote sleep. This is due to alcohol’s sedative effects.
However, more than 1-2 drinks can lead to disrupted, poor quality sleep as alcohol interferes with your natural sleep cycle. And any amount of alcohol leads to dehydration which can also negatively impact sleep.
If you’re struggling to sleep well when sick, it’s better to rely on natural remedies like chamomile tea rather than alcohol. Adequate hydration and medications as recommended by your doctor are also beneficial for restful sleep when ill.
Potential Downsides of Drinking Tequila When Sick
Aside from the general risks of drinking alcohol when sick, here are some specific downsides that may occur if you drink tequila while ill:
- May worsen symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Can lead to dehydration from increased urine output
- Irritating to tissues in the throat and mouth
- Triggers headaches
- Causes dizziness
- Exacerbates body aches and stuffy nose
- Interacts with many common cold and flu medications
Overall, any potential benefits are unlikely to outweigh these negative side effects. Moderation is extremely important if you do choose to drink.
Safest Intake When Sick
Again, health professionals recommend avoiding alcohol completely when sick. But if you do decide to drink tequila, here are some tips to reduce risks:
- Limit intake to 1 standard drink (1.5 oz tequila)
- Consume tequila slowly, ideally with food
- Always check for alcohol interactions with any medications
- Stay well hydrated by drinking water
- Avoid driving or operating machinery
Nursing a single tequila drink very slowly may be less likely to worsen your illness. But be cautious of any symptoms flaring up. And abstaining is safest when sick.
The Bottom Line
Here is a summary of the key points on whether tequila is good for you if you’re sick:
- Drinking alcohol in general is not recommended when sick as it can exacerbate symptoms and delay healing.
- Tequila may provide a very small amount of antioxidants but they are minimal compared to other healthy beverages and foods.
- While tequila may temporarily soothe a sore throat, the risks likely outweigh any benefits.
- If consuming tequila when sick, limit intake to 1 drink and drink slowly. But abstaining completely is safest.
- Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest and consult your doctor about medications to treat your symptoms.
In conclusion, tequila is unlikely to provide much medicinal value and may actually do more harm than good when you’re sick. Moderation is key if you choose to imbibe. But overall, abstaining from alcohol is the healthiest choice when under the weather.