Does coffee count as hydration? Proper hydration from the perspective of Traditional Thai Medicine
Hello, I am Ririn Ando. Through Traditional Thai Medicine and medicinal Thai cuisine, I help people in their 40s and beyond with 'effortless constitution improvement and dieting'.
Today, I will answer a question I often receive: 'Does coffee count as hydration?'
Conclusion: Please do not count coffee as hydration.
To give you the conclusion first, coffee has a very strong diuretic effect, so it does not serve as hydration.
If you have a goal of 'drinking 2 liters of water a day,' it is better not to count coffee toward that total.
Think of it as the amount of water in your body being expelled by the amount of coffee you drink.
On top of that, it is important to drink plenty of 'water'.
Coffee from the perspective of Traditional Thai Medicine
In Traditional Thai Medicine, coffee has the property of strengthening all energies.
If you consume too much, your energy balance will be disrupted, so it is important to keep the amount moderate.
Basically, it is classified as something that is 'better not to consume too much of'.
Strengthening the fire energy
In particular, coffee has the effect of strengthening 'fire energy'.
I think many people drink coffee when they want to concentrate on work or be highly active, but at those times, your fire energy is already in a heightened state.
If you add coffee on top of that, the fire energy becomes excessive, which can easily lead to poor physical condition.
Constitutions that are relatively suitable
On the other hand, for those with strong 'water energy,' meaning those with a relaxed and laid-back constitution, coffee is relatively suitable.
This is because, in moderate amounts, it has the effect of moving energy that tends to stagnate.
However, even then, the diuretic effect remains the same, so please make sure to hydrate properly.
How much is okay to drink?
As a guideline for caffeine intake, up to 300mg per day is recommended. This is about 1 to 2 cups of coffee.
Also, considering that it can affect the quality of your sleep, I recommend drinking it in the morning.
Personal experience: My husband's case
Actually, my husband used to drink as much coffee as he wanted at work.
When I advised him to cut back on coffee, he found that his physical condition improved significantly after he stopped drinking it.
The coming season, in particular, is a time when the energy of fire becomes stronger. The harder people work, the more adrenaline they tend to produce, which can sometimes make them aggressive.
Cutting back on coffee might help alleviate such states to some extent.
How to mitigate the 'toxicity' of coffee
In traditional Thai medicine, coffee is treated as a stimulant and something with 'toxicity' (this does not mean it is poisonous if you drink it, but rather that it should be handled with care).
To mitigate that toxicity, I recommend using spices.
Recommended spices
Nutmeg
Cardamom
Cinnamon
Adding these spices to your coffee can help soften the stimulation.
Also, depending on your constitution, adding milk may be good (however, milk is not very suitable for those with strong water energy).
Alternatives to coffee
When you feel like having coffee, please try the following drinks.
Herbal tea
Since it is caffeine-free, it is recommended as a substitute for coffee.
However, since some herbs like lemongrass have strong diuretic effects, please do not count this as hydration either.
Rooibos tea
It is especially recommended for those with a constitution that tends to hold heat.
It removes heat from the body
It has antioxidant properties
It is rich in minerals and vitamins
It is ideal for managing physical condition during seasons when humidity tends to build up
If you are thinking about your skin, combining it with Job's tears is also a good idea.
Dandelion coffee, barley coffee
Grain-based coffee alternatives are also recommended.
However, these may or may not suit your constitution, so please adjust based on your own physical condition.
Points to note for the coming season
The coming season is a time when digestive power drops and the gastrointestinal tract is prone to weakening.
It is best to refrain from coffee, which is a stimulant, especially during this time.
If you do drink it, coffee after a meal is recommended. If there is food in your stomach, the impact will be less than when on an empty stomach.
The reason we offer coffee to those who want it after lessons is because it is after a meal.
Summary
Because coffee has a strong diuretic effect, it does not count as hydration
The daily intake guideline is up to 300mg (1 to 2 cups of coffee)
It is recommended to drink it in the morning
Toxicity can be mitigated with spices (nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon)
Herbal tea and rooibos tea are recommended as alternative beverages
Balance is important in everything. Let's be careful about excessive intake
The aroma of coffee is wonderful, and I like it too. However, by being mindful of the amount and how you drink it, you can enjoy it in a healthier way.
Please try incorporating it in moderation while consulting with your own physical condition.