Monday’s Myth — Caffeinated Beverages and Dehydration

I like coffee … especially in the winter (on a related note, I do not like winters in PA)

I’ve often heard or read that drinking caffeinated beverages causes dehydration. And even though caffeinated drinks contain water, that water doesn’t really help you because it’s counter-acted by the caffeine. As a runner, I wondered about this, because I know how crucial staying hydrated is for my energy levels, especially during a long run. I was happy to discover recently…

That’s a myth.

Not healthy!

According to a review in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics …

Drinking normal levels of caffeinated beverages does not cause a net dehydration effect. The mild diuretic effect of caffeine is offset by the large amount of water in the caffeinated beverage.

Note: the key word is normal … if you are drinking a full pot of coffee by yourself, you will probably see negative results from it.

But if you enjoy a cup or two to get going in the morning … stop thinking that it is bad for you.

The stress of worrying that the caffeine is bad for you is worse for you than the caffeine is.

The same holds true for drinking a soda every now and then. If you enjoy soda occasionally, the caffeine won’t dehydrate you. But if you’re drinking a 6-pack of soda a day… you will probably see negative results.

Our bodies are amazing and as long as we drink plenty of water, we should be able to handle some caffeine without causing dehydration.

Moderation is where it’s at.

 

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What are your thoughts on caffeine’s effect on staying hydrated? 

 

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  • http://www.glitterinthesun.com Jane Wells

    Yay!!!!

  • Cheryl irvin

    Thanks janet. I am back to playing tennis several mornings a week and I do worry in the Florida sun about my morning coffee! Loving the book! Talk to you soon!

    • http://www.JanetOberholtzer.com Janet Oberholtzer

      Tennis in the FL sun … sounds lovely. Have fun!

  • http://www.momof4braves.blogspot.com Rhonda Schrock

    One word – YIPPEE!!!  

  • http://kclanderson.com KCLAnderson (Karen)

    Lately I’ve been thinking that for every expert (or study) there is an equal and opposite expert (or study). I am very sensitive to dehydration so I make sure to drink a lot of water, ESPECIALLY if I am working out, drinking anything with caffeine, or drinking alcohol. I find that I feel better as a result. That said? I know others for whom this isn’t an issue, so it really is a matter of listening to one’s own body and learning to trust its signals!

    Not sure why, but I am finding that my body doesn’t enjoy coffee like it used to. I like the ritual of it, and the first few sips, but I find that I usually can’t drink more than half a cup. Not sure why…there are times when I drink more, and feel okay, but not often. So, as I said, I just listen to what my body is telling me…

    • http://www.JanetOberholtzer.com Janet Oberholtzer

      Karen, so true! 
      We need to listen to and trust our own bodies … and do what works for ourselves. 

  • http://www.madebydenise.net Denise Smedley

    I thought it did dehydrate you… so glad that’s a myth!  I honestly do grab a soda when I’m thirsty sometimes.. it’s just what I want and I don’t feel like it’s not refreshing me, but I still try to limit the amount.

    • http://www.JanetOberholtzer.com Janet Oberholtzer

      According to some recent studies, moderate servings will not dehydrate you, but moderation is the key, it’s when we overload our bodies with too much, too soon, too fast that we do harm.