Beer: A Cold Cure Or Just An Old Wives' Tale?

Drinking alcohol is a common way to unwind and de-stress, but can it help cure a cold? While some believe that drinking beer can help fight off a cold, there is little scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, consuming alcohol can actually have negative effects on the body when it is sick.

The idea that alcohol can help prevent or cure a cold gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the symptoms of the virus were similar to those of a common cold. People believed that if alcohol could prevent COVID-19 by rubbing it on the hands, then drinking it would have a similar effect. However, this belief is highly fallacious and lacks scientific backing.

While alcohol can be effective as a topical disinfectant, it is not effective when consumed. In fact, drinking alcohol can weaken the body's ability to fight off infection and make it more susceptible to getting sick. Additionally, alcohol can interrupt sleep, which is crucial for recovery.

So, while having a beer or two may not be the worst thing when you're sick, it's important to remember that it won't cure your cold and may even prolong your recovery.

Beer can help fight the virus that causes the common cold

Beer has long been touted as a remedy for the common cold, with some evidence to support this claim. Firstly, beer contains alcohol, which has been shown to increase pain tolerance, promote feelings of well-being by releasing endorphins, and reduce sleep onset time. While alcohol can impair sleep quality, getting adequate sleep is crucial for preventing and recovering from a cold.

Secondly, hot beverages, including warmed beer, can provide relief from various cold and flu symptoms. A 2008 study found that a hot drink provided immediate and sustained relief from symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness, and tiredness. Although the study used a hot fruit drink, the findings suggest that a warm beer could offer similar benefits.

Thirdly, hops, one of the key ingredients in beer, have been linked to improved sleep. A 2012 Spanish study confirmed the sedative properties of hops, and another study showed that women who drank one bottle of non-alcoholic beer with hops per night experienced improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety levels. Additionally, a 2015 US study identified sleep as the most crucial factor in preventing colds, even more so than age, stress, race, education, or income.

Furthermore, beer often contains beneficial vitamins. A 2012 Japanese study found that the chemical compound "humulone" found in hops has virus-fighting properties. However, it's important to note that a person would need to consume about 30 twelve-ounce beers to reap these benefits, which is not advisable due to the excessive alcohol and calorie intake. Nevertheless, a single beer may provide up to 12.5% of the recommended daily dose of Vitamin B6, which enhances metabolism and helps the body utilize energy and nutrients more efficiently.

Lastly, some studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption, including beer, can boost the immune system and reduce the risk of catching a cold. For example, a German study found that drinking alcohol-free wheat beer decreased the likelihood of contracting a cold by 33%.

In conclusion, while beer may offer some benefits in fighting the virus that causes the common cold, it is important to consume it in moderation and be aware of potential drawbacks, such as dehydration. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on health, and it is always advisable to prioritize rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications when recovering from an illness.

Alcohol is a disinfectant

Additionally, alcohol can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections. It can also disrupt your sleep, which is essential for preventing and recovering from a cold. Alcohol interferes with REM sleep, the most restorative type of sleep, and activates a sleep pattern called alpha activity, which prevents your body from getting the deep sleep it needs.

While beer may not be an effective cure for a cold, some of its ingredients do have potential health benefits. Hops, for example, contain a chemical compound called humulone, which has been found to have antiviral properties. However, it would take consuming approximately 30 twelve-ounce beers to get a significant amount of humulone, which is not recommended due to the high calorie and alcohol intake.

Instead of turning to alcohol, there are other effective remedies to treat a cold. Over-the-counter sources of Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid can help strengthen your immune system and increase your resistance to the common cold. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as fruit juices, honey and lemon mixtures, or lukewarm water, can also aid in hydration and support your recovery. Getting adequate rest is crucial, as it gives your body the energy it needs to fight off the infection.

Beer may help with cold prevention

While beer cannot cure a cold, some evidence suggests it may help with cold prevention and assist in recovery. However, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful, and beer should not be considered a substitute for proper medical treatment. With that said, here are some ways in which beer may help prevent or alleviate cold symptoms:

Alcohol's Effects on Pain, Mood, and Sleep

Alcohol has been shown to increase pain tolerance, release endorphins, and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. While it may disrupt sleep quality, getting adequate sleep is crucial for preventing and recovering from a cold.

