Introduction
Coffee is the most widely consumed beverage worldwide and has been linked to a variety of health benefits. Unfortunately, some people are hesitant to drink coffee because they’ve heard that it can cause dehydration. However, recent research suggests this may not be true after all. As an avid coffee drinker myself (and someone who has studied the effects of caffeinated beverages on hydration status), I was intrigued when I learned about this study and wanted to know more! In this post, we’ll explore how caffeine affects diuresis (urination) and how you can use that information to determine whether decaf or regular coffee will help keep you hydrated throughout your day.
Diuretics are a class of drugs that increase urination.
Diuretics are a class of drugs that increase urination. They’re used to treat hypertension and edema (fluid retention), as well as gout, kidney stones and liver disease.
Coffee contains two different types of diuretic compounds: caffeine and chlorogenic acid.
The diuretic effect of caffeine is related to its ability to block the action of adenosine in the brain, which results in the release of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine.
The diuretic effect of caffeine is related to its ability to block the action of adenosine in the brain, which results in the release of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine. NE is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate blood pressure; it stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and causes vasoconstriction. Epinephrine increases heart rate through beta-adrenergic receptor activation, increasing blood flow throughout your body and promoting dilation of blood vessels near your skin’s surface (vasodilation).
Coffee consumption has been connected to dehydration for decades, but recent research suggests this may not be the case.
Coffee consumption has been connected to dehydration for decades, but recent research suggests this may not be the case. In fact, a study published in the journal PLOS One found that drinking decaf coffee (which contains less caffeine) can actually lead to increased urine production and more frequent trips to the bathroom than drinking regular or caffeinated brews.
While it’s unclear exactly why decaf causes more frequent urination than other types of coffee, researchers believe it might have something to do with it being processed differently from other types of beverages.
According to one study, decaffeinated coffee resulted in increased urine volume, increased urine flow rate, and increased urine concentration compared with regular coffee.
According to one study, decaffeinated coffee resulted in increased urine volume, increased urine flow rate and increased urine concentration compared with regular coffee.
This is because the process of removing caffeine from coffee results in a higher concentration of certain naturally occurring substances like polyphenols and diterpenes (which are compounds that can act as antioxidants) that may promote diuresis.
In another study comparing regular and decaf coffee consumption on hydration status, participants who consumed decaf experienced a decrease in total body water (TBW) while participants who consumed regular coffee experienced no change in TBW.
In another study comparing regular and decaf coffee consumption on hydration status, participants who consumed decaf experienced a decrease in total body water (TBW) while participants who consumed regular coffee experienced no change in TBW. The results of these studies indicate that decaffeinated beverages have diuretic effects due to caffeine’s interaction with adenosine receptors in the kidney.
Researchers next recruited 11 healthy women and gave them either decaf or regular brewed coffee (equalized at about 20 mg/kg creatinine), which they consumed with a standardized breakfast.
Researchers next recruited 11 healthy women and gave them either decaf or regular brewed coffee (equalized at about 20 mg/kg creatinine), which they consumed with a standardized breakfast. Participants then underwent an isotopic dilution method protocol with tracer infusions and collection of blood samples every 30 min for 4 h postprandially.
After this time period, researchers measured participants’ urine volume, electrolyte levels and creatinine clearance rates–which can be used to estimate total body water (TBW) via deuterium oxide dilution curves–as well as fluid retention factors that represent the effect of diuretics on TBW.
The women then underwent an isotopic dilution method protocol with tracer infusions and collection of blood samples every 30 min for 4 h postprandially.
The women were given coffee with a standardized breakfast, in three different situations: decaffeinated coffee with the same amount of caffeine as regular coffee; regular caffeinated coffee with the same amount of caffeine as decaf; and decaf with no caffeine. They underwent an isotopic dilution method protocol with tracer infusions and collection of blood samples every 30 min for 4 h postprandially.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that decaf coffee may be a good choice if you’re looking to reduce your caffeine intake. It contains many of the same nutrients and antioxidants as regular coffee, but without the buzz. And while it may not be as effective at hydrating you as water, it’s certainly better than nothing!