Having a cold is miserable enough without complicating things further by drinking alcohol. But maybe a shot of tequila will help relieve some congestion or loosen up that cough? Let’s take a closer look at whether drinking tequila is a good idea when you’re sick.
What are the effects of alcohol on the immune system?
Alcohol has been shown to suppress the immune system and make you more susceptible to infections. Here’s a quick overview of the effects:
- Impairs the body’s inflammatory response – This is how the immune system identifies and eliminates harmful pathogens.
- Reduces the number of lymphocytes – These are a type of white blood cell that fights infection.
- Interferes with macrophage function – Macrophages are cells that engulf and destroy bacteria and viruses.
- Inhibits the proliferation of T-cells – T-cells play a central role in cell-mediated immunity.
In essence, alcohol inhibits many of the key players in your immune defense. This leaves you more prone to catching an illness, and also delays recovery if you do get sick.
How does a cold affect alcohol metabolism?
Having a cold doesn’t just weaken your immune system – it also impacts how your body processes alcohol. Here are some important effects:
- Congestion leads to faster absorption – Swelling in the nasal passages means you absorb alcohol quicker when drinking.
- Dehydration causes greater intoxication – Colds deplete your body’s fluid levels, increasing the impact of alcohol.
- Impaired judgement increases consumption – You may drink more than intended due to feeling unwell.
- Medication interactions – Many cold medications warn against alcohol.
So colds actually make you get drunker faster, while also reducing your ability to moderate your alcohol intake.
What are the risks of mixing tequila and colds?
Now that we’ve covered the basic effects, what are the specific risks if you combine tequila and a cold?
- Worse immune impairment – Tequila’s high alcohol content suppresses your immune system further.
- Increased dehydration – The salt and lime with tequila shots causes you to lose more fluids.
- Greater congestion – Tequila may relax and open your airways initially, but rebound congestion follows.
- More severe headaches – Dehydration and alcohol interact to worsen cold-related headaches.
- Impaired sleep – Colds and alcohol both harm sleep quality, compounding the effects.
- Irritation of the throat – Tequila’s acidic pH and abrasive taste may aggravate a sore throat.
- Nausea and vomiting – Your upset stomach will likely rebel against tequila’s strong flavors.
Overall, tequila is one of the worst types of alcohol to consume when you have a cold. The combination is likely to make your symptoms worse rather than providing any medicinal relief.
What about hot toddies with tequila?
Hot alcoholic drinks are sometimes touted as an old-fashioned cold remedy. Could a hot toddy made with tequila help?
Unfortunately, the risks probably still outweigh any potential benefits:
- The heat may temporarily relieve congestion, but worsen it later on.
- Any hydration from the hot liquid is counteracted by the dehydrating effects of alcohol.
- The soothing effect on a sore throat is unlikely to last long.
- Drinking hot toddies won’t prevent continued immune impairment from the alcohol.
- You’ll still experience greater intoxication due to your cold.
While a hot toddy may provide some very temporary symptom relief, you’ll still suffer the negative effects of combining tequila and illness.
What about using tequila in cold medicine?
Some people advocate using tequila in DIY cold remedies, such as mixing it with lemon, honey and cinnamon. However, here are the problems with this approach:
- Any germ-fighting benefit from the lemon juice or honey will be counteracted by the immune-suppressing effects of tequila.
- The hydrating impact of honey is outweighed by the dehydration caused by alcohol.
- Cinnamon may temporarily clear sinuses, but tequila will likely congest them again.
- These unproven remedies are no substitute for proper medications and rest.
- You’ll still get more intoxicated than you normally would.
While the other ingredients may provide some incremental relief, they don’t eliminate the risks of mixing tequila with illness.
Should you ever drink tequila with a cold?
Drinking any alcohol with a cold is generally ill-advised. But are there any circumstances where a tequila drink may be appropriate?
A small amount of tequila possibly won’t cause harm if:
- Your cold symptoms are very mild.
- You are otherwise young and healthy.
- You limit it to 1 drink and sip slowly.
- You stay well hydrated before, during and after.
- You avoid any medications that interact with alcohol.
However, the risks still likely outweigh potential benefits in most scenarios. You are better off focusing on rest and proper care. Drink tequila only when you’ve fully recovered.
Conclusion
Having a cold depresses your immune system while also increasing alcohol absorption and intoxication. Drinking tequila is one of the worst things you can do, as it will likely make congestion, headache, nausea and other symptoms worse.
While hot toddies or DIY remedies may provide incremental relief, they don’t eliminate the downsides of combining alcohol and illness. Any benefits are generally outweighed by the impairing effects on your body’s ability to rest and recover.
It’s best to avoid tequila entirely when you have a cold. Focus on medications, hydration and sleep instead. Save the celebratory tequila shot for when you’re healthy again!
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Key Points
- Alcohol suppresses immune function and increases illness susceptibility.
- Colds speed up alcohol absorption and cause greater intoxication.
- Tequila’s high alcohol content exacerbates cold symptoms like congestion, headache and nausea.
- Any relief from hot toddies or remedies is outweighed by alcohol’s impairing effects.
- Moderately drinking tequila with a very mild cold is still risky and not recommended.
In summary, it’s best to refrain from drinking tequila or any alcohol when you have a cold. Focus on rest, hydration and proper medications instead for the fastest recovery. Save the tequila shots for celebrating when you’re healthy again!