Why Does My Tongue Feel Dry After Drinking Coffee?
Sipping a freshly brewed cup of joe can be a pleasant experience, but for some it is followed by a parched sensation on their tongue. Have you ever wondered why your tongue feels dry after drinking coffee?
Reactive Taste Buds
One of the most common causes of dry mouth when drinking coffee is from its caffeine content. Caffeine acts as a stimulant that increases the production of saliva. This floods the taste buds, heightening their sensitivity and causing an immediate dryness on the tongue.
According to the Scientific American, caffeine triggers the release of histamines, which in turn can lead to a reaction that encourages taste receptor cells to reset themselves every few seconds. This reactive firing of taste receptors on the tongue results in further dryness.
How Much Caffeine is Too Much?
Caffeinated products vary in their levels of caffeine and so does the degree of the dry sensation that follows consumption. The amount of caffeine considered safe for consumption is 400 mg and anything more could lead to serious health issues.
A standard mug of coffee contains around 95 mg of caffeine, if you’re drinking lab coffee then you might experience higher amounts at around 250 mg, and a shot of espresso contains 63 mg per serving. Thus, it is important to be mindful of your caffeine consumption.
Dehydration
It is also possible that this sensation is caused by dehydration. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it has properties that cause us to urinate more frequently. This reduces the amount of water available in our bodies, leading to a lack of saliva secretion. Without saliva, the tongue feels dry and uncomfortable.
Medical Conditions
In some cases the dry mouth sensation may be caused by an underlying health condition, like an infectious disease, such as HIV. Saliva helps protect us from infections, viruses and bacteria. When the body doesn’t have enough saliva, these germs may begin to linger and build-up on the tongue and other areas of the mouth, leading to a dry mouth sensation.
Tips to Avoid Dry Tongue After Drinking Coffee
To avoid feeling parched and discomfort, it’s best to limit your caffeine intake and stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help replenish your body with more saliva and hydrate the tongue.
To counter the negative effects of caffeine, it’s recommended to drink a glass of water with your cup of coffee. This will help to lubricate your tongue and keep saliva levels balanced.
If the sensation persists and great discomfort is present, consult a doctor to assess any underlying health condition.
Effects of Caffeine on the Brain
When we consume caffeine, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels towards the brain. Once in the brain, caffeine increases the levels of different neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine. The increase in these chemicals affects the functioning of the brain and can lead to alertness, excitement and improved cognitive performance.
It is also known to increase neural activity, which can improve reaction times and help with problem-solving. People may feel energized, thought processes become clearer, and levels of concentration may increase dramatically.
On the other hand, too much caffeine can cause headaches, restlessness, increased heart rate and levels of anxiety. Caffeine is a powerful drug and needs to be used responsibly.
Does Decaffeinated Coffee Have the Same Effects?
While the effects of decaffeinated coffee on the brain are not as strong as those of regular coffee, some people may still experience similar effects. This could be due to the other chemical compounds found in coffee, including chlorogenic acids and antioxidants.
These compounds have been suggested to increase cognitive performance, alertness and mood. While research into these compounds is still ongoing, there is evidence to suggest that they provide an overall improvement in cognitive performance.
We know that decaffeinated coffee has a lower caffeine content and should be considered a healthier option. It can reduce the risk of certain diseases, like diabetes and heart disease, while still providing the same great coffee taste.
Can Drinking Coffee Affect Sleep?
Coffee can be beneficial for waking us up in the morning and improving our alertness during the day, but drinking it too late in the day can have an impact on our ability to sleep. Caffeine has a half-life of around 5-6 hours, so if we consume it later in the day it can stay in our bodies and interfere with our natural sleep cycle.
It is suggested that caffeine consumption should end in the early afternoon, and that it should not be consumed within 6 hours of bedtime. A study conducted by Dr. Kenneth Wright at the University of Colorado found that participants who consumed caffeine up to 6 hours prior to sleep experienced poorer sleep quality. They also reported feeling sleepy and foggy the next day.
Does Coffee Dehydrate?
The diuretic properties of coffee can cause the body to lose more water than it takes in. This can lead to dehydration and the associated symptoms of headaches, fatigue, irritability and muscle cramps. We need our bodies to be well-hydrated to remain healthy and for body functions to take place optimally, so it is important to replenish your body with plenty of fluids.
The good news is that studies have shown that drinking coffee won’t lead to dehydration as long as you rehydrate with fluids afterwards. It is recommended to drink one glass of water for every cup of coffee to help replenish lost fluids.
Can Drinking Too Much Coffee Cause Health Issues?
Drinking too much coffee can have negative effects on the body. Caffeine is a powerful stimulant and it can interfere with natural sleep cycles by disrupting hormones like cortisol and melatonin. It can also cause increased levels of anxiety and irritability.
In addition, studies have shown that drinking more than 5 cups of coffee a day can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The diuretic properties of coffee can also lead to mineral deficiencies, as caffeine can deplete the body of important minerals, including potassium, magnesium and calcium.
How to Enjoy Coffee Responsibly
Coffee can be enjoyed responsibly when mindful of its effects on our bodies. When we understand how much is too much and how to minimize the short-term and long-term effects of coffee, we can enjoy it in moderation.
It is recommended to limit daily caffeine intake to 400 mg, and to avoid drinking coffee later in the day. To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of water throughout the day and one glass of water with every cup of coffee.
If you experience any negative side effects, such as increased anxiety, irritability, dizziness, nauseau or headaches, reduce your caffeine intake and give your body time to adjust.
