Experts explained how coffee affects immunity

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If you type the words “coffee is good” and “coffee is harmful” into the search engine, the number of results will be approximately the same. On the one hand, coffee beans are rich in unique antioxidants that help fight heart disease, Parkinson's disease, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and even some types of cancer.

On the other hand, this drink disrupts sleep. , increases the acidity of gastric juice, interferes with the assimilation of some important vitamins and can lead to dehydration of the body. But the most important question that worries all of us in the era of the pandemic is, of course, the effect of coffee on immunity. Does coffee help us cope with diseases or, conversely, does it increase our vulnerability to the virus? Let's try to figure it out.

Coffee and “colds” – what is the connection

If you have already contracted a viral infection – a relatively harmless “cold” or a more dangerous illness – you should avoid coffee and even tea. Firstly, caffeine really contributes to dehydration, which makes it even harder for the body to cope with the virus. Secondly, many of us drink coffee with sugar, and during illness it is better to give up sweets altogether, because sugar suppresses the immune system. Finally, the stimulating effect of caffeine does not allow us to rest properly, which is critically important for a quick and complete recovery.

How coffee affects immunity

One of the main properties of caffeine is an increase in the hormone cortisol. It is this “stress” hormone that our body produces throughout the day, it helps us stay alert and energetic. But an excess, especially chronic, of this hormone is dangerous for our health.

Studies have confirmed the connection between a constant increase in cortisol and a high risk of diabetes, heart disease, obesity and other diseases. In addition, increased cortisol suppresses the immune system and we become more vulnerable to various diseases.

Another undesirable property of coffee is its ability to block vitamin C, which is known to be especially important for fighting viruses.

So, does it mean that coffee weakens our immunity? Not quite: if you drink coffee correctly, it will not only not weaken, but also strengthen our resistance to diseases.

How to drink coffee correctly to get sick less

There are several rules that all coffee lovers should follow so that the drink brings not only pleasure, but also benefits.

• First, wash down each cup of coffee with a glass of water – this way you will maintain water balance and protect yourself from dehydration.
• Second, try to drink coffee without sugar and desserts, especially if you feel sick.
• Third, drink your last cup of coffee six hours before bedtime: caffeine takes a long time to be eliminated from the body, and until it is eliminated, it provokes the production of cortisol.
• Fourth, arrange caffeine-free days: short breaks restore caffeine tolerance and allow you to get by with a smaller dose.

And most importantly, try to savor every cup and even every sip consciously: after all, the happier and better we feel, the higher our natural defenses!