What to drink when you have a cold?

When we have a cold, doctors often advise us: "Drink as much water as possible". In fact, the body when infected with a cold will need extra hydration to quickly recover. Some drinks are very effective in reducing the symptoms of the disease, however, some other drinks if not used carefully can make the condition worse. So what should patients not drink and what should they drink when they have a cold?

1. What is the best drink for colds?

1.1 Chicken soup What to drink when you have a cold? Since ancient times, chicken soup has always been considered an effective remedy for common colds. Chicken soup contains many essential nutrients for the body such as vitamins, minerals, calories and protein. Besides, chicken soup is also a great source of fluids and electrolytes - two essentials for hydration, especially if you have to go to the bathroom often. In addition, some studies also show chicken soup as a decongestant because it has the ability to clear nasal mucus more than other liquid foods. Chicken soup contains the amino acid cysteine, a substance that helps break down mucus and has anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In addition, it also contributes to the relief of symptoms such as cough, nasal congestion caused by colds thanks to the effect of inhibiting the activity of neutrophils.

1.2 Broths Similar to chicken soup, broth is a great source of hydration while you have a cold. Broths not only add flavor to meals, but they are also high in calories, vitamins, and a number of other minerals such as magnesium, calcium, folate and phosphorus.
The effect of broth will be multiplied if you use them while hot, because the hot steam can help open your nose more, relieve symptoms of nasal congestion and discomfort caused by colds. In addition, drinking broth is also a good way to stay hydrated. This is especially helpful in cases of stomach problems.

1.3 Coconut water Always keeping enough water for the body is one of the most important things that sick people need to keep in mind when they have a cold. Symptoms such as fever, heavy sweating, vomiting or diarrhea can cause you to lose a lot of water and electrolytes.
What to drink with a cold? Coconut water is the ideal choice. Not only does this drink have a sweet taste, but it also contains high levels of glucose and electrolytes needed for hydration.
Some studies also show that coconut water contains antioxidants and good control of blood sugar. However, it can cause more bloating than other electrolyte drinks.

Vì sao nước dừa tốt cho người bệnh sốt xuất huyết? — Nước dừa có vị ngọt thanh mát phù hơp với người bị cảm lạnh

1.4 Warm Tea When your throat is dry, enjoy a warm cup of tea right away. The heat of the tea will help soothe a stuffy nose, sore throat, upset stomach or chest congestion.
Tea also contains polyphenols - a type of natural substance found in plants that provides many health benefits such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, fungal and cancer.
To help increase the body's resistance to the immune system, you should drink a cup of warm ginger tea. In addition, you can also add a little honey to the drink to soothe coughs, nausea and help sleep better.

1.5 Lemon juice You can also add warm lemon water to rehydrate the body and help alleviate symptoms of shortness of breath and nasal congestion. Lemon contains a large amount of vitamin C, it will help the early colds be repelled if you use them regularly.

Nước chanh — Uống nước chanh giúp bổ sung vitamin C cho cơ thể

2. What should not drink when you have a cold?

Besides drinks that are very effective in alleviating the uncomfortable symptoms of a cold, others seem to do more harm than good. These drinks include:
2.1 Coffee Colds can weaken the body's immune system, so at times like these, you need to pay special attention to your daily diet. mine. Coffee is a favorite beverage of many people, but it contains caffeine - a substance that can stimulate nerves, make it difficult to sleep and is not effective for treating cold symptoms. cold.

2.2 Alcohol Drinking alcohol with a cold will dehydrate the body and make some symptoms worse, like headaches, nausea, or body aches. In addition, substances in alcohol also make the body less able to handle infection. Therefore, you should temporarily stop using alcohol until completely cured.

rượu vang trắng — Người cảm lạnh không nên uống rượu

2.3 Ginger Soda Although ginger in its natural form may offer some benefits for colds. However, ginger soda belongs to the carbonated and sugary beverage category, so they have lost the inherent effects of ginger.
In general, any soft drink has very little nutritional value and electrolytes needed to fight disease. Instead of drinking them, you should enjoy a cup of hot ginger tea and feel its effects after drinking.
Cold is a common illness, often appearing at the time of season change in both children and adults. Depending on the severity of the disease, you can treat it with Western medicine or supplement with foods and drinks that increase the body's resistance and reduce symptoms caused by the disease.

Đăng kí khám bệnh — Triệu chứng cảm lạnh kéo dài, người bệnh nên đến cơ sở y tế để được thăm khám và điều trị kịp thời

You should go to a medical center to be examined and consulted by a doctor because the symptoms of a cold are easy to confuse with some other dangerous diseases. To register for examination and treatment at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact the nationwide Vinmec Health System hotline, or register online HERE.
Reference source: symptoms.webmd.com; healthline.com; webmd.com
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