Can coffee help a sore throat? (1 Tip for you)
In this brief guide, we will answer the question, can coffee help a sore throat? We will discuss how to manage your coffee habit in case of a sore throat. We will also discuss the permissible limit for coffee and some tips and remedies to make the most out of coffee if you get a sore throat.
Can coffee help a sore throat?
Coffee cannot help a sore throat on its own. On the contrary, coffee can potentially make it worse. Like citric fruits and alcoholic beverages, coffee has an acidic pH, which can irritate the throat. Coffee also tends to have an antidiuretic effect and could dry out your mouth. Dehydration can delay the recovery of your sore throat.
You can drink coffee in case of a sore throat, but keep it to a minimum and be sure to drink plenty of water to speed up your recovery.
The effect of caffeine on a sore throat
Coffee has high amounts of caffeine, which can cause your throat to be dry. In case of a sore throat, you need to keep hydrated, while coffee tends to have the opposite effect. However, caffeine does not have the same effect on every individual, and reducing and observing the effect it has on you can help you attune your coffee until you feel better.
The effect of hot coffee on a sore throat
You need to drink your beverages at a Luke-warm temperature. Warm soups and drinks have a soothing effect by thinning the throat mucus. However, hot food and liquids will irritate the throat and esophagus and cause thermal injury to the lining of your tract.
If you have strep throat and have a fever, it is advised to cut hot beverages. Hot coffee can make your temperature rise; therefore, try to take warm beverages until you feel better.
How to make coffee help you with a sore throat?
Even though health experts advise you to stay away from caffeinated beverages while you have a bad throat, you can adhere to safe limits to get your daily dose of caffeine.
If you have a sore throat, you can enjoy your coffee in a way that speeds up the healing process. Make your usual coffee and replace sugar with honey.
Honey is a cough suppressant and has antimicrobial properties that accelerate the curing process of the throat. According to the Primary Care Respiratory Journal, honey in coffee was more effective at restoring throat health than medication or placebo. Honey and coffee help to soothe the throat against irritation and soreness and help you feel better.
How to take care of a sore throat?
A sore throat causes a scratchy, irritating feeling which can cause discomfort alongside other symptoms such as fever, chills, and nausea. A sore throat can be caused by allergies, colds, or infections. Infections such as Strep throat are not usually a cause for worry, but if the symptoms are bothersome and take longer to cure, it is time to talk to your health practitioner.
If you must drink coffee in a sore throat, keep your intake to a minimum. Also, the temperature of your coffee or any other beverage should be warm, as extreme temperatures can irritate a throat and make your condition worse.
You need to stay hydrated in case of a sore throat by drinking water, juices, soups, and broth. It helps by moistening your throat and keeping it lubricated. Liquids also help; by keeping the mucous membrane clear, wash down the throat, and consequently prevent an infection from developing.
Drink plenty of water, rest, and eat healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. Try to keep caffeinated beverages at bay until you get better.
How much coffee to drink when you get a sore throat?
According to the FDA, the safe limit for coffee is 400 mg a day. You can drink 4 to 5 cups of coffee in a day. However, some people are more sensitive than others. You need to reduce the intake to 2-3 cups if you get a sore throat.
Even genetic makeup can affect how a person reacts to caffeine. The enzymes which break down the caffeine in the liver can vary and, so can the neuroreceptors which respond to caffeine. The above factors can make the safe or recommended dose varies from one person to another and even affects the response during sickness.
In this brief guide, we answered the question, can coffee help a sore throat? We discussed how to manage your coffee habit in case of a sore throat. We also discussed the permissible limit for coffee and some tips and remedies to make the most out of coffee if you get a sore throat.