Hot Beverages Provide Relief from Cold Symptoms

A 2008 study found that hot beverages provided immediate and sustained relief from various cold and flu symptoms, including a runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness, and tiredness. Although the study used a hot fruit drink, the findings suggest that a warm beer could offer similar benefits.

Hops as a Sleep and Anxiety Aid

Hops, one of the key ingredients in beer, have been shown to possess sedative properties. A study on women who drank one bottle of non-alcoholic beer with hops per night showed improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety levels. Additionally, a well-rested body is better equipped to fight off infections.

Beer Contains Helpful Vitamins

Beer contains vitamin B6, which enhances metabolism and helps unlock and utilize the energy and nutrients in food. This extra energy and nutrient boost may be advantageous when fighting a cold. Unfiltered or bottle-conditioned beers typically have the highest amount of vitamin B6.

Beer and Alcohol's Impact on the Immune System

Some studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may boost the immune system. For example, a German study found that drinking alcohol-free wheat beer reduced the risk of catching a cold by 33%. However, it is essential to note that excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to illness.

In conclusion, while beer may offer some potential benefits in cold prevention and recovery, it is not a cure-all. Maintaining a balanced perspective and consuming beer in moderation, if at all, is essential for overall health and well-being.

Beer can be a pain reliever

Drinking beer will not cure a cold, but it may help with cold prevention and assist in recovery.

Alcohol as a Pain Reliever

Firstly, beer contains alcohol, and alcohol has been scientifically shown to increase tolerance to pain. It also releases endorphins, which promote feelings of well-being. However, it is important to note that alcohol is not a cure for a cold and excessive consumption can be harmful.

Beer and Alcohol as an Immune System Booster

A German study involving athletes showed that the risk of catching a cold was reduced by 33% after drinking alcohol-free wheat beer. Meanwhile, two other studies found that moderate alcohol consumption boosts the immune system. However, drinking alcohol can weaken the body's ability to fight off infection, and a weakened immune system can make the body more susceptible to getting sick and slow down recovery.

Beer Often Contains Helpful Vitamins

The chemical compound "humulone" found in hops has virus-fighting properties according to a 2012 Japanese study. However, you would need to consume the equivalent of about 30 twelve-ounce beers to get the antivirus benefits, which is not recommended. Instead, drinking moderate amounts of beer can have other health benefits, such as increasing bone density and reducing the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer's, and other types of dementia.

Hot Beverages Provide Relief from Cold and Flu Symptoms

According to a 2008 study by the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University, scientists found that a "hot drink provided immediate and sustained relief from symptoms of a runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness, and tiredness." While the study was conducted using a hot fruit drink, it lends support to the idea that a warm beverage, such as beer, could provide similar relief from cold symptoms.

Hops as a Sleep Aid

A Spanish study from 2012 confirmed the sedative properties of hops, and a subsequent study showed that women who drank one bottle (330 ml/11.16 oz) of non-alcoholic beer containing hops per night had improved sleep quality and reduced levels of anxiety. Sleep is an important factor in preventing colds and aiding recovery. However, it is important to note that alcohol can also impair sleep quality, so drinking beer in moderation is key.

Beer can improve sleep quality

While drinking beer cannot cure a cold, it may help improve sleep quality. Sleep is the single most important factor in preventing colds, according to a 2015 U.S. study. People who sleep six hours or less per night are four times more likely to catch a cold when exposed to the virus, compared to those who sleep more than seven hours.

A Spanish study from 2012 confirmed the sedative properties of hops, a chemical compound found in beer. A subsequent study showed that women who drank one 330ml bottle of non-alcoholic beer with hops per night had improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety levels.

However, it is important to note that alcohol can also disrupt sleep. It can impair REM sleep, the most restorative type of sleep, and turn on the sleep pattern called alpha activity, which prevents the body from getting deep sleep. Therefore, while moderate consumption of non-alcoholic beer may help improve sleep quality, excessive consumption of alcoholic beer may have the opposite effect.

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