Effects of Alcohol & Caffeine on Hydration in the Body

Hydration is, essentially, the total fluid content of the body. To function properly the body needs to maintain a minimum hydration level. The traditional wisdom is that caffeine and alcohol consumption results in dehydration

Theory

• The theory is that both act as diuretics that increase urine production. This excess urine production is thought to cause the body to lose more fluid than it is taking in with the alcohol or caffeine.

Caffeine

• MSNBC reports that research conducted at the University of Connecticut shows that, although caffeine does exert a diuretic effect on the body, it appears that moderate intake (about 3 cups of coffee) has little or no effect on overall hydration.

Alcohol

• Alcohol consumption, on the other hand, has an undisputed dehydrating effect. It slows the rate of rehydration while increasing total urination, and tends to lead to a net loss in hydration.

Doses

• The overall dehydrating effect is relative to dose, and more alcohol will make the dehydration worse. The same may be true of caffeine, but little clinical research has been done with high-volume caffeine intake.

Controversy

• The research regarding the minimal diuretic effect of caffeine in moderate doses is not universally accepted by medical professionals and remains an issue of debate.