Sipping on a Hot Toddy May Do More Harm Than Good When You're Sick.
A steaming cup of whisky, honey, lemon, and water - sounds like just what you need when you're feeling under the weather. But what about the risks? Experts say it's not a great idea to have a hot toddy when you're sick.
In fact, it can be downright dangerous. Consuming alcohol while taking sedative medications like Benadryl can lead to increased risks of falling and overdose. This is particularly concerning for people over 65 due to their slower metabolism.
Drinking on an empty stomach can also cause a drop in blood sugar levels, leading to dizziness. And if you're diabetic or pre-diabetic, this can be especially problematic.
But there are some ingredients that can actually help when you have a cold. Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, as well as ginger, may boost your immune system. Honey can also provide some much-needed energy by releasing a small amount of sugar.
Staying hydrated is key when it comes to fighting off an illness. Drinking plenty of hot water can help loosen mucus and reduce the likelihood of headaches. And if you're not feeling up to eating, there are still ways to get some nutrients in - like chicken noodle soup or a sports drink like Gatorade.
So while sipping on a hot toddy may sound appealing when you're stuck in bed with a cold, it's better to stick to the basics. Get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, and keep those non-boozy drinks coming. Your body - and your doctor - will thank you.
A steaming cup of whisky, honey, lemon, and water - sounds like just what you need when you're feeling under the weather. But what about the risks? Experts say it's not a great idea to have a hot toddy when you're sick.
In fact, it can be downright dangerous. Consuming alcohol while taking sedative medications like Benadryl can lead to increased risks of falling and overdose. This is particularly concerning for people over 65 due to their slower metabolism.
Drinking on an empty stomach can also cause a drop in blood sugar levels, leading to dizziness. And if you're diabetic or pre-diabetic, this can be especially problematic.
But there are some ingredients that can actually help when you have a cold. Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, as well as ginger, may boost your immune system. Honey can also provide some much-needed energy by releasing a small amount of sugar.
Staying hydrated is key when it comes to fighting off an illness. Drinking plenty of hot water can help loosen mucus and reduce the likelihood of headaches. And if you're not feeling up to eating, there are still ways to get some nutrients in - like chicken noodle soup or a sports drink like Gatorade.
So while sipping on a hot toddy may sound appealing when you're stuck in bed with a cold, it's better to stick to the basics. Get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, and keep those non-boozy drinks coming. Your body - and your doctor - will thank you.
. Like, who thought it was a good idea to mix booze with meds? That's just asking for trouble 
. And what about people who can't even afford the fancy-schmancy honey they're supposed to use in their hot toddy? It's all just a bunch of misinformation and overpriced products 
. Can we just stick to some good old-fashioned hydration and rest like our parents told us to? 
I mean, I'd rather not have to deal with the side effects of something that's supposed to cure me when I'm already feeling crummy 
.
. I mean, the pros seem to outweigh the cons, but what if it's just not good for you? Like, drinking whisky and Benadryl together is pretty sketchy 
. On the other hand, chicken noodle soup does sound really appealing right now 
. Maybe I'll just stick to a warm cup of water with some honey and lemon instead? That way, I can still feel cozy without risking my health 
.
anyway i think its kinda funny bc now i'm all for drinking ginger tea or eating chicken noodle soup when im feeling under the weather. i mean who doesn't love a good bowl of noodles when they're stuck at home w/ a box of tissues? 
and btw has anyone tried those new immune-boosting drinks from Amazon? i just ordered one rn 
, thinkin a hot toddy is gonna fix everythin, newsflash: it can actually make u worse 
especially when ur sick and already feelin like crap, throw in some booze and u got a recipe for disaster 
. im all about vitamin c and ginger right now, they r the real MVPs 
, and honey? yeah idk bout that one, sounds like sugar comin outta nowhere 
. anyway, stay hydrated, get rest, eat something kinda not disgusting, ur body will thx u 
... anyway, point is, if you're not used to drinking booze, be careful 'cause I've heard those meds can kick your system into overdrive. Stick to water and some decent food, and let your body do its thing 
is it too late to drink some ginger tea or something? 
. At least I know that drinking lots of water is still a good idea, and eating chicken noodle soup can be a lifesaver when you're feeling crummy 
. Plus, I've taken Benadryl and whisky with water no problem, and I'm still kicking 
. Don't be so alarmist, experts! A little booze never hurt anyone... probably 
.
. The risks far outweigh any temporary feel-good vibes. Plus, our grandparents' metabolism is slower, so that already puts them at risk of problems 
.
can make a huge difference in how your body fights off the infection.
. As someone who's always trying new ways to feel better, I think we need to stick to what we know: rest, healthy foods, and good old hydration 
!
.
. My body (and doc) will thank me for it 
I mean who needs that extra risk of falling over or having a sugar crash? Not me, that's for sure. But seriously, if you're feeling crummy, just grab a cuppa tea or some soup and chill out. Your body will thank you, trust me. And don't even get me started on Benadryl... I've heard it's like a recipe for disaster! 
You know what's crazy though? How often we look for shortcuts when we're not feeling well, right? We want to feel better FAST, but in reality, sometimes taking care of ourselves is the best medicine. 
It's all about finding that balance and trusting our bodies to do their thing. I mean, think about it... if you were trying to fix a leaky faucet, would you just throw some duct tape at it or take the time to actually fix it? 
Same thing with our health! 
. And what's up with all the booze? Can't we just stick to water or tea or something without the extra kick?!