Myth: Coffee dehydrates the body - Is that true?
News News blog
The myth that coffee dehydrates the body and that you should therefore always drink a glass of water with coffee to balance your fluid levels persists stubbornly. But is there any truth to this claim? Do coffee drinkers really need to constantly refill on water?
Coffee increases the urge to urinate in the short term
In fact, coffee does have a short-term effect on our fluid excretion. The caffeine stimulates the kidneys, causing us to go to the toilet more often. However, this effect is only short-lived. In the long run, the fluid balance evens out again. For those who drink coffee regularly, the dehydrating effect is even less pronounced as the body gets used to it.
Coffee counts towards fluid intake
Contrary to the myth, coffee actually contributes to fluid supply. According to studies, about 84% of the fluid from coffee is utilized by the body - for water, it's 81%. Moderate amounts of 3-4 cups per day are completely harmless for healthy adults. The famous writer Franz Kafka is said to have once stated, "Coffee does not dehydrate the body. Otherwise, I would already be dust."
Conclusion: Additional water is not necessary
So coffee lovers need not worry. It is not necessary to always drink extra water with coffee. The myth that coffee dehydrates the body has been disproven. On the contrary, coffee in moderation can even have positive effects on our health and performance.
