Arielle Cruz
Drinking alcohol when you have a cold is generally not recommended by health authorities. Alcohol can weaken your body's ability to fight off infection, impair your sleep, and cause dehydration, all of which can prolong your recovery process. Additionally, alcohol may negatively interact with certain cold medications, such as acetaminophen, which can lead to liver damage. However, some studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the frequency of colds, possibly due to its influence on the immune response. Ultimately, while occasional drinks like a hot toddy may be a popular home remedy for some, it's best to prioritize rest, hydration, and other proven treatments when battling a cold.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol as a cure for cold | Alcohol is not a cure for the common cold. |
| Alcohol as a decongestant | Alcohol does not act as a decongestant. In fact, it may lead to nasal congestion. |
| Alcohol's effect on the immune system | Alcohol weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and slowing down recovery. |
| Alcohol's effect on sleep | Alcohol disrupts REM sleep, the most restorative type of sleep, and can leave you feeling groggy. |
| Alcohol's effect on dehydration | Alcohol can cause dehydration, which can make congestion worse. |
| Alcohol's interaction with cold medications | Alcohol can interact with common cold medications such as acetaminophen, leading to liver damage. |
| Alcohol's impact on cold frequency | Limited evidence suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the frequency of colds. However, excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of infection. |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol weakens the immune system
While there is some evidence that drinking a small amount of alcohol may reduce the number of colds one gets per year, excessive alcohol consumption is highly damaging to human health and increases the risk of infection. Alcohol weakens the immune system in multiple ways. Firstly, alcohol decreases the ability of white blood cells to function properly. These cells are responsible for fighting off infections.
Secondly, alcohol damages the digestive system, including the gut microflora, which is crucial for immune defence. This damage to the gut microbiome makes it harder for the immune system to function properly, leaving the body more vulnerable to illness. Alcohol can also cause dehydration, which can make congestion worse. Dehydration caused by alcohol consumption can lead to a loss of fluid in the body that exceeds the amount taken in.
Additionally, the sugar content in many alcoholic beverages can spike blood sugar levels, impairing the functioning of immune cells. High blood sugar can prevent these cells from effectively warding off infections. Furthermore, alcohol may also affect the lungs' immune system, making individuals more prone to respiratory infections such as pneumonia and COVID-19.
It is important to note that even one episode of binge drinking can cause mild damage to the immune system. Binge drinking is defined as consuming enough alcohol in a single session to reach intoxication. At intoxication levels, the immune system begins to function very poorly. Therefore, it is advisable to limit alcohol consumption, especially during a viral respiratory pandemic, to maintain a strong and healthy immune response.
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Alcohol disrupts sleep
While there is some evidence that drinking a small amount of alcohol may reduce the number of colds one gets per year, health authorities generally do not recommend consuming alcohol during a cold. This is because alcohol weakens the body's ability to fight off infection, making the body more susceptible to getting sick and slowing down recovery.
Dr Robert Segal, Co-Founder of LabFinder, states that "you should not drink alcohol when you have a cold. Your immune system is already weakened when you are sick. Adding alcohol to that equation can only prolong the process of getting better."
Some people claim that alcohol is a decongestant, but this is not true. In fact, alcohol may lead to nasal congestion. It can also cause dehydration, which can make congestion worse.
If you decide to drink alcohol while you have a cold, it is important to keep in mind the potential interaction with any cold medications you may be taking. Alcohol and some over-the-counter and prescription medications can interact negatively, creating dangerous side effects. For example, both alcohol and acetaminophen (a common pain reliever and fever reducer found in many cold and flu medications) are metabolised in the liver. Drinking while taking acetaminophen can therefore cause liver damage.
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Alcohol causes dehydration
While there is limited evidence that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the frequency of colds, health authorities generally advise against drinking alcohol when you are unwell. Drinking alcohol can weaken your body's ability to fight off infection and slow down your recovery. It can also cause dehydration, especially when consumed in large amounts.
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it helps the kidneys remove salt and water from the body through urination. This can lead to excessive urination, and without water coming into the body to replace the fluids lost, dehydration occurs. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can also contribute to dehydration, as the alcohol goes straight into the bloodstream instead of being absorbed more slowly through the stomach and small intestine.
