Can You Drink Coffee While Sick? What the Experts Say
When you’re feeling under the weather, it’s easy to burrow under the covers, put on your favorite show, and start looking for comfort snacks. But what do you do when one of your main comfort treats is a delicious cup of coffee?
You may have heard some conflicting information on whether you can drink coffee while sick, so we’re here to set the record straight. Read on as we shed some light on the pros and cons of drinking coffee while sick, as well as some expert tips to help you feel better.
What’s in Coffee, Anyway?
Coffee is a comfort drink for many of us, but it’s more than just a tasty treat. Within this magical elixir is a blend of powerful components, each with its own powerful effects on the body.
The main compound in coffee is caffeine (shocker, we know). This compound needs no introduction, but for those who don’t know, it’s a natural stimulant that supports alertness and fights fatigue by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that causes drowsiness.
Beyond caffeine, coffee is also rich in antioxidants such as chlorogenic acids, which can help combat oxidative stress. Coffee also has tannins, which can cause a dry and sometimes bitter taste in dark roast coffee.
Could Drinking Coffee Help You Feel Better?
When you’re sick, a cup of coffee could actually be a good idea. Research suggests that caffeine can help lift the feelings of grogginess that can come with colds, making it easier to function during the day.
Additionally, coffee's warm aroma can be comforting and help you feel a little more normal when you’re under the weather. The benefits don’t stop there, though — the antioxidants in coffee can also bolster the immune response as your body works to heal. While it’s not a cure, the uplifting effects of coffee could make sick days a little more manageable.
Drawbacks of Drinking Coffee While Sick
Even though it can have benefits, coffee also has some notable drawbacks when you drink it while sick. For starters, the caffeine content can have a diuretic effect, which can cause dehydration if you drink too much of it. Dehydration can hinder the immune system, which can make your recovery much longer.
Drinking coffee later in the day can also affect sleep, which is one of the most important parts of your body’s recovery process. Coffee’s natural acidity can also irritate an already sensitive stomach or throat, which can make you feel worse if you have a stomach bug or sore throat.
So, Should You Drink Coffee While Sick?
Ultimately, you should make this decision based on your symptoms and circumstances. If you’re only experiencing mild cold symptoms, the stimulating effects of caffeine might make it easier to tackle daily tasks. If staying alert is a priority — such as when you’re trying to work through a stuffy nose — coffee can offer a much-needed boost.
However, if you have a severe illness, it might be better to avoid coffee — especially if you have a fever or are dehydrated. Ultimately, if you feel like drinking coffee could make your symptoms worse, it might be best to get your doctor on the line and ask for their personalized advice.
If you really need the familiar comfort of coffee, you could also reach for a drink that has everything you love about coffee along with extra immune support. Our Mushroom Coffee+ is just such a treat.
This blend is made with coffee extract to help provide the robust flavor and energizing benefits of coffee. However, it also contains lion’s mane mushroom and L-theanine to support high-quality sleep and collagen protein to support gut health.
That being said, the real hero of our mushroom coffee is chaga mushroom. This mushroom is known for its powerful antioxidants and its ability to support the immune system through almost any illness. Plus, our blend only contains 40 mg of caffeine per serving, which means it won’t flush out as much water as regular coffee might.
Tips for Drinking Coffee While Sick
If you do choose to go ahead and brew a cup of joe, there are a few things you can keep in mind to set yourself up for a successful recovery. Read on for the tea.
Drink With Moderation
When you’re sick, moderation is key. Limit yourself to one or two cups per day to avoid overloading your system with caffeine.
While coffee can help you feel more alert, too much of it can lead to jitteriness, increased heart rate, or dehydration — all of which can make you feel worse than you already do. Stick to smaller portions and savor your coffee slowly to minimize potential side effects.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is key when you’re sick, and coffee shouldn’t be your only source of liquids. For every cup of coffee, drink an extra glass of water to help counteract potential fluid loss.
Pairing coffee with hydrating beverages like herbal teas or water can also help make sure that you’re replenishing the fluids your body needs for healing. If you’re dealing with symptoms like fever or diarrhea, hydration is even more important, and you should strongly consider talking to a doctor before drinking any coffee.
Time It Right
It might be tempting to sleep in until noon and brew a cup or two to enjoy over lunch — however, drinking coffee that late could make your recovery take even longer. Enjoying coffee earlier in the day allows its stimulating effects to wear off by bedtime, helping you get the restful sleep you need to feel better.
Avoid drinking highly caffeinated coffee in the afternoon or evening, as the caffeine can interfere with your ability to fall and stay asleep. Poor sleep can weaken your immune system, prolonging your recovery time.
What Else Can You Drink While You’re Sick?
Even if coffee isn’t the best choice for you, you can still scratch the itch with another warm beverage. Here are a few ideas:
- Herbal Teas: Chamomile, peppermint, or ginger teas can soothe the throat, reduce nausea, and help you relax.
- Broths: Clear broths like chicken or vegetable stock are hydrating and packed with electrolytes and nutrients.
- Hot Water With Lemon and Honey: This classic remedy provides hydration, vitamin C, and throat-soothing relief while boosting immunity.
- Electrolyte Drinks: Options like coconut water can help replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, which is helpful if you’re dehydrated.
These alternatives ensure hydration and comfort, offering a thoughtful approach to recovery that coffee might not always provide.
The Bottom Line
Being sick is no fun, especially when you’re missing out on all the things you enjoy. However, even if you can’t go for a run, you can still savor a cup of coffee when you’re sick — as long as you don’t have a fever and aren’t at risk of dehydration.
During times when your immune system is fighting extra hard to keep you healthy, show it some love with immune-supporting supplements like our mushroom blends. And, since you’re probably in bed scrolling anyway, make sure you head over to the Everyday Dose blog for more tips on how to stay healthy!
Sources:
Immunomodulatory effects of caffeine: friend or foe? | PubMed
Open for Discussion: Caffeine | American Chemical Society
4 Side Effects of Dehydration on the Human Body | Baptist Health
Immunomodulatory Activity of the Water Extract from Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus obliquus | PMC
