Be careful with the consumption of caffeine, because in addition to dehydrating, it has a slight diuretic effect, so it is not at all recommended in the presence of vomiting and diarrhea.
Hot drinks are often thought of as a cure for various respiratory illnesses, such as colds or flu, and studies show that hot drinks can help relieve symptoms such as runny noses and sore throats.
When it comes to coffee, however, things are not that simple, and one of the biggest reasons is that it keeps us awake, and when it's sick, the body needs rest.
"Caffeine is a stimulant, and its stimulant nature can be counterproductive," says Suan Hassig, a professor of epidemiology at the University of New Orleans School of Public Health.
And he adds that "when you're dealing with a viral infection, you really need to rest well."
Hassig says sleep helps the body fight and recover from viruses, and since coffee's purpose is to keep us awake, it can make it harder to get the sleep we need right now. The same goes for energy drinks, which often contain more caffeine than a cup of coffee.
"Too much caffeine can be bad for you, even when you're in the best of health," Hassig says, and when consumed in large amounts, coffee can dehydrate us.
Dr. Daniel Monti, chair of the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences in Philadelphia, adds to HuffPost that you should be careful with caffeine consumption, as it has a mild diuretic effect in addition to being dehydrating.
Instead, it's important to hydrate with water, Dr. Monti said, adding that “if you're vomiting or have diarrhea from an illness, it's especially important to stay hydrated (water, not coffee).
"Dehydration can be a worrying factor if the illness is serious and is, for example, a more severe form of flu," says the doctor and adds that then coffee is not good because it can also upset the stomach.
Dr. Hassig adds that "some infections like the flu can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms, and aggravating the entire system from the stomach to the intestines is just not a good idea."
"In such a case, it is advisable to skip the morning coffee as well. Otherwise, there's nothing wrong with a cup of coffee, especially in the first half of the day, because it can prevent headaches and help us function," says Dr. Hassig, "but you have to be moderate and get enough rest."
He believes that “it is very important to maintain a good level of hydration at all times, especially during illness, with plain water, natural juices, and warm herbal teas and hot soup being the most appropriate. /BGNES