Large quantities of alcohol can also suppress your appetite, making you less likely to eat and drink water while drinking. This can speed up alcohol absorption and associated dehydration. Alcohol also suppresses the release of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin, which controls how much water the kidneys reabsorb and retain.
To prevent dehydration when drinking alcohol, it is recommended to drink water or other hydrating beverages, such as electrolyte drinks, herbal tea, or soy milk, alongside your alcoholic drinks. It is also advisable to take your time when drinking alcohol, as this gives your liver more time to process it and can lessen the negative side effects.
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$35
Alcohol interacts with medication
While there is some evidence that drinking a small amount of alcohol may reduce the number of colds people get per year, consuming alcohol when you already have a cold is not recommended. Drinking alcohol can weaken your body's ability to fight off infection, making your body more susceptible to getting sick and slowing down your recovery. Alcohol can also cause dehydration, which can make congestion worse.
Additionally, it is important to consider the interaction alcohol may have with any cold medications you may be taking. Alcohol can alter the metabolism of a medication, speeding up or slowing down the clearance of the medication from the body and thus raising or lowering the blood levels of the medication. This can lead to serious health complications. For example, acetaminophen, a common pain reliever and fever reducer found in many over-the-counter cold medications, should not be mixed with alcohol as it is metabolized in the liver, and the combination can cause liver damage. Other medications that can have negative interactions with alcohol include:
- Opioids: Combining opioids such as hydrocodone/acetaminophen or Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) with alcohol can increase the risk of overdose.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): MAOIs are an older type of antidepressant that can cause an unsafe rise in blood pressure when combined with aged or fermented alcohol such as beer or wine.
- Antipsychotics: Alcohol can worsen the side effects of antipsychotics such as quetiapine (Seroquel) and may potentially reduce the medication's effectiveness.
- ADHD medications: Alcohol can worsen the side effects of ADHD medications such as amphetamine salts (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse).
- Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics should not be taken with alcohol.
- Psychotropic medications: Mixing alcohol with psychotropic medications can lead to injuries, overdose, and other potential risks.
- Benzodiazepines: Commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleep, benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Valium have additive and possibly synergistic effects with alcohol on central nervous system function.
Older people are at a particularly high risk of harmful alcohol-medication interactions due to age-related changes in how their bodies respond to both substances. Women are also generally at a higher risk than men as alcohol reaches a higher level in their bloodstream due to lower body water content. Therefore, it is crucial to read medication labels, consult with a pharmacist or healthcare provider, and educate yourself about the risks of combining medications with alcohol to avoid negative outcomes.
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Alcohol doesn't treat or cure colds
While some sources suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the frequency of colds, alcohol does not treat or cure colds. Firstly, alcohol weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and slowing down recovery. It is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption is highly damaging to human health and increases the risk of infection.
Secondly, alcohol impairs sleep by disrupting REM sleep, the most restorative type of sleep, which can leave you feeling groggy in the morning. It also turns on a sleep pattern called alpha activity, which prevents the body from getting the deep sleep it needs. Not getting enough sleep can worsen cold or flu symptoms and prolong the recovery process.
Thirdly, alcohol can cause dehydration, which can make congestion worse. In addition, consuming alcohol while taking certain cold medications can be dangerous. For example, acetaminophen, a common pain reliever and fever reducer found in many over-the-counter cold medications, is metabolized in the liver, as is alcohol. When combined, they can cause liver damage.
Finally, while some people claim that alcohol is a decongestant, there is evidence to suggest that alcohol consumption may instead lead to nasal congestion. Therefore, while moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the frequency of colds, it is important to remember that alcohol does not treat or cure colds and can even prolong recovery.
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Frequently asked questions
Health authorities generally do not recommend consuming alcohol when you have a cold. Alcohol weakens your immune system, making your body more susceptible to getting sick and slowing down your recovery. It can also cause dehydration, worsen congestion, and disrupt your sleep.
Alcohol can negatively impact your immune response by causing long-term inflammation throughout the body. This increases your vulnerability to infections and diseases.
There is limited evidence that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the frequency of colds. However, excessive alcohol consumption is highly damaging to human health and increases the risk of infection.
No, it is not advisable to consume alcohol while taking certain cold medications as it can lead to dangerous interactions. For example, acetaminophen, a common pain reliever and fever reducer found in many over-the-counter cold medications, can cause liver damage when combined with alcohol.
