Does Coffee Dehydrate You?
Many people believe that coffee is dehydrating because it is a diuretic. Diuretics are substances that cause the body to produce more urine. This can lead to dehydration if a person does not drink enough fluids to replace the fluids lost through urination.
However, the truth is that coffee is not as dehydrating as people think.
A study published in the journal "PLoS One" found that drinking coffee actually had no significant effect on hydration levels. The study participants who drank coffee did not experience any more dehydration than the participants who drank water.
So, how did the myth get started that coffee is dehydrating?
The misconception likely comes from the fact that coffee can cause people to urinate more frequently. This can make people feel like they are dehydrated, even if they are not.
In reality, coffee is a mild diuretic that does not cause significant dehydration.
If you are concerned about dehydration, simply make sure to drink enough fluids throughout the day, regardless of whether or not you drink coffee.
