Drinking coffee and tea during Ramadan: Do they compensate for water loss?

Silent Thirst During Ramadan

During the holy month of Ramadan, eating habits and drinking patterns change drastically. Long fasting hours, especially in hot countries like Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states, make water deficiency a real health challenge. Between Iftar and Suhoor, many people turn to coffee and tea, considering them essential beverages.

But the most important question arises: do coffee and tea actually compensate for the lack of water, or do they worsen dehydration without us noticing?

This article provides the full scientific truth about coffee and tea, their effect on body hydration, and whether they can be considered a substitute for drinking water during Ramadan.

The Importance of Water for the Body During Ramadan

Water is not just a drink we consume to quench thirst; it is an essential element involved in all vital body functions. It plays a key role in regulating body temperature, enhancing focus and mental alertness, supporting digestion and preventing constipation, maintaining kidney health, and reducing headaches and general fatigue.

During Ramadan, the body naturally loses significant amounts of water through breathing, sweating, and urination, in addition to daily physical activity. With long fasting hours, the importance of replenishing this loss is doubled. Therefore, compensating for water deficiency between Iftar and Suhoor becomes a real health priority to maintain activity and health throughout the holy month.

Read more: The Importance of Drinking Water Between Iftar and Suhoor in Hot Saudi Conditions

Why Do People Confuse Coffee and Tea with Water?

The mistaken belief that coffee and tea can replace water during Ramadan comes from several entrenched daily habits. Coffee and tea are classified as fluids, leading some to assume they contribute to hydration like water, especially when consumed after Iftar or during Ramadan evenings.

The temporary feeling of alertness and mental stimulation after drinking coffee or tea gives a misleading impression that the body is in a better state, whereas this sensation is due to caffeine’s effect on the nervous system rather than hydration.

Moreover, the habitual daily consumption of coffee and tea causes many to link them to physical comfort, neglecting the actual amount of water the body needs. Worse, caffeine can temporarily suppress the feeling of thirst, prompting the fasting person to delay drinking water or rely solely on stimulating beverages.

Scientific evidence confirms that not all fluids are equal to water. Coffee and tea do not perform the vital cellular functions of water, which may gradually lead to dehydration without the person noticing, especially during Ramadan.

What Do Coffee and Tea Contain?

Coffee and tea contain several active compounds, the most notable being caffeine, along with antioxidants and other nervous system stimulants. While these components may provide temporary feelings of energy and alertness, their effect on body hydration is entirely different from water.

Caffeine, in particular, acts as a diuretic, stimulating the body to excrete fluids more quickly, which increases water loss instead of replenishing it. It also temporarily reduces the sensation of thirst, giving the fasting person a false sense of sufficient hydration.

Thus, drinking coffee and tea during Ramadan does not correct water deficiency but may contribute to mild dehydration without immediate noticeable effects.

The Scientific Truth: Do Coffee and Tea Hydrate the Body?

Recent nutritional studies indicate:

• Coffee and tea do not provide adequate hydration.

• They cannot be compared to water in supporting cellular functions.

• Excess consumption leads to mild dehydration without obvious symptoms.

The World Health Organization emphasizes that pure water is the primary source of hydration, and stimulating beverages cannot replace it, especially during fasting periods.

Coffee, Tea, and Water Deficiency During Ramadan

When drinking coffee or tea, the body responds to caffeine by increasing urine output, which leads to additional fluid loss instead of retention. Frequent reliance on these beverages as the main source of fluids between Iftar and Suhoor may result in mild dehydration.

Over the days of Ramadan, this can manifest as headaches, fatigue, and reduced concentration. Scientific evidence confirms that neither coffee nor tea replaces water; water remains the true solution for maintaining body fluid balance during fasting.

Symptoms of Relying on Coffee and Tea Instead of Water

Many fasting people attribute fatigue, headaches, and thirst to daily stress, while the cause is often water deficiency and reliance on coffee and tea instead of effective hydration. Symptoms of water deficiency include dry mouth, poor concentration, constipation, and lethargy.

Water remains the effective solution for replenishing lost fluids and maintaining body health during fasting.

Is Caffeine the Only Factor?

