What Drinks Are Not Good For Coughs?

According to the Mayo Clinic, staying hydrated is crucial for a speedy recovery when you have a cough or cold, but not all fluids are helpful. Knowing what drinks are not good for coughs is just as important as knowing what to drink, as some beverages can worsen symptoms like throat irritation and congestion.

Quick Summary

This guide details the specific drinks to avoid when experiencing a cough, explaining how alcohol, caffeine, and dairy can hinder recovery. It provides a comprehensive overview of why certain fluids can aggravate symptoms and what healthier alternatives you can choose to soothe your throat and support your immune system effectively.

Key Points

• Alcohol and Caffeine Cause Dehydration: Both alcohol and caffeinated drinks are diuretics that can cause dehydration, drying out the throat and thickening mucus, which can worsen a cough.

• Dairy May Thicken Mucus: While not proven to increase mucus production, many people find that dairy makes existing phlegm feel thicker and more difficult to clear.

• Sugar Weakens Immunity: High sugar intake can suppress the immune system and promote inflammation, hindering the body's ability to fight the infection causing the cough.

• Cold Temperatures Irritate: Very cold drinks can irritate a sensitive throat, potentially triggering more coughing fits.

• Warm Fluids Offer Relief: Warm, non-caffeinated fluids like herbal tea, warm water with honey and lemon, or broth are soothing and promote hydration.

• Rest is Critical for Recovery: Avoiding stimulating drinks like caffeine helps ensure adequate rest, which is essential for immune function and faster recovery.

The Surprising Culprits: Why Certain Drinks Aggravate a Cough

When a cough strikes, many people focus on what to consume, such as warm honey lemon tea, but fail to consider what they should be cutting out. Several common beverages can hinder your recovery by increasing dehydration, irritating the throat, or thickening mucus. Avoiding these drinks is a simple yet powerful step toward finding relief.

The Dehydrating Effects of Alcohol and Caffeine

Dehydration is the enemy of a speedy recovery, as it can cause your throat to become dry and irritated, triggering more coughing. Both alcohol and caffeinated drinks are diuretics, meaning they increase urine output and lead to dehydration.

Alcohol's impact on a cough:

• Dehydration: Alcohol has a diuretic effect that reduces overall body hydration, which can dry out the mucus membranes in your throat.
• Immune suppression: Heavy alcohol consumption can temporarily weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off the infection causing your cough.
• Thickened mucus: By dehydrating the body, alcohol can make mucus thicker and more difficult to expel, exacerbating congestion and coughing fits.
• Acid reflux: Alcohol can trigger or worsen acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and throat, causing significant irritation and a persistent cough.

Caffeine's impact on a cough:

• Dehydration: Like alcohol, caffeine is a diuretic. Beverages like coffee, some teas, and fizzy drinks can worsen dehydration, leading to a scratchy, dry throat.
• Sleep disruption: Getting enough rest is vital for immune function. The stimulant effect of caffeine can interfere with sleep, potentially prolonging your illness.
• Thickened mucus: Dehydration from caffeine can also cause mucus to thicken, making it harder for your body to clear your airways.
• Throat irritation: The acidic nature of coffee can irritate a sensitive throat, potentially causing more coughing.

The Role of Dairy and Sugar in Worsening Symptoms

While the link between dairy and mucus is debated by some researchers, many people report that consuming milk, cheese, and other dairy products makes their phlegm feel thicker. Similarly, high sugar intake can negatively impact your immune response and increase inflammation.

Dairy products and mucus:

• Perceived thicker mucus: Many people experience a sensation of thicker, heavier mucus after consuming dairy, which can be unsettling and trigger a cough. This is often due to the fat content coating the throat, even if it doesn't actually increase mucus production.
• Plant-based alternatives: If you find that dairy makes your cough feel worse, opting for alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk might offer some relief.

Sugary drinks and inflammation:

• Immune suppression: High sugar intake has been shown to weaken the immune system, which is counterproductive when your body is trying to fight an infection.
• Inflammatory response: Excessive sugar can trigger an inflammatory response in the body. Since coughing is often linked to inflammation in the respiratory system, this can make symptoms worse.
• Bacteria growth: The sweetness in sugary drinks and treats can feed the bad bacteria in your throat, exacerbating a sore throat and related coughing.

Comparison Table: Drinks to Avoid vs. Drinks to Embrace

Drink Type	Why to Avoid with a Cough	Better Alternative	How it Helps
Alcohol	Dehydrates the body, suppresses immunity, thickens mucus, and can cause acid reflux.	Water (Warm or Room Temp)	Keeps mucus thin and soothes a dry, irritated throat, promoting hydration.
Caffeine (Coffee, Tea)	Dehydrates, disrupts sleep, and can irritate the throat due to acidity.	Caffeine-Free Herbal Tea	Soothes the throat and provides hydration without the dehydrating or stimulating effects.
Sugary Sodas/Juices	Weakens the immune system, promotes inflammation, and can irritate the throat.	Warm Water with Honey	Honey is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial that can soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.
Very Cold Drinks	Cold temperatures can shock and irritate an already sensitive throat, potentially causing more coughing.	Room-Temperature Fluids	Gentle on the throat and just as effective for hydration as cold drinks, without the irritation.
Cow's Milk	May make mucus feel thicker and heavier, which can trigger a coughing reflex.	Plant-Based Milk	Lighter alternatives that don't produce the same subjective feeling of thickened mucus.

