Sick and Drinking? Here's Why

About this episode

This episode discusses how alcohol can exacerbate cold and flu symptoms and the importance of taking a break from drinking when sick.

Ever notice your cold feels worse after a few drinks? There’s a reason for that. When you're sick, your body is already working overtime to fight infection. Alcohol can add extra stress by disrupting sleep, increasing dehydration, amplifying inflammation, and draining energy when you need it most. In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down: Why alcohol can make cold and flu symptoms feel more intense How dehydration worsens congestion, headaches, and fatigue The connection between alcohol, sleep quality, and immune recovery Why brain fog feels worse when you're sick and drinking The role of nutrients like Vitamin B1 and NAC during recovery 🎧 Tune in and learn why giving your body a break from alcohol may be one of the best things you can do when you're under the weather.

People in this episode

Host: Mike Hardenbrook

Topics covered

• alcohol and health
• cold and flu
• dehydration
• sleep quality
• immune recovery
• nutrients

Keywords

• alcohol
• cold symptoms
• flu
• dehydration
• sleep
• immune system
• Vitamin B1
• NAC
• brain fog

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• Why Drinking Can Make You Cold · April 23, 2026 · 9 min
• The Organ Alcohol Quietly Hits · April 21, 2026 · 9 min
• Why Drinking Dries Your Eyes · April 16, 2026 · 10 min
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