It is often believed that drinking water after coffee helps to counter the effects of caffeine and bring some balance to its concentration in the body. People may have different opinions about this practice, but it is undeniable that caffeinated beverages can have serious consequences for health if consumed more than a moderate amount.
According to the experts, the amount of water people consume after drinking coffee should depend on the amount of coffee they have drunk and their general health, as over hydration can cause problems as well. According to The Mayo Clinic, adults should drink an amount of water that is equal to their body weight in ounces per day. People who take caffeine tend to urinate more frequently and this can affect water balance in their bodies.
The amount of water that should be drunk after coffee should also be taken into account and experts recommend that for every cup of caffeinated drink, a cup of water should be consumed in order to hydrate and counterbalance the dehydrating effects of caffeine. This means that if someone has three cups of coffee, they should be drinking an additional three cups of clean, fresh water soon after in order to keep their body hydrated.
Some experts also recommend simulating intercalated drinks throughout the day, and this means drinking both water and other beverages like coffee or tea at the same time. This reduces the stress put on the body, as the intake of both types of drinks is moderated, and it can also help to replenish the nutrients that are lost when drinking caffeinated drinks.
Furthermore, it is important to consider that coffee can also dehydrate the body if consumed more than four cups per day. It is known that caffeine is a diuretic that can make body fluids circulate faster than usual, leading to a higher rate of urination. This means that those who drink more than the recommended amount of coffee need to compensate for this by drinking more water than usual.
Apart from the amount of water that should be drunk after coffee, another issue to consider is the type of water consumed. It is essential to choose fresh and clean water, since it is important to keep the body hydrated and to be able to properly assimilate all the nutrients that come with the coffee.
Importance of Hydration
Proper hydration is key not only to counteract the dehydrating effects of coffee but also to prevent associated health problems. Dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, dizziness and general muscle weakness and it can also affect the skin and cause premature aging. On the other hand, adequate water intake helps to support optimal body functioning, helps remove toxins, and enhances the absorption of beneficial nutrients.
Health Reasons to Avoid Coffee
Although coffee is consumed in large quantities in many countries, in general terms, it is not recommended for its high caffeine content, which can produce jitteriness, irritability and insomnia. Other experts believe that drinking coffee can produce an increase in gastric acids and can be dangerous for people with digestive problems. It is also important to note that pregnant or nursing women should avoid drinking coffee, as the caffeine in coffee can be harmful to a developing fetus or newborn.
Conclusion of Benefits and Risks
Overall, although it is true that coffee can produce some beneficial effects, these benefits come at the expense of some risks that should not be discounted. Drinking adequate water after coffee can counterbalance some of the effects of caffeine, reduce the risk of dehydration and help to keep the body adequately nourished.
Unrealistic Expectations
It is important for people to not to have unrealistic expectations about drinking coffee. It is not possible to eliminate all the potential risks associated with the consumption of coffee by simply drinking more water. The negative effects of coffee consumption can only be reduced by combining it with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Therefore, it is necessary to think twice before drinking a cup of coffee and to try to reduce consumption where possible.
Coffee Alternatives
It is possible to replace coffee with other healthier and lower-caffeinated drinks. Green tea, for instance, contains around 25 mg of caffeine per cup and it is known to be beneficial for health, helping to reduce blood pressure, improve heart health and even aid with digestion. Other alternatives include herbal teas like chamomile, ginger or peppermint, or caffeine-free beverages like hot oat milk.
Final Considerations
It is important to always keep in mind that the amount of caffeine consumed can have an impact on one’s health, so it is best to try to stay within the recommended amount. Also, drinking an adequate amount of water, especially after drinking caffeinated beverages, will help ensure that our body remains hydrated and healthy.