Putting it into Practice: Making Better Choices

Making informed beverage choices when you have a cough can significantly impact your comfort and recovery time. Instead of reaching for a cup of coffee or a sugary soda, consider the following list of soothing alternatives:

• Herbal Tea: Chamomile, peppermint, and ginger teas are naturally caffeine-free and can help soothe a sore, irritated throat. The warmth and steam can also help loosen congestion.
• Warm Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth provides hydration and electrolytes while the warmth helps to thin mucus.
• Honey and Lemon Water: Mix a tablespoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice into a glass of warm water. This classic remedy is known for its ability to coat and soothe the throat.
• Water: Plain water, preferably warm or at room temperature, is your best friend. It is essential for staying hydrated and thinning mucus.

By consciously avoiding dehydrating, inflammatory, and irritating drinks, you can create an optimal environment for your body to heal. Choosing warm, soothing, and hydrating fluids will support your immune system and help you feel better faster. Remember, while a comforting beverage can offer temporary relief, making the right choices for your body will have a longer-lasting impact on your recovery.

Conclusion: Prioritize Hydration, Avoid Irritants

When you are struggling with a cough, the drinks you consume are just as important as the foods you eat. To promote a faster recovery and minimize irritation, it is best to avoid drinks containing alcohol, caffeine, and excessive sugar, as they can all lead to dehydration and increased inflammation. The perceived thickening effect of dairy on mucus should also be noted, and plant-based alternatives can be tried if dairy seems to worsen symptoms for you. By prioritizing simple, hydrating, and soothing options like warm water with honey, herbal teas, or clear broths, you provide your body with the best chance to recover efficiently. Taking these small, mindful steps toward better beverage choices can make a significant difference in how quickly you find relief.

For more detailed information on supportive care, please consult resources from authoritative health organizations like the Mayo Clinic.

Expert Recommendations for Cough Relief

• Hydrate frequently: Drink plenty of clear fluids like water, warm broths, and herbal teas to keep your throat moist and thin mucus.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These substances act as diuretics, leading to dehydration which can worsen a dry, irritated cough.
• Limit dairy intake: For some, dairy can cause mucus to feel thicker and more bothersome, so it might be best to limit it until your cough subsides.
• Skip sugary drinks: Excessive sugar can weaken your immune system and increase inflammation, potentially prolonging your illness.
• Choose warm beverages: Warm drinks like honey and lemon water or herbal tea can be very soothing for an irritated throat.

What to Eat and Drink for Cough Relief

Here is a list of beneficial food and drink choices when you have a cough:

• Water (warm or room temp)
• Caffeine-free herbal tea (ginger, chamomile, peppermint)
• Warm water with honey and lemon
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Soups (such as chicken noodle)
• Fruit popsicles (all-natural)
• Soft foods like yogurt (if dairy isn't an issue)
• Plenty of water throughout the day

Additional Home Remedies

• Gargle with warm salt water to temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air and ease congestion.
• Elevate your head with extra pillows while sleeping to help reduce postnasal drip.
• Rest as much as possible to allow your body to heal and recover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink coffee if I have a cough?

It is generally best to avoid coffee when you have a cough. Caffeine is a diuretic that can dehydrate you, and the acidity can irritate your throat, potentially making your cough worse.

Does milk make a cough worse?

While the effect is debated, many people perceive that dairy products, like milk, cause mucus to feel thicker and heavier. If you find this is the case, avoiding dairy might provide some relief.

Why should I avoid alcohol when I have a cough?

Alcohol can dehydrate you, suppress your immune system, and trigger acid reflux, all of which can aggravate your cough symptoms and delay your recovery.

Are sugary drinks bad for a cough?

Yes, sugary drinks can be detrimental. High sugar intake can weaken your immune system and increase inflammation, which may prolong your illness and worsen your cough.

Can drinking cold beverages make a cough worse?

Yes, very cold drinks can irritate a sensitive throat, which can trigger more coughing. It is often better to consume fluids at room temperature or warm.

What is a good alternative to coffee when sick?

A good alternative to coffee is caffeine-free herbal tea, such as ginger or peppermint tea. It provides warmth and hydration without the dehydrating or stimulating effects of caffeine.

Is it okay to have honey in my tea if I have a cough?

Yes, honey is an excellent addition to warm tea. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent that can help soothe an irritated throat and reduce coughing.