The Coffee Bros is reader-supported. Affiliate links on our site may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Sore throats are a common and pesky ailment that can leave you feeling miserable and uncomfortable. But is coffee bad for sore throats, and if so, what can you do to relieve your symptoms?
Is Coffee Bad for Sore Throats? The Answer
The short answer is that it depends. In fact, some people find that the warm temperature and bold flavor of coffee can help soothe a sore throat and provide some relief.
However, coffee can also have some negative effects on sore throats. For example, coffee is a diuretic, which means that it can increase the production of urine and cause dehydration. This can make a sore throat worse, as a dry throat is more susceptible to irritation and inflammation.
Coffee is also acidic, which can irritate a sore throat and make it feel worse. And if you add milk or cream to your coffee, it can create mucus in the throat, which can also make a sore throat feel more uncomfortable.
What’s more, it contains on average 5.9mg of caffeine per tablespoon. This is not good when you have a sore throat as it could make you feel anxious when you’re trying to rest.
How to Enjoy Coffee While Having a Sore Throat
So what can you do if you have a sore throat and want to enjoy a cup of coffee? One option is to switch to decaf coffee, which will still have the warm temperature and bold flavor of regular coffee, but without dehydration and acidity.
You can also try adding honey to your coffee, as honey has natural soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve a sore throat.
And if you’re really struggling with a sore throat, you may want to avoid coffee altogether and opt for a different beverage, such as warm water with lemon and honey, or herbal tea.
And if you’re looking for other ways to relieve a sore throat, there are many natural remedies that you can try. For example, you can try gargling with warm salt water, which can help reduce swelling and kill bacteria in the throat.
You can also try drinking warm liquids, such as tea or soup, which can help soothe a sore throat and keep your body hydrated. Avoid drinking cold liquids, as they can irritate a sore throat and make it feel worse.
It can also help to rest and avoid talking or shouting, as this can irritate a sore throat and make it feel worse. And if you’re struggling to sleep because of a sore throat, you can try sleeping with an extra pillow to keep your head and neck elevated, which can help reduce swelling and make it easier to breathe.
What Other Food and Drink Should Be Avoided When You Have a Sore Throat?
While there’s no magic cure for the common cold, there are certain things you can avoid eating and drinking to help ease the pain and discomfort of a sore throat.
What Foods Should I Avoid?
First things first: let’s talk about the big no-nos. Spicy foods might be tempting when you’re feeling under the weather, but they can actually irritate your sore throat even more. So it’s probably best to steer clear of that bowl of spicy chili or those extra-hot wings.
Similarly, acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes can also be harsh on a sore throat, so it’s best to avoid them until you’re feeling better.
But it’s not all bad news! There are plenty of tasty and soothing options to choose from. For example, soups and broths can help hydrate your body and provide much-needed nutrients. Just be sure to go for a milder option, like chicken noodle or miso soup, rather than something too heavy or spicy.
Warm tea with honey is another classic choice for a sore throat. Not only is it soothing, but the honey can help coat and protect your throat. Just be sure to avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you even more.
Another option to consider is popsicles or ice chips. Sucking on something cold can help numb the pain and reduce inflammation in your throat. Just be careful not to eat or drink anything too cold, as it can irritate your throat even more.
What Drinks Should I Avoid?
First on the list of drinks to avoid is alcohol. It might seem that drinks like whiskey or brandy could soothe your sore throat, but the truth is that alcohol can actually irritate your throat and make your symptoms worse.
Plus, it can also dehydrate you, which is the last thing you want when you’re already feeling under the weather.
Another drink to steer clear of is soda, especially if it’s loaded with caffeine. Like coffee, caffeine can have a dehydrating effect, and it can also irritate your throat.
Plus, the carbonation in soda can cause bloating and discomfort, which is definitely not something you want when you’re already feeling under the weather.
But what about hot tea? Isn’t that a classic sore throat remedy? While hot tea can definitely be comforting and help to soothe your throat, be careful about what kind you choose.
Tea with added honey can be a good option, but be wary of teas that are loaded with citrus or have a lot of added sugar. These ingredients can irritate your throat and make your symptoms worse.
So, what should you drink when you have a sore throat? Water is always a safe bet, as it will help to keep you hydrated and flush out any irritants in your throat.
Warm water with a little bit of honey can also be soothing. And if you’re really craving something warm and comforting, try a cup of hot water with a little bit of lemon and a pinch of salt. This simple beverage can help to reduce inflammation and provide some much-needed relief.
Avoid These Foods and Drinks to Reduce Your Sore Throat Pain
A sore throat might be a drag, but with a little careful planning and a lot of TLC, you’ll be back on your feet in no time. Just remember to avoid spicy, acidic foods/drinks and opt for soothing soups, teas, and popsicles instead. And most importantly, don’t forget to rest and give your body the time it needs to heal.
Is Coffee Bad for Sore Throats? The Conclusion
So, by now you should know the answer to: is coffee bad for sore throat?
Overall, there are many natural remedies that you can try to relieve a sore throat. So if you’re struggling with this common ailment, don’t hesitate to try some of these remedies and see what works best for you.
And remember: it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider if your symptoms persist or if you have any concerns.