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Myth Busted: Coffee is Dehydrating
At Foundation Coffee, we love a good cup and a good myth-busting moment. One of the most enduring coffee myths still lingering out there? That coffee dehydrates you.
We get it. Coffee’s a known diuretic, and the idea that your morning flat white is quietly undoing your hydration efforts has been passed around for years. But is there really any truth to it?
The Myth: Coffee Cancels Out Hydration
You’ve probably heard that caffeine increases urination, so naturally, some assumed coffee drinkers were losing more fluids than they were sipping. As a result, coffee was pushed off the hydration podium and labelled a fluid thief. “Coffee doesn’t count,” they said. “Stick to water,” they insisted.
The Truth: Coffee Hydrates More Than It Dehydrates
Fortunately, science has caught up with this myth—and it’s good news for coffee lovers.
Yes, caffeine has a mild diuretic effect. But no, it’s not strong enough to tip the hydration scales in the wrong direction. In fact, most modern research agrees that coffee still contributes to your daily fluid intake. Unless you’re consuming it in extreme excess (think six or more cups a day), your morning mug isn’t sabotaging your hydration.
So, Can You Count Coffee Toward Your Fluids?
Absolutely—within reason. Two to three cups a day? You’re in the clear. Your body still absorbs the water content in coffee, and unless you’re overdoing it, there's little risk of dehydration.
Key Takeaways for Coffee Drinkers:
- Moderation matters: Two to three cups a day is generally safe and hydrating.
- Balance is key: Complement your coffee intake with plenty of water throughout the day.
- Pay attention to your body: Thirst is still the most reliable indicator of hydration.
