Can Coffee Count Toward Your Daily Fluid Intake? Dietitians Explain

Coffee lovers often wonder whether a cup of coffee counts toward the fluid they need each day. Experts quoted by “Martha Stewart” say that moderate coffee consumption can help people take in enough fluids.

A mild diuretic effect

Coffee has a slight diuretic effect, but the water in a cup usually makes up for any fluid lost, explains dietitian Alisa Smolen. Dietitian and nutrition specialist Lauren Manaker notes that the effect is typically small and often becomes weaker still in people who drink coffee regularly. Problems tend to arise when someone drinks too much coffee and no other fluids.

Coffee does not replace water

The water in coffee can be added to total daily fluid intake, yet plain water remains the best choice for hydration. Coffee contains caffeine and is often made with sugar, creamer or flavored syrups, so it is better seen as one source of fluid rather than the main or only drink.

According to Manaker, up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day is generally considered safe for most healthy adults. That equals roughly three to four 240-milliliter cups of brewed coffee. Even then, it is important to drink other fluids during the day.

Signs of too much coffee

Warning signs include sleep problems, heightened anxiety, nervousness and a very frequent need to use the toilet. If such symptoms appear, experts advise cutting back on coffee.

Does coffee give you energy?

Caffeine does not actually supply the body with energy. It mainly blocks receptors linked to the feeling of tiredness, so a person feels more alert for a while. The lack of sleep does not go away and may keep building up. For that reason, experts recommend not drinking coffee too late in the day, especially if it affects sleep quality.