Why Milk with Honey Isn’t the Best Choice During a Cold?

Friends, have you heard about the popular cold remedy: warm milk with honey?

It sounds cozy, delicious, and healing, right? But does it really help? Not always. Let’s break down why milk might not be the best choice when you’re sick, and look at some nuances about using honey. 

Why milk isn’t beneficial during a cold

Triggers mucus production
Dairy products stimulate mucus production in the body. If you have a runny nose, cough, or nasal congestion, milk might make it worse by creating more blockage in your respiratory system. This can make breathing harder and slow down recovery.

Difficult to digest
During illness, your body focuses all its energy on fighting the infection. Milk requires significant resources for digestion, especially if you’re lactose intolerant or sensitive. This extra burden can exhaust your body and delay recovery.

May worsen inflammation
For some people, dairy products trigger or intensify inflammatory processes. During a cold or virus, this can make things worse, leading to a longer illness. 

What you need to know about honey

Honey does have beneficial properties, but consuming it also has its considerations:

Honey is almost sugar
Honey acts very similarly to regular sugar in the body. It can raise blood sugar levels, which triggers inflammation and weakens the immune response. During a cold, this might slow down the recovery process.

Quantity matters
Use honey in small amounts. If you crave sweetness, I recommend substituting honey with agave syrup. Agave has a lower glycemic index and is gentler on the body.

The temperature of your drink is important
Avoid adding honey to hot drinks. At temperatures above 40°C (104°F), honey loses its beneficial properties and becomes just a sweetener. Add it to warm water or tea after it has cooled slightly. 

Alternatives to milk with honey

If you’re looking for something warm and comforting during a cold, here are some healthier and tastier options:

Herbal teas
Choose ginger tea, chamomile, thyme, or rosehip infusion. These drinks warm you up, reduce inflammation, and support your body without creating additional mucus. Add a touch of lemon or agave syrup for flavor and extra benefits.

Warm water with lemon and agave syrup
Lemon provides vitamin C, and agave syrup adds sweetness without causing a sharp rise in blood sugar. This drink is not only delicious but also helps your body fight viruses.

Plant-based milk
If you want something “milky,” try oat, almond, or coconut milk. These are easier to digest, don’t promote mucus production, and pair well with other ingredients. 

Tips for a faster recovery

To help your body fight a cold, it’s important not only to choose the right drinks but also to care for your body overall. Here are a few simple tips:

• Drink plenty of warm liquids. This could be water, tea, or herbal infusions. Warmth and hydration help flush out toxins and reduce the strain on your body.
• Avoid dairy products. Even if you usually tolerate milk well, it can worsen your symptoms during a cold.
• Skip the sugar. Sugar weakens the immune system and can prolong your illness.
• Eat light, warm meals. Broths, soups, and stewed vegetables are exactly what your body needs to recover. 

The takeaway

Warm milk with honey might be a comforting childhood memory, but it’s not always the best choice during a cold. If you want to recover faster, choose drinks and foods that support your body’s fight against illness rather than adding extra strain. Herbal teas, warm water with lemon and agave syrup, or plant-based milk are the best options to keep yourself nourished and comforted during this challenging time.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones! Wishing you good health! ❤️