The effect of coffee and tea on hydration does not depend solely on caffeine but also on factors such as the timing of consumption, beverage quantity, previous hydration levels, temperature, and physical activity. These factors limit their hydrating effect compared to water, so they cannot be considered an effective substitute during Ramadan fasting.

Best Time to Drink Coffee and Tea During Ramadan

If you love coffee or tea, following the correct timing minimizes harm:

• Two hours after Iftar

• After drinking 2–3 cups of water

• Avoid drinking immediately after fasting

• Avoid drinking before Suhoor

This approach reduces the likelihood of increasing water deficiency.

Is Decaffeinated Coffee Better?

Decaffeinated coffee is a relatively better option for those who cannot give up regular coffee, as it has a lower impact on urine output compared to caffeinated coffee, reducing fluid loss.

However, even decaffeinated coffee does not replace the body’s actual water needs and does not provide sufficient hydration for fasting hours. The golden rule remains: coffee is not a substitute for water, and adequate water intake between Iftar and Suhoor is essential for maintaining health and daily activity.

Green Tea vs. Black Tea: Is There a Difference?

Green tea is popular among hot beverage lovers due to its lower caffeine content compared to black tea, making it gentler on the body and less likely to increase urine output. It also contains strong antioxidants that support heart health, digestion, immune function, metabolism, and reduce some inflammation.

Despite these benefits, green tea does not replace water during Ramadan and cannot provide sufficient hydration to compensate for fasting-induced fluid loss. Water should be prioritized first, with green tea consumed in moderation for its benefits without risking dehydration.

Why Is Dehydration Risk Higher in Saudi Arabia?

High temperatures in many regions of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf during Ramadan increase the rate of fluid loss, especially with long fasting hours that prevent natural water replenishment.

Physical activity or daily movement further increases sweating and the need for continuous hydration. Some may mistakenly believe that drinking coffee or tea after Iftar is sufficient to replenish fluids. Scientific evidence shows that these beverages, due to their caffeine content, act as diuretics and increase water loss rather than compensating for it.

This highlights the critical importance of water, especially given the widespread tradition of Arabic coffee after Iftar, which, while culturally significant, should follow adequate water intake to ensure optimal hydration and general health throughout Ramadan.

Recommended Water Intake During Ramadan

Although individual needs vary, the average recommended intake is:

• 2–3 liters daily

• Spread between Iftar and Suhoor

• Drink water in intervals rather than all at once

Read more: How Many Liters of Water Does Your Body Need in Ramadan? A Health Guide for Saudi Conditions

Healthy Alternatives to Coffee and Tea During Ramadan

For those looking for beverages that help hydrate the body during Ramadan without increasing fluid loss, consider:

• Herbal teas without caffeine, such as mint, anise, or chamomile, which refresh and soothe the stomach without affecting hydration.

• Adding fruit slices to water for natural flavor and extra hydration.

• Light soups to replenish fluids and electrolytes after fasting.

• Fruits high in water content, such as watermelon and cucumber, which help directly hydrate the body and restore energy naturally and safely.

These alternatives provide comfort and refreshment while maintaining essential water levels for health during the day.

Read more: Best Healthy Hydrating Drinks Alongside Water During Ramadan

Is Complete Abstinence from Coffee Necessary?

Total abstinence is not necessary. The key is moderation and awareness of consumption. Water should always be the first step after Iftar or between Suhoor and Iftar to replenish natural fluid loss. No other drink should replace water.

Avoid linking coffee to hydration or relying on it as the main fluid source, as this may gradually lead to water deficiency, increasing thirst and fatigue during fasting hours. Following these simple rules allows safe enjoyment of coffee without compromising health or daily activity.

Conclusion

The scientific truth is clear: coffee and tea do not compensate for water deficiency during Ramadan. Water alone is the effective way to maintain hydration and overall health during long fasting hours. Relying on stimulating beverages instead of water may cause headaches, fatigue, reduced concentration, and mild dehydration without immediate notice.

Therefore, planning to drink adequate water between Iftar and Suhoor is essential. This is where the Apar app plays a vital role, making it easy for fasting individuals to access pure, healthy, and reliable water quickly and conveniently. With multiple options for the whole family, it ensures optimal hydration throughout Ramadan, making the fasting experience more comfortable and healthy.