Why do I Pee After Drinking Coffee?
It’s common knowledge that consuming coffee can make us feel wide awake, alert and energized, but why does it also cause a need to pee? Most of us will have experienced a strong urge to urinate shortly after finishing our cup of coffee but what is actually going on here?
It turns out there is actually a science behind this common occurrence. According to Renae Thomas, a registered dietitian from New Zealand, drinking caffeine stimulates the bladder nerves and will cause a stronger reaction in those who are more sensitive or dehydrated.1 Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it can increase urine production2. This differs from those who drink other caffeinated beverages such as sodas, as soda is usually quite sweet and can act as a lubricating liquid and reduce the urge to pee.
Essentially, the caffeine in coffee acts as a mild diuretic which stimulates the bladder to contract3. According to a study by the University of Ottawa, drinking one cup of coffee can increase urine output by 13-16%, while drinking two cups can increase it by 30-45%.4 This explains why we can often feel the urge to pee shortly after drinking coffee, as the bladder is contracting from the caffeine and is filling up with urine at an increased rate.
However, it should be noted that this effect varies from person to person. Caffeine tolerance play a big role in how your body reacts to coffee, among other factors. According to a 2019 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, those who don’t consume coffee regularly will generally feel a stronger urge to pee shortly after drinking a cup.5 Habitual coffee drinkers don’t experience the same effect as their bladder has grown used to the caffeine and retains more water rather than expelling it. This explains why coffee drinkers won’t feel the urge to pee as strongly as those more sensitive to coffee.
This correlation between the urge to pee and coffee consumption has been noticed by coffee drinkers over the years, and it’s now known to be true scientifically. Many coffee drinkers have learned how to combat the urge to pee, such as drinking more water or simply avoiding coffee on a full bladder.
What Happens to Coffee After it is Consumed?
When coffee is consumed, the caffeine enters the bloodstream at a relatively fast rate. After this, it is quickly filtered by the kidneys and expelled in the urine. So it makes sense that the diuretic effects of coffee would be felt soon after consumption, as the body is expelling the caffeine.
Caffeine is a substance that excites the kidneys and causes increased production of the hormone vasopressin, leading to increased urination.6 So when drinking coffee, the fluids we increase in the body should therefore be released soon afterwards. This is why many coffee drinkers will feel the urge to pee shortly after finishing their cup – because the kidneys are filtering out the caffeine.
Because caffeine is metabolized quickly by the body, it’s possible to reach a tolerance level after regular consumption over time.7 This explains why habitual coffee drinkers don’t experience the same effect as those new to drinking coffee. Those who are used to the diuretic effect of coffee will not feel the need to urinate as intensely as those who are not used to it.
Therefore, the urge to pee after drinking coffee is mostly psychological. Habitual coffee drinkers have learnt over time to not worry about the increased urge to urinate. In fact, they are able to use this knowledge to their advantage, such as avoiding drinking coffee when they know they will have to use the restroom soon.
How Can You Minimise the Urge to Pee?
If you are new to coffee drinking or find yourself needing to pee every time you drink it, then here are some tips to help minimise the urge to go.
Firstly, understand how much caffeine your body can handle. Caffeine tolerance levels differ from person to person, so experiment with water or black coffee and decide how much caffeine your body can take. Be sure to not over-consume coffee, as this can leave you feeling anxious or jittery.
Next, be sure to stay hydrated. Drinking water on a regular basis will help keep your body hydrated and reduce the craving for coffee. Additionally, make sure to get plenty of sleep and follow a healthy eating plan; these things will also help reduce the urge to pee.
Finally, try adding a little cream or milk to your coffee. If you find yourself needing to pee shortly after drinking it, then this might help reduce the effect as the added cream or milk will act as a lubricant and reduce the urge.
Coffee Interactions
Consuming coffee in combination with other substances can also have different effects on your body, depending on how sensitive you are to these substances. Some substances can increase the effects of caffeine and thus increase the urge to pee. These may include other stimulants such as energy drinks or even certain medications. Therefore it’s important to be vigilant when consuming coffee and other substances to reduce the risk of overdosing on caffeine and other substances.
On the other hand, there are certain supplements and medications that can reduce the effects of caffeine on the body. This can help reduce the urge to pee after drinking coffee, but it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with taking certain medications. It is best to always consult your doctor before taking any new substances or supplements.
Coffee and Health
Coffee is mostly known for its stimulating effects, but it can also be beneficial for your health. It can reduce the risk of certain types of cancers, as well as increase alertness and reduce fatigue.8 It has also been found to help lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and can even aid in weight loss thanks to its metabolism-boosting properties.9
Coffee can also give you a mental boost. Studies have found that drinking coffee can help improve cognitive function, concentration and focus10. This is thanks to the stimulating effects of caffeine, as well as other compounds found in coffee such as antioxidants.
Additionally, coffee has been linked to better physical performance, such as increased endurance and enhanced muscle strength.11 This is likely due to the stimulating effects of caffeine and its ability to reduce fatigue and increase alertness.
Final Thoughts
Although coffee can make us feel wide awake and energized, it can also cause us to feel the sudden urge to pee. This is due to the diuretic effects of caffeine, which stimulates the bladder and makes us more sensitive to the effects of coffee. Those who don’t consume coffee regularly will generally feel a stronger urge to pee, while habitual coffee drinkers are more used to the stimulating effects and won’t feel the same urge.
Fortunately, there are various ways to reduce the urge to pee after drinking coffee. Drinking more water, getting plenty of sleep, and understanding your caffeine tolerance level all play a role in reducing the urge to pee. Additionally, there are several health benefits associated with drinking coffee, making it an all-round beneficial beverage.
