Is it true that alcohol makes a cold last twice as long?!
Is it true that alcohol makes a cold last twice as long?
A couple friends were arguing about it.
Answers:
Yes, but you won't remember it and it'll seem shorter.
Alcohol lowers the immune system which can allow you to catch more viruses. But make a cold last longer, no.
It certainly feels that way.
No, Alcohol is sterile and kills bugs in your system. If i ever get the flu and feel like death warmed up, i usually have a glass of straight scotch or if it's cold i put khalua in my tea and coffee. I find it helps, if nothing else to sleep better at night
Alcohol in quantity has two distinct effects on the body, dehydration and sedation. The body loses water and you get sleepy. Both lower the metabolic rate at which your body works, so YES, it will take longer to get over a cold since your body is healing itself at a slower rate, but it is not clear how much longer it will take, so twice as long, may be stretching it a bit.
Doctors have always recommend plenty of water & rest. Never any alcohol to get better.
Never drink while on medication.
But a glass of wine every now and then is good for your heart.
That's a pretty set figure, how did they come up with that?
Having a night of drinking while you have a cold will slow down the healing process because while your body is slow and trying to fight the alcohol the cold will be flourishing. As to twice as long I doubt it. You may feel sicker the next day, but it will on;y slow the healing by a day or so, depending on how healthy you were to begin with of course.
In any case it's probably better to put off the heavy drinking until you get well. You'll feel better and have more fun, but having a casual beer or a glass of wine won't hurt you, plus red wine has antioxidants.
it all depends on what you're drinking
i like drinking hot tea and brandy when i get a cold
but i don't like beer or wine when i get a cold
Alcool weakens your body's immune system.
I dont think it makes a cold last longer. When i feel cruddy i usually dink a 12 pack of light beer and try "lack of a better term" piss it out