Having a sore throat can be uncomfortable and annoying. When you’re not feeling well, it’s natural to want to find ways to soothe your symptoms. Some people believe that drinking beer can help a sore throat, while others argue that alcohol will only make things worse. So what’s the truth? Here, we’ll explore whether beer is actually bad for a sore throat and look at the potential benefits and drawbacks.
What Causes a Sore Throat?
Before looking at how beer impacts a sore throat, it helps to understand what causes this symptom in the first place. A sore throat is pain or irritation in the back of the throat and tonsils. It has a number of potential causes:
- Viral infections like colds and flu
- Bacterial infections like strep throat
- Allergies and sinus drainage
- Dry air or environmental irritants
- Smoking cigarettes
- Acid reflux
In most cases, viruses are the main culprit. Colds, influenza, mono, and other viruses can cause inflammation and pain in the throat as part of the upper respiratory infection they produce. Bacterial infections like strep throat are less common but also lead to throat pain and discomfort. Allergies, air pollution, dry air, and cigarettes can all irritate the throat as well.
How Might Beer Help a Sore Throat?
There are a few reasons why some people believe that drinking beer may actually help provide relief when you have a sore throat:
- Alcohol numbs pain – Beer contains alcohol, which has analgesic or pain-relieving properties. The alcohol may slightly numb the throat, making soreness and irritation less noticeable.
- Carbonation soothes – The carbonation in beer can provide a soothing sensation to an irritated throat when you swallow. The small bubbles seem to coat and calm the throat.
- Fluid hydrates – Beer contains water and staying hydrated is key when you’re sick. The fluid can help thin out mucus and keep the throat from drying out.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the carbonation and alcohol in beer may temporarily minimalize sore throat discomfort in some people. There’s no scientific research to support beer as an effective sore throat remedy, but many drinkers swear by it.
What Are the Drawbacks of Beer for a Sore Throat?
On the other hand, there are also several reasons why beer may actually make a sore throat feel worse rather than better:
- Alcohol irritates – While it does have numbing effects, alcohol is an irritant. Beer’s alcohol content could cause further inflammation and irritation to the already aggravated throat tissue.
- Carbonation stings – Those bubbles might hurt rather than help. Carbonation can sting an inflamed, sensitive throat.
- Inhibits immune function – Drinking alcohol suppresses the immune system, which is the last thing you want when fighting off an infection.
- Dehydrates – Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it promotes water loss. This can lead to dehydration and dryness.
- Potential allergies – Some people may be sensitive to ingredients in beer like hops or wheat.
While a beer may temporarily make your throat feel better, it can end up aggravating symptoms later on. The dehydration and potential irritation and inflammation from alcohol likely override any benefits.
What Does Science Say About Beer and Sore Throats?
There unfortunately isn’t much research specifically on beer as a remedy for sore throats. However, there are a few relevant scientific insights:
- A 2016 study found that alcohol mouthwash was not effective at reducing throat pain compared to other rinses. The alcohol did not appear to “numb” sore throats as some believe.
- According to a 2015 review, gargling beer is a common folk remedy thought to ease symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. But there’s no evidence to support gargling beer for sore throats.
- One study found that vodka shots with added capsaicin (the fiery compound in chili peppers) provided minor temporary pain relief for sore throats. The vodka alone did not appear helpful.
Overall, current research neither confirms nor denies beer as an effective sore throat remedy. There’s an absence of evidence to recommend beer for throat symptoms. Much more research would be needed to substantiate beer or other alcoholic beverages as sore throat treatments.
Other Ways to Soothe a Sore Throat
Rather than beer, there are several other science-backed ways to get relief when your throat is sore:
- Hot liquids – Drinking hot tea, broth, and other warm beverages can be very soothing. The heat helps relax throat muscles.
- Humidity – Using a humidifier adds moisture to dry air, preventing a sore throat from worsening. Hard candy also keeps the throat moist.
- Saltwater gargle – Gargling with warm salt water helps reduce swelling and wash away mucus and irritants.
- Throat lozenges – Cough drops and throat lozenges contain anesthetics to numb pain and ingredients like menthol and eucalyptus to cool irritation.
- Pain relievers – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can help reduce sore throat pain and inflammation.
- Rest your voice – Talking less gives your throat a chance to heal. Whispering and yelling should also be avoided.
Using these remedies and taking it easy on your throat as much as possible will aid healing without the potential negatives of alcohol consumption.
The Bottom Line
Here is a summary of the key points on whether drinking beer is an effective remedy when you have a sore throat:
- Some people believe beer may help a sore throat due to alcohol’s numbing effects, carbonation, and hydration.
- However, beer could also worsen a sore throat by irritating the throat, promoting dehydration, and inhibiting immune function.
- Very little scientific research exists on using beer or other alcohol for sore throat relief.
- Traditional remedies like warm liquids, pain relievers, throat lozenges, saltwater gargles, and humidifiers are better supported.
- More research is needed overall, but beer cannot currently be recommended as an evidence-based sore throat treatment.
While the carbonation and cool temperature of a beer may temporarily feel nice, any pain relief is likely short-lived. The risks likely outweigh any potential benefits when you weigh all the evidence. When trying to beat a sore throat, you’re better off sticking with water and other healthy beverages.
If symptoms persist or worsen, be sure to see your doctor. They can determine if your sore throat is from a bacterial infection like strep that requires medication. With rest and proper care, your throat should be feeling better soon!