Does Coffee Actually Dehydrate You? No, and Here’s Why - GoodRx (2024)

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Does Coffee Actually Dehydrate You? No, and Here’s Why - GoodRx? ›

The caffeine in coffee has diuretic effects, meaning it causes your body to pass more urine. But these effects are too mild to cause dehydration, especially if you're a regular coffee drinker. There's a lot of water in coffee, so it may even be hydrating for some people.

If you feel like you need a bathroom break shortly after drinking your java, it's not your imagination—but in moderate amounts, coffee won't lead to dehydration. “Coffee is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production,” says Sarah Olszewski, RDN, a registered dietitian and nutrition advisor for Cure.

Caffeine is a diuretic and dehydration is possible if you have 5 cups or more of a caffeinated drink every day. It's still a good idea to drink at least 8 glasses of water no matter how much coffee you consume.

Juices and sports drinks are also hydrating -- you can lower the sugar content by diluting them with water. Coffee and tea also count in your tally. Many used to believe that they were dehydrating, but that myth has been debunked. The diuretic effect does not offset hydration.

For example, many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and spinach, are almost 100% water by weight. In addition, beverages such as milk, juice and herbal teas are composed mostly of water. Even caffeinated drinks — such as coffee and soda — can contribute to your daily water intake.

Most studies show that coffee has protective effects on the kidneys, thanks to antioxidants. Drinking coffee is associated with: A lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) Better kidney function (the kidney is less likely to lose protein in the urine)

When you remove the caffeine (or at least most of it), decaf coffee has no diuretic effects whatsoever, making it a worry-free way to stay hydrated throughout the day. Unlike many artificially flavoured soft drinks, drinking decaf coffee also has other health benefits.

So, while it's generally assumed safe to drink coffee and not risk dehydration, that doesn't mean it's safe to completely eliminate water from your daily fluid intake. If you drink only coffee and no water, you could become dehydrated.

Coffee is a diuretic (something that dehydrates your body) so in the morning before coffee always dring water, and with every cup of coffee, you should dring at least two cups of water to balance out your organism.

What is the best drink for dehydration of seniors? ›

To prevent dehydration, you should drink water throughout the day. Water is best, but other drinks can also be helpful like milk, flavored sparkling water, and low-sugar fruit juices. Even frequent small sips are helpful if you cannot drink a full glass at a time.

Lemon water is a refreshing drink that can provide vitamin C and help someone maintain hydration. However, lemon water is unlikely to add any significant nutritional benefits. Lemon water is a popular home remedy, with some online sources claiming it can improve digestion, detox the body, or promote weight loss.

When you stay hydrated, your urine will be a light yellow, close-to-clear. If you're getting dehydrated, you'll notice that your urine is becoming a deep amber or even light brown. Sometimes your urine color can indicate a health condition you must address.

Not only does it lead to poor fluid balance, it can cause long term health conditions. While it is important to drink enough water everyday, only drinking water is not enough to stay hydrated. To be hydrated, you need to replenish your fluids as well as your electrolytes.

By hydrating before consuming your coffee, you ensure that your brain has the water reserves it needs for these cognitive tasks. Coffee is a natural diuretic, meaning it promotes urine production and can potentially lead to dehydration if consumed in large amounts without replenishing your body's water stores.

The severity of symptoms vary from individual to individual, and most commonly include a headache, fatigue, decreased energy/activeness, decreased alertness, drowsiness, decreased contentedness, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and feeling foggy/not clearheaded.

It should be safe for you to drink coffee if you have a liver condition. There is some evidence that it can slow down the progress of liver disease in some people. Some research found that people were less likely to die of liver disease or to develop cirrhosis if they drank coffee.

Coffee, tea, and soda contain caffeine, a natural diuretic. While these drinks don't cause dehydration, large amounts may increase urine production. Cold carbonated drinks may be more thirst-quenching, potentially causing you to drink less water.

Background: Caffeine and related methylxanthine compounds are recognized as having a diuretic action, and consumers are often advised to avoid beverages containing these compounds in situations where fluid balance may be compromised.

Does caffeine help ADHD? ›

Based on current research, caffeine might help with improving certain symptoms of ADHD in adults by increasing focus, alertness, and motivation. However, there isn't enough evidence to recommend caffeine as a treatment for adult ADHD. There's also a risk of interaction between caffeine and stimulant medications.

If caffeine does not affect you it may be due to your genetics, lack of sleep, or increased tolerance. To boost your energy without caffeine, try exercising, going outside, or eating a healthy snack.