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1000+ verified doctorsdoes sugarcane juice cause cold - #39523
I am feeling kinda confused and a little worried about something. So, last week, I drank a bunch of sugarcane juice — I mean, it was super refreshing and all that, especially the way that guy made it with the fresh ginger and lemon. I thought it would be a great healthy pick-me-up, but then a couple of days later, I started feeling this real weird chill, you know? Like, I feel a bit stuffy and my throat... ugh, it feels scratchy. I can't help but wonder, does sugarcane juice cause cold?? I've heard some people say that sugarcane juice can make you feel cold inside, and now I'm like, was that a bad choice? I don't normally drink sweet stuff, really, but this one time I went a bit overboard. I mean, I also did have some ice cream that night, which I probably shouldn’t have combined *with* the juice, but still! I’m trying to figure out if it's actually the sugarcane juice causing these symptoms or maybe it’s just the weather changing?? I really want to enjoy sugarcane juice again, but if it has some cold-inducing powers, I need to know! Any thoughts?
Doctors' responses
Sugarcane juice itself is not typically a direct cause of colds. In the context of Ayurveda, sugarcane juice has been categorized as madhura (sweet) and sheeta (cooling) in nature, with the potential to be balya (strengthening) when consumed in moderation. Its cooling property may sometimes lead to an increase in kapha dosha, which can contribute to symptoms like increased mucus or congestion, particularly if your typical diet or weather is also heavy and cooling in nature.
However, since you mentioned that you consumed quite an amount along with ice cream, it’s possible that this combination may have aggravated the kapha in your system, causing the stuffiness and scratchy throat you’re experiencing. The increased sugar and cooling foods might suppress agni (digestive fire), leading to an imbalance—often an underlying reason for accumulation of excess kapha dosha manifesting as cold.
If you wish to enjoy sugarcane juice again, try having it in smaller amounts and preferably during warm weather. To balance its cooling effect, you could include warming spices like ginger (as you already did, which is beneficial), black pepper, or a pinch of cinnamon.
To relieve the symptoms you’re experiencing now, consider undertaking a mild detox to balance your doshas and improve your agni. Warm drinks, such as ginger tea with honey, could help clear your throat, reduce mucus, and provide some relief. Avoid cold and heavy foods during this time, favoring instead light, warm, and easily digestible meals. A bit of pranayama—breathing exercises like kapalabhati—might assist in energizing your system and clearing nasal passages.
Incase symptoms persist, or worsen, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional.
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