Decaf coffee has a lot of the same perks as regular coffee, but without the diuretic effects of caffeine. It was discovered by accident in 1906, when a shipment of beans got soaked in sea water during transit, naturally extracting caffeine.
Despite this, decaf coffee does contain a small amount of caffeine. But is it enough to make you pee?
It’s Not
Decaffeinated coffee is a beverage that has had the caffeine removed from it by means of an approved method. This process typically involves using water, different solvents or carbon dioxide. The goal is to remove the caffeine without damaging the beans or altering their flavor. The result is a cup of coffee that still has some of the same positive health impacts of traditional coffee but will not make you pee as much.
There are many reasons that people drink decaf coffee, including a desire to avoid the diuretic effects of caffeine. Caffeine can cause people to urinate more frequently, which can lead to excessive fluid loss and dehydration. This can be uncomfortable for people, especially if they already have a condition like high blood pressure, kidney disease, or diabetes that causes excess fluid retention.
In addition to making you pee more often, caffeine can also wreak havoc on sleep patterns. For these reasons, some people choose to switch to decaf coffee in the hopes that it will improve their quality of sleep and reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression. Those that struggle with acid reflux, which can be caused by caffeine, may also find relief from switching to decaf.
Why is Regular Coffee a Diuretic But Decaffeinated Coffee isn’t?
The primary reason that people have to pee more after drinking a cup of coffee is the caffeine. When you consume caffeinated coffee, the caffeine in it sends signals to your pituitary gland that inhibit the production of ADH. This hormone is responsible for telling your kidneys to reabsorb and hold onto water. When ADH is blocked, the kidneys will release water into the urine instead, which causes you to have to pee more frequently.
When you consume a cup of decaf coffee, there is very little caffeine left, which means that it will not have the same diuretic effects as regular coffee. If you do happen to consume a cup of decaf that has been treated with solvents, it is important to know that those chemicals can leave behind trace amounts of their own chemical residue. The best way to ensure that your decaf is free of these contaminants is to only purchase organically grown, fair trade certified coffee beans.
Is Decaffeinated Coffee as Healthy as Regular?
While there are many health benefits that come with consuming a cup of decaf coffee, it is not as good for you as a cup of filtered water. You should always be sure to have a reliable source of water in your home, particularly during the warmer months.
Aside from being a great source of water, decaf coffee is also a great source of vitamin B-3, which can help reduce acid reflux and lower the risk of heart attacks. It can also reduce stress and boost brain function. For those who have difficulty finding time to eat a balanced meal during the day, decaf coffee can be a great breakfast substitute. However, it is important to remember that coffee should not be your main source of hydration and should always be followed by a glass of water.
It Is Not Bad For Your Kidneys
In the past, it was thought that coffee could increase the risk of kidney stones due to its diuretic properties. However, it was found that decaf coffee actually decreases the risk. This is because it does not have the same diuretic effects as caffeine.
It has been found that decaf coffee can also help to reduce the risks of high blood pressure and diabetes in people who regularly drink it. This is because it can improve the kidneys’ ability to regulate blood pressure. This is because it can prevent them from absorbing excess sodium and water.
However, it is important to remember that decaf coffee should not be a person’s main source of hydration. This is because it can still cause a person to urinate more often, which can lead to dehydration. So, if you have concerns about drinking decaf coffee, it is best to talk with your doctor. They can advise you on the best way to hydrate your body.
