Coffee is an enjoyable beverage enjoyed by many people; however, some are questioning its effects on sore throats.
Coffee may help soothe sore throats in moderation; however, it should be kept in mind that its acidity could aggravate an already sensitive throat or dehydrate your body further, worsening symptoms even further.
Caffeine
Caffeine is an all-natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate, cola drinks and energy drinks; it is also an ingredient used in cough, cold and pain medicines.
Though caffeine is generally safe, it may lead to side effects including headaches and dehydration, increased blood pressure and heart rate; and an increase in your pregnancy or breastfeeding risk. Therefore pregnant and breastfeeding mothers as well as people who have high blood pressure or diabetes should limit or avoid caffeine consumption altogether.
Drink plenty of fluids when suffering from a sore throat to stay hydrated and maintain moisture in your throat. Incorporating fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants into your diet to relieve symptoms such as sore throat.
Caffeine may help relieve sore throat symptoms in several ways, possibly related to its effect on brain’s adenosine receptors. When taken in adequate amounts, adenosine builds up and causes fatigue – however when taken as caffeine it blocks this effect, keeping you alert and awake.
However, caffeine can interfere with your sleeping patterns and cause difficulty with falling or staying asleep. It can make you wake early, go to bed late and struggle to achieve adequate deep and slow-wave rest – essential components for feeling rejuvenated the next day.
Drinking too much caffeine may result in dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain – symptoms to look out for are dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach ache. If these issues arise for you it is wise to discontinue caffeine consumption for at least a few days while consulting your physician about possible solutions.
Anxiety can also be caused by drinking too much caffeine, due to the stimulant’s influence on your brain causing feelings of drowsiness which then progress into anxiety. Consuming coffee along with antidepressant or other drugs that target the brain may further negatively alter your state.
Many people take caffeine to enhance memory and cognitive performance, aid with weight loss, and decrease risk of glaucoma – an eye disease which damages optic nerves – while simultaneously decreasing levels of nitric oxide (which controls muscle relaxation and control) hormone. But caffeine should only be taken by people who understand its risks as it could raise blood pressure significantly and cause increased risk for developing it further. It should only be taken under medical advice.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are natural substances that protect against free radical damage to the body, while also strengthening immune response and improving health overall. You can find antioxidants in many food items.
Green coffee beans contain chlorogenic acids (CGA), which provide powerful antioxidant protection. Roasted coffee beans also contain various compounds like volatile heterocyclic acids and phenols that provide even further health benefits.
These compounds have an anti-inflammatory effect that can ease sore throat symptoms and discomfort, while also protecting against potential viral infections or diseases that cause colds.
Antioxidants are naturally-occurring compounds, so you can find them in many foods other than coffee – fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, herbs and spices are all great sources.
Berries are another fantastic source of antioxidants, packed full of essential vitamins and minerals that can help make you feel healthier. Furthermore, they’re high in fiber while being relatively sugar free.
Berries can also benefit your heart by helping to reduce blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease by helping reduce inflammation in blood vessels.
Your sore throat symptoms may also benefit from sipping hot or iced tea as an easy, natural and soothing solution. Tea can hydrate your body while encouraging swallowing and mucus clearance while keeping throat tissues supple and moist.
Tea is also abundant with flavonoids, natural plant chemicals that may provide anti-inflammatory benefits and found in various foods including apples, grapes, citrus fruits, berries, tea, onions and olive oil.
These essential nutrients are key for maintaining a strong immune system and can also help to prevent conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, heart disease and cancer. Eating healthily to maximize antioxidant intake will provide maximum benefits.
Water should always be consumed when suffering from a sore throat, as this helps to keep tissues and lungs hydrated and stimulate salivation production, which will lubricate mucous membranes while increasing blood flow to the area.
Hydration
Have you ever experienced sore throat symptoms that make eating and talking difficult? There are various remedies to help relieve them.
One of the best remedies for sore throats is staying hydrated. Dehydration caused by sore throat can increase pain and swelling, so drinking plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated is vital in order to combat soreness.
Hydrate by drinking herbal tea. Herbal tea’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce swelling and pain, while strengthening immunity and fighting infections.
Chamomile, peppermint, and licorice root herbal teas can provide soothing comfort when treating sore throats. Their soothing properties will also help alleviate discomfort caused by an sore throat.
Coffee is an enjoyable beverage that offers many health benefits, including sore throat relief. However, it should be consumed sparingly as coffee contains caffeine which should only be consumed when needed and in moderation.
Caffeine is a stimulant that increases alertness and decreases fatigue. Additionally, caffeine blocks adenosine molecules which cause inflammation to ease pain and swelling while also aiding sleep quality and helping prevent colds.
Though caffeine can help soothe sore throats in moderation, excessive consumption of caffeine can lead to dehydration. Therefore, it’s essential that patients hydrate themselves by drinking plenty of water and other non-caffeinated beverages instead, while avoiding drinks that might further irritate an already inflamed throat such as hot or acidic drinks.
Aim for light roast coffees that contain low to moderate caffeine content and select one with either no fat content or minimal fat content for optimal sore throat relief.
Your sore throat might also benefit from drinking a mixture of warm water, honey and lemon – this natural, healthy and effective approach could bring immediate relief to your throat discomfort.
If you feel as though medication might help soothe your sore throat, it is wise to consult your physician first before taking anything. Some medications may cause undesirable side effects like nausea and vomiting.
Temperature
Sore throats are frequently associated with colds and flu, but drinking coffee may provide relief. Hot beverages such as soup, hot chocolate and iced drinks may also help decrease nerve ending temperatures in your throat and therefore lessen pain signals.
However, when suffering from sore throat pain, drinking something too hot can cause painful burns on your tongue and even make you queasy. The National Coffee Association suggests drinking coffee between 179-185. degrees Fahrenheit for optimal comfort; but sips or slurping it quickly while inhaling air can help quickly cool it down to alleviate any potential discomfort of a scorched tongue.
Ideal brewing temperatures fall between 195-205 degrees F. To keep a consistent temperature for your brew, heat water to your ideal brewing temperature, then wait a couple minutes before adding your grounds and pouring over.
If using colder temperatures than boiling, brewing at a lower temperature is ideal so that coffee will extract properly. Acidic and fruity flavors will typically extract first followed by sweetness and balance before bitterness and caffeine are eventually extracted as compounds.
An ideal brew temperature will give your coffee the maximum flavour while maintaining its structure and texture, to ensure that it tastes its best when served to guests.
As a barista, I’m constantly experimenting with optimal brewing and serving temperatures to get the most from my coffee. There are numerous factors at play – personal taste as well as seasonality all have an impactful influence.
According to the National Coffee Association, optimal conditions for enjoying coffee should fall between 82 degC and 85 degC. While this can provide the optimal experience of sipping a delicious cup, its temperature can also cause it to scald your tongue with harsh coffee that leaves an unpleasant aftertaste in your mouth.
Ideal serving temperatures depend on the type and method of coffee consumption; however, an ideal temperature range for consumption would be 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature range you will experience many of its subtleties, along with aromas and volatile compounds being released.