By Ganda Putra
Do you love to drink coffee? We are not talking about a cup here and there, but at least a few cups per day. People who drink coffee are always being warned about all of the problems. One problem commonly talked about is that coffee increases you need to drink more water because of the powerful coffee diuretic effect. Is this based on fact or just folklore?
The Personal Observations which Lead to a Coffee Diuretic Connection
When you drink a lot of coffee you may feel you are constantly heading to the bathroom to urinate. This observation has led many people to conclude they urinate a high amount of fluids, far in excess of normal. The problem with this observation is the lack of comparison. If the same person who drinks 4 large cups of coffee in the morning consumed the exact same amount of water would they urinate as often?
Most people have never taken the time to consider they are consuming far more liquid due to their coffee consumption than other people in the office. Of course with increased intake there will be increased output. This leads away from the coffee diuretic effect not towards it.
What Does Science Say About Coffee and Dehydration?
Since there has always been a high amount of speculation on the effects of coffee and caffeinated beverages effects on water retention is has been studied several times. The conclusions are probably going to shock you.
Every scientific study which has looked into the coffee diuretic connection has come back concluding there is no such connection. In high dosages of caffeine there was one study which did show a slightly elevated need to urinate, but otherwise all studies have concluded the intake of caffeinated beverages contribute to hydration just as effectively as other beverages. The one exception is water, which of course is the most efficient hydration beverage of all.
What about all of the Claims of Coffee Helping You Lose Excess Water Weight?
Coffee has been given all kinds of wild claims over the years, but there is one claim which has roots in truth. Since caffeine is a stimulant is does aid in increasing metabolism which burns off excess calories. You can see very slight increases in weight loss with the addition of coffee. In recent studies it has been determined there are other unknown stimulants in coffee which increase adrenalin and cortisone production, both natural stimulants. This can once again contribute to a higher metabolism.
While you may burn extra calories by consuming coffee it will not contribute to the loss of water weight. There is not substantiated proof of a real coffee diuretic effect. The next time someone starts warning you about drinking extra water due to your coffee consumption, but grab another cup of coffee. There is no evidence which indicates you need to worry. You can then point out the facts that coffee has been proven to be beneficial in reducing the risks of Alzheimer’s, gallstones, and Parkinson’s. Ask if they want you to grab them a cup, too.