Nutritional aspects
It is an accepted fact that drinking water is beneficial for health. However, drinking water after coffee may not be such a good idea. According to research studies, it can promote dehydration and lead to various other health issues. Caffeine, a major constituent of coffee, is a diuretic, which increases the amount of urine excreted. Drinking water after coffee can counter the urination process and reduce the amount of fluid removed from the body, leading to a state of dehydration. Moreover, excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages also has a dehydrating effect.
The daily recommended dietary allowance for water intake for an adult is 8-15 glasses, as defined by The Institute of Medicine. When consumed with other caffeinated drinks, the amount of water required may need to be increased or altered to avoid dehydration. Therefore, before opting for coffee, it is essential to check the caffeine content of the drink and adjust its consumption accordingly.
Water consumption is necessary for a healthy body. Drinking the proper amount of fluids can help keep the body hydrated. It helps to transport nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, aid digestion and prevent constipation. Therefore, drinking water after coffee should not be encouraged.
Medical aspects
In some cases, drinking water after coffee may cause discomfort due to the accumulation of water in the kidneys. The kidneys need to work a little harder in order to get rid of the extra water, which can lead to a feeling of unease and pressure. Furthermore, drinking water right after coffee may also lead to a feeling of fullness and can cause bloating. This is because when caffeine reaches the stomach, it stimulates the digestive tract and causes gas to accumulate. In such a case, drinking water shortly after consuming coffee can create gas which leads to an uncomfortable sensation.
People suffering from kidney stones should take extra precautions when drinking coffee along with water as it can cause a sharp increase in the risk for further kidney stones. It may also lead to further dehydration and disrupt the balance of minerals and fluids in the body. This can further exacerbate a person’s existing health issues.
Effects on blood pressure
Coffee is known to increase the blood pressure in some individuals. When coffee is consumed with water, it can result in a further increase in the blood pressure due to the extra caffeine content in the drink. People with a higher resting blood pressure or those with a family history of hypertension should avoid drinking coffee and water together.
In some cases, drinking coffee with water can cause a sudden spike in the blood pressure, which leads to the release of certain hormones in response. These hormones can cause a sudden increase in the heart rate and lead to a feeling of sudden anxiety.
Effects on sleep
Drinking coffee with water can disrupt sleep as it contains high amounts of caffeine. Caffeine is known to increase alertness, focus and energy. However, drinking coffee with water can cause a sudden spike in energy levels, which can lead to difficulty in sleeping.
In some cases, the caffeine intake can cause a rise in alertness followed by a crash in energy. This sudden drop in energy can worsen any existing sleep-related issues and cause further disruptions in sleeping pattern. It is therefore recommended to avoid drinking coffee with water in the evening and limit the intake of caffeine drinks prior to bedtime.
Psychological effects
Coffee and water together can cause an emotional and psychological disruption. The caffeine contained can cause a sudden rush of energy, which in turn leads to a sudden spike in alertness. This can affect the mental state and cause restlessness, irritability and agitation in some people.
Moreover, drinking too much coffee with water can lead to insomnia and difficulty in sleeping. This further disturbs the mental state and can lead to further emotional disturbances. Also, drinking excessive amounts of coffee with water can lead to a dependency on the drink and cause withdrawal symptoms if it is not consumed in regular intervals.
Side effects
Drinking coffee with water can cause a sudden spike in energy levels and can affect the physical sensations of the body. In some cases, the sudden influx of energy leads to the body feeling jittery and shaky, along with an elevated heart rate. This is due to the increased intake of caffeine and is considered as a side effect of drinking coffee with water.
Excessive consumption of coffee with water can also lead to headaches and other symptoms of dehydration. If a person experiences any of these symptoms, they should reduce the amount of coffee they consume and increase their water intake.
Addiction
Drinking coffee with water can cause an addiction to the beverage. Caffeine is a highly addictive substance and drinking coffee with water can lead to an increased dependency on the drink. Furthermore, it can also lead to withdrawal symptoms if not consumed in certain intervals.
These withdrawal symptoms can include fatigue, headaches, irritability and difficulty in concentrating. Moreover, consuming too much coffee with water can cause physical problems in the form of dehydration and digestive problems. To reduce this dependency, it is essential to reduce or limit the consumption of coffee and water or switch to decaffeinated beverages.
Summary
In conclusion, drinking water after coffee is generally discouraged as it can lead to various health issues. Caffeine present in coffee is a diuretic, which increases the amount of urine excreted, leading to dehydration. People with existing medical issues or a higher resting blood pressure should avoid the combination of coffee and water. Drinking coffee with water can also lead to psychological disturbances and addiction. Moreover, it can cause physical sensations such as jitteriness and headaches. It is therefore better to limit the consumption of coffee and increase the water intake to maintain overall health.
