Why Do I Pee More When I Drink Coffee?
Coffee is a popular beverage consumed globally, second only to water. Its energizing effects make it a favorite among coffee drinkers but could it be making you visit the restroom more than you would like?
The Science Behind Coffee and the Increase in Urination
According to experts, the cause of the excessive urination is due to coffee’s effect on your blood sugar and insulin levels. Research done by Pizzorno and Murray (2017) found that when drinking coffee, the release of a hormone called adrenaline is triggered with its stimulating effect. It is this hormone that causes higher blood sugar levels, which leads to an increase in urination frequency.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (2020) also list coffee as one of the drinks that are diuretic, meaning that it is a liquid that causes an increase in urine production. Thus, it can be assumed that coffee is a direct contributor to why you have to use the restroom so much after consuming it.
The Intensity of Urination Varies by the Type of Coffee
That is not to say, however, that all coffee drinks bring about the same increase in urination. It is well known that espresso contains more caffeine than other types of coffee and therefore, it is believed to create a larger diuretic effect on your body than other coffees (NetDoctor, 2020). Similarly, the intensity of the diuretic effect varies depending on the amount of caffeine in the beverage. For example, caffeinated soft drinks will typically contain more caffeine than instant coffee, thus it is likely that you would prefer to urinate more often when drinking these beverages (NetDoctor, 2020).
Managing Coffee’s Diuretic Effects
Even though coffee has a diuretic effect, there are some steps you can take to help manage it. Firstly, drink plenty of water throughout the day to help replenish the fluid lost through urinating. Secondly, consider switching to decaffeinated coffee if the increase in your visits to the restroom is too frequent for your liking. Finally, watch the strength of your coffee. Diluting your cup of coffee with water can cut down on the overall concentration of caffeine, lessening its diuretic effects.
Coffee and Its Effects on Hydration
Coffee can disrupt your body’s natural hydration process and, if taken too much, can lead to dehydration. According to Lockwood (2016), the longer the caffeine stays in your body, the more it will disrupt the process of hydration. Lockwood (2016) further suggested that taking in more water can counterbalance the diuretic effects of coffee and improve hydration levels.
It is also worth considering that, depending on the type of coffee you are drinking, you might not even be intaking fluid. For instance, espresso is brewed using dry ingredients only and no additional water (Coffee Detective, 2020). Therefore, it is recommended that if you are drinking primarily espresso and other coffee without added water, then drinking water throughout the day is paramount in ensuring that you do not become dehydrated (Coffee Detective, 2020).
The Effect on Your Body When Drinking Too Much Coffee
It is also important to watch how much coffee you are consuming. Healthline (2020) released a statement warning about the possible health effects associated with drinking too much coffee. This includes an increased heart rate, nervousness, and digestive issues, as well as dehydration and disruption of your sleep cycle. Therefore, consuming coffee in moderation is key in avoiding any health complications associated with its consumption.
The Benefits of Consuming Coffee
Whilst it can be detrimental to drink too much coffee, there are also a number of benefits associated with having a few cups. Its stimulating properties can increase alertness, even though this might be only temporary. According to the National Institute of Health (2020), research suggests that drinking coffee can boost cognitive performance. Furthermore, coffee can reduce the risk of certain health conditions, the most prominent of which is type 2 diabetes (Moriarty, 2017).
The Ways Genetics Determine How Coffee Affects You
Most research suggests that caffeine has the same effects on most people however, genes do play a part in determining how coffee affects your body (Horstman, 2019). The genes are responsible for how quickly caffeine is absorbed and metabolized, with some people metabolizing it more slowly than others. Additionally, a study by Delgenio et al. (2017) found that the genetic makeup of a person can determine if they experience side effects after drinking coffee. Therefore, it is something to consider if you do feel more affected than most people when consuming caffeine.
Conclusion
Coffee can make you pee more, especially if you are drinking caffeinated beverages and not counterbalancing this
fluid loss with additional H2O. But, depending on the quantity you consume, it can also offer a range of health benefits which should
not be ignored. With that being said, you should be aware of your body’s reaction to caffeine and genetic makeup as both could be determining factors as to how coffee affects you. Finally, moderation when drinking coffee is advised to avoid any potential health issues.
