Caffeine - A Diuretic Or Is This A Myth?

There is so much confusion about caffeine relating to water loss, that the only way to decide if caffeine actually is a diuretic, is to decipher what we know about it and 'compare' notes. While some experts tell us that caffeine does not increase fluid loss, some believe that they do and as a result, coffee and such caffeinated products cannot be counted as part of our daily water intake.

Our bodies naturally have a need for water, just for daily operation of the 'human machine'. And likewise, lose water through our daily activities. We perspire, losing water. And we lose it via our digestive system. This loss of water and our daily requirement to replace it are determined by many aspects - our age, level of good or bad health, our diet and what we do each day.

Studies have shown caffeine to affect the balance of our bodies fluid retention. In one such study, twelve people were told not to consume caffeine for five days and on the sixth day, they were given a high caffeinated coffee to drink. The amount of urine they passed after consuming the coffee drink increased.

In another study of eight people, they were tested on the effect of 45, 90, 180 and 360mg of caffeine and the effect it had on their urine output. The results showed that an increase in urine output was only seen after they had consumed the 360mg amount.

Of course, the effect caffeine has on one person to the next will very much depend on their personal circumstances, ie - caffeine tolerance levels and whether someone has a bladder disease of some kind. Other factors will also affect the amount of urine the individual will pass. The amount of caffeine you consume, or the type of product (coffee or other caffeine enhanced sports drinks, for example) will also determine your bodies reaction.

Because of various studies, the Institute of medicine has recommended that 'unless additional evidence becomes available indicating cumulative total water deficits in individuals with habitual intakes of significant amounts of caffeine, caffeinated beverages appear to contribute to the daily total water intake similar to that contributed by non-caffeinated beverages'.

To conclude this study, you would need to test your own tolerance to caffeine, because this does not mean that caffeine will not increase your need to pass water. And remember that water is still the resource recommended by doctors and experts to re-hydrate your body. You should drink around two litres per day to keep your body functioning in a health state.

By: coffeealera

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To find out about caffeine in sport and in particular, weight training, this article brings you information about its use and also if it should be used in small quantities only. And to find out more coffee 101 facts, please refer to this page for all your requirements